Olympians and Other Amazing Athletes
Whether your reader is a sports fanatic, or just an avid book-lover, she'll enjoy these biographies filled with awe-inspiring stories and fascinating facts.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: All-Around Athlete by Jane Sutcliffe, illustrated by Jeni Reeves
From her childhood, this 1932 Olympic Gold medalist dreamed of being an Olympian. This book follows the amazing path she took in fulfilling her dream.
Going for Gold! by Andrew Donkin
From groundbreakers (Jesse Owens) to inspiring adolescents (Kerri Strug), this book profiles noteworthy Olympic athletes.
Great African-American Athletes by Taylor Oughton
The accomplishments of Joe Louis, Magic Johnson, and Wilma Rudolph, along with 42 others, are highlighted with illustrations.
Great Women Athletes by Darice Bailer
Whether your child is a soccer, tennis, ice-skating, or basketball fan, this book has the profile of an amazing contemporary female athlete who has succeeded in her chosen sport.
I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali by Maryum Ali, illustrated by Patrick Johnson
Chapters become "rounds" in this illustrated history of the colorful boxer's life . . . from his first days in boxing to his Olympic Gold medal. The story is told by Ali's oldest daughter.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Record-Breaking Runner by Liza N. Burby
Runner, champion, and four-time Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee is profiled in this book for young readers.
Jesse Owens: Olympic Star by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack
Black-and-white photos underscore this track and field legend's story, from his early days as the son of a sharecropper to his feats at the 1936 Olympics.
Jim Thorpe: Olympic Champion by Guernsey Van Riper, illustrated by Gray Morrow
There are plenty of fascinating facts in this biography of Thorpe, who was an American Indian, an Olympic gold medalist, and called "the greatest athlete in the world."
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan, Roslyn Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Anyone who has longed for a growth spurt will appreciate this story of basketball great Michael Jordan's childhood struggles on and off the court.
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz
Though childhood polio crippled her left leg, Wilma Rudolph fought to walk — then she ran her way to three Olympic gold medals.
Wonder Women of Sports by Sydelle A. Kramer, illustrated by Jim Campbell and Mitchell Heinze
Profiles of four contemporary female athletes follow their greatest challenges and most exciting triumphs.
Yao Ming by John Hareas
This biography of popular basketball Yao Ming includes stories of his childhood in China, and photographs of Ming in action on the court.
Young Arthur Ashe: Brave Champion by Robin Dexter, illustrated by R. W Alley
What was the famous tennis player like as a child? This book takes a look at tennis great Arthur Ashe's youth, from his start at tennis at the age of six.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The Making of a Champion by Russell Freedman
Newbery medalist Russell Freedman recounts the history of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who dreamed of being a star athlete as a child and went on to win Olympic gold.
Carl Lewis (Olympic Gold!) by Wayne Coffey
The first athlete to win a gold medal in three consecutive Olympic games, Carl Lewis was a long jumper, runner, and pole-vaulter.
Great African Americans in the Olympics by Shaun Hunter
This biography collection highlights 13 athletes, including Florence Griffith-Joyner and George Foreman.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers
Newbery Honor author Walter Dean Myers combines facts of Muhammad Ali's boxing career with historical details of the politically and racially charged atmosphere of the United States in the 1960s and '70s. Learn more.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Champion Athlete by Geri Harrington
Before Joyner-Kersee became an Olympic champion (four times!) she had to overcome her struggle with asthma. This biography balances her challenges and her triumphs.
Jewish Sports Stars: Athletic Heroes Past and Present by David J. Goldman
This book details the background and accomplishments of sports greats such as baseball player Sandy Koufax, Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug, and multiple-medal-winning swimmer Mark Spitz.
Jim Thorpe: The Legend Remembered by Rosemary Kissinger Updyke
Personal interviews and thorough research combine to tell the story of American Indian Jim Thorpe, Olympic gold medal winner and inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar: Basketball Great by R. Thomas Cobourn, introduction by Coretta Scott King
This biography covers Kareem Abdul Jabbar's life from his New York City childhood through his college days at UCLA and eventually to his incredible career in the NBA.
Lives of Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt
Fun and factual short stories about athletes of all kinds include the foods they like and the things they find embarrassing.
Marion Jones: Sprinting Sensation by Mark Stewart
This book follows the track and field star's life, and also includes particulars about her skills on the basketball court.
On the Field With Mia Hamm by Matt Christopher
Soccer lovers and sports fans of all kinds will have no trouble finding a role model in this Olympic gold-winning female athlete.
On the Ice With Tara Lipinski by Matt Christopher
Personal details and career achievements blend nicely in this biography of the gold medal champion skater.
Sports Illustrated for Kids: Year in Sports 2006
Imagine having front row center seats to every sport, all season.
Top 10 Women's Sports Legends by Jeff Savage
The athletes profiled in this book range from the current stars, such as Mia Hamm, to the pioneers of the past, such as Wilma Rudolph.
Venus and Serena: The Grand Slam Williams Sisters by Bill Gutman
Hard work is the key to this story of two sisters who went from learning tennis on inner-city public courts to winning multiple Grand Slams each.
12/7/06
