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Five Faves: Sports Books to Read if You Love the Olympics

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After a long, COVID-delayed wait, we are so excited to have the Olympics back! Because I was a little kid growing up in Utah when the Olympics came to Salt Lake City, I always get very invested in the Olympics -- it's something I look forward to for years!

I'm always eager to keep the Olympic spirit going, and if your family feels the same, here are some great sport-centric picture books to keep the Olympic flame alive in your home!

By Laurie Hernandez
Illustrated by Nina Mata
New York: Harper, 2018.

Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, part of the final five Gymnastics team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, shares important life lessons about following your dreams -- even when it gets a little scary.




By Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
New York: Philomel Books, 2020.

Part of the popular "She Persisted" series, this illustrated book shares inspirational stories of American women who made history at the Olympics in the face of obstacles.




By Michael Phelps and Alan Abrahamson
Illustrated by Ward Jenkins
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009.

In 2008, before many young readers were even born, Michael Phelps made history by winning 8 gold medals in swimming. He trained for 6 years, ate a half a ton of food per year, and swam more than 60,000 meters to prepare for this accomplishment! This book is a goofy look at the life of an Olympic champion.

By Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Anna Katharina Jansen
Minneapolis, MN: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2020.

A part of the very popular Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this book is an introduction to the legendary track and field star Jesse Owens who challenged racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.




By Meghan McCarthy
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016.

If you've never heard the wild, unbelievable, and incredibly true story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon -- the first Olympic marathon held on American soil -- you are in for a treat. Everything about the race was contrary to what we've come to expect from the Olympics (the winner of the race cheated by catching a ride in a car!) which makes it all the more hilarious.
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