Inspiring, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood
stories of a diverse group of international athletes who have captured
the world’s attention at the Summer Olympics, like Simone Biles, Jesse
Owens, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Tatyanna McFadden, and
m o r e .
Exceptional athletes throughout history have dreamed of competing in the
Olympics–and some were kids themselves when those dreams and plans
began! In Kid Athletes: Summer Olympians, discover the childhood stories of
legends like:
Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, who used to skip after-school
practices to go to the arcade and play video games.
Serena Williams sometimes hit her tennis ball over the fence on purpose
during practice, so she’d have an excuse to take a break!
Gymnast Nadia Comaneci’s mother signed her up for gymnastics at five, to
give her an outlet for her endless energy.
Running star Wilma Rudolph survived polio and had to learn to walk again
before she could run.
Featuring kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, Kid Athletes: Summer
Olympians highlights international athletes at the top of their field who have
competed in the iconic Summer Olympic games.
The diverse and inspiring group also includes Dick Fosbury, Ibtihaj
Muhammad, Gertrude Ederle, Yusra Mardini, Ellie Simmonds, Tommie Smith,
Megan Rapinoe, and Naomi Osaka.
THE CONTINUATION OF A BELOVED SERIES: Middle grade readers, parents, and
teachers alike love the accessible, fun Kid Legends approach to famous figures.
INSPIRATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF KID ATHLETES: This next book in the Kid Legends series highlights gymnasts, swimmers, boxers, runners, soccer players,
and more–athletes who have been trailblazers and leaders both on and off the field.
USING THEIR PLATFORMS FOR GOOD: Many of the highlighted athletes have had
remarkable lives as both athletes and citizens of the world, and used their influence to
advocate for important causes like disability representation, the Civil Rights
movement, mental health resources, and more.
CURRICULUM RESOURCES FOR OLYMPIC GAMES: This book on Summer Olympic
Athletes, and our upcoming title on Winter Olympic athletes, will be packed with fun
facts and history of the iconic games–so educators, camp counselors, and librarians can
easily use these books as a resource for lessons on the games.
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: We're thrilled to have another book in the Kid Legends
series by Robin Stevenson, who wrote and toured for Kid Activists and Kid Innovators.
Her previous books have received a Stonewall Honor and she's been a nominee for the
Governor General's Award in Canada.
Series Overview
Before they were famous, they were kids, struggling with regular-kid problems like bullies, homework, and arguments
with their siblings. Inspiring anecdotes and playful illustrations reveal the relatable childhood escapades of celebrated
presidents, great athletes, groundbreaking scientists, and other future legends.
