Before the Olympics begin, it's always a great idea to read books that explore the history and the aspects of the Games. Do you know the history of the Olympics? Where did they start? Who participated? What is the meaning behind the Olympic flame? Who was Pierre de Coubertin and why is he significant? Which events have come and gone?
Learn all this and more with these remarkable books for children. You can ask for them at your local library, or click on the affiliate links below to purchase your copy from Amazon.
Books on the History of the Olympics
The Olympics Ancient to Modern is a fascinating look at the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, from the first events in Ancient Greece right the way up to London 2012 and Sochi 2014. It focusses on when and where each Games has been held, and some key stats, such as how much it cost, how many athletes competed, and how many spectators came to watch.
The book explains how all the Games - Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics - came into being, and how the Olympic Games were revived in Paris at the end of the 19th century. It compares the ancient and modern Games, looking at the sports and athletes involved then and now, and at how the modern Games are continually evolving.
It also looks at key moments in the Games' history, and at some of the tragedies and controversies that have rocked it - from doping scandals, boycotts and cheating to the Berlin Olympics of 1936, and the Munich Massacre.
The book celebrates the achievements of star Olympians, and gives the lowdown on the most popular and exciting Olympic sports, from cycling and rowing to skiing and wheelchair basketball.
Ages 9 - 12
by Gail Herman
Back in 775 BC, athletes from all over Ancient Greece came together to compete in various games. The contests were held every four years and winning athletes brought honor and respect to their homelands.
The tradition of the Olympic Games faded over time until 1896, when they were brought back to life. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, with over two hundred athletes from fourteen countries. Today, nearly three thousand years after the first Games, the Summer Olympics attract one hundred thousand top athletes from over two hundred countries. Billions of fans around the world cheer on their national teams to bring back the gold.
Ages 8-12
by Brad Herzog
From the first games held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of Olympic sports. Now in G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet, writer Brad Herzog showcases those athletes and events that not only set sports records but also impacted history and worldviews. Learn the meaning behind the five interlocking rings featured on the Olympic flag. Cheer on American Jim Thorpe as he won the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, only to lose his medals later. Read how the man dubbed as the "world's laziest high jumper" won the gold in 1968 and later had a jump named after him. All these moments and more are brought to life in G is for Gold Medal.
Ages 6 - 9
by Madeleine Kelly
Have you ever wondered how athletes become Olympians? Canadian Olympic runner and author Madeleine Kelly explains the history of the Games, how athletes train for their event, and so much more! Each topic is explored through illustrations and informative and engaging text in this new addition to the How Do series.
Ages 7 - 10
by Ezra Flint
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the history of the Olympic Games with this captivating book designed for young readers. Discover the incredible feats, curious facts, and inspiring stories of athletes who have left their mark on the world's most prestigious sporting event.
In this book, you will find:
Myths and legends of the ancient Olympic Games, where heroes and gods competed for glory.
Extreme sports that challenged the limits of human ability in ancient Greece.
Super athletes who broke records and inspired generations with their perseverance and talent.
Anecdotes and curiosities that will surprise and amaze you, from the Olympic Truce to the first woman to win a gold medal.
The history of the modern Olympic Games, from their revival in 1896 to the present day, with stories of athletes who have overcome adversity and inspired millions.
• The Paralympic Games, a testament to the strength and determination of athletes with disabilities.
• The role of women in the Olympic Games, from their exclusion in the early days to their current achievements and records.
• The symbolism of medals and the history of the opening ceremonies, full of magic and surprises.
• Controversies and scandals that have shaken the Olympic world, as well as inspiring stories of resilience and overcoming challenges.
This book is not only a source of information but also an inspiration for young readers. It celebrates the Olympic spirit, promotes values such as effort, perseverance, and respect, and shows that with dedication and passion, any dream can be achieved.
Ages 6 - 9
Here is an original and exciting new guide to the heroic world of the Olympic games -- from its ancient beginnings to the Sydney Games in 2000. Stunning full-color photographs of famous athletes, gold medals, colorful mascots and flaming torches provide a unique look at the greatest sports festival in the world. See: the ancient Greek site of Olympia, what an athlete wore in 1896, how a sports shoe is made, and the first Fosbuty flop. Learn: what an athlete in training needs to eat, what the Olympic symbol represents, how Smoky became the 1932 Olympic mascot, and what sports make up a modern pentathlon. Discover: how athlete are timed within fractions of a second, what special materials are used to make a modern swimsuit, what sports were included in the ancient Olympic Games, who has won the most Olympic medals, and much, much more!
Ages 8 - 12
Books About the Summer Olympics
Kid Olympians: Summer: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers
by Robin Stevenson
Triumphant, 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 and Paralympics, like Simone Biles, Jesse Owens, Naomi Osaka, Tatyana McFadden, and 12 other incredible olympians.
Athletes throughout history have dreamed of competing in the Olympics—
and some were kids themselves when those dreams and plans began! In Kid Olympians: Summer, discover the childhood stories of legends such as:
Usain Bolt, who used to skip practices to go to the arcade and play video games.
Serena Williams, who sometimes hit her tennis ball over the fence on purpose!
Tatyana McFadden, who had to fight to be allowed on her school’s track team
Featuring kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, you’ll be inspired to dream bigger, faster, and higher than ever before!
The diverse and inspiring group also includes Michael Phelps, Yusra Mardini, Dick Fosbury, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Gertrude Ederle, Nadia Comaneci, Ellie Simmonds, Tommie Smith, Wilma Rudolph, and Megan Rapinoe.
Ages 8 - 12
Summer Olympics. Picture Book for Kids:
Olympic Sports, Early Learning Picture Book for Toddlers, Kids, and Preschoolers
by Tomasz Dabrowski
Olympic Sports, Early Learning Picture Book for Toddlers, Kids, and Preschoolers
by Tomasz Dabrowski
A very simple book for little kids that depicts the different sports featured in the Summer Olympics. The Summer Olympic Games are an exciting world event of athletics and national pride. Get your kids excited about the different Summer Olympic sports by reading children’s books to build up their background knowledge and anticipation for these exciting athletic events.
Ages 2 - 6
Great Moments in the Summer Olympics
by Matt Christopher
by Matt Christopher
The Summer Olympics are chock full of epic athletic achievements across hundreds of disciplines, especially Track and Field, Gymnastics, and Swimming. These are the sports that gave us Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis, Wilma Rudolph and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olga Korbut and Mary Lou Retton -- tremendous athletes whose Olympic accomplishments thrill us now just as much as they did when they occurred. Now readers can relive those moments in this fact-filled volume just right for young sports enthusiasts.
Ages 8 - 12
Books About the Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics are a thrilling festival of sports, bringing together skiers, skaters, and sliders from around the world. Held every four years, they turn snow and ice into an amazing sports arena. But how did they get their start, and how are they organized?
Ages 8 - 10
What Are the Winter Olympics?
by Gail Herman
by Gail Herman
Grab your skis, ice skates, and snowboard and learn how the Winter Olympic Games became a worldwide phenomenal event watched by millions.
Although fans the world over have been fascinated by the modern Summer Olympics since 1896, the Winter Olympics didn't officially begin until 1924. The event celebrates cold-weather sports, displaying the talents of skiers, ice skaters, hockey players, and, most recently, snowboarding. Like its summer counterpart, the Winter Games are dedicated to bringing together the world's top athletes to honor their talents and see who gets to stand on the medal podium. Gail Herman covers it all in a wonderful read--the highs, such as the 1980 US hockey team's unexpected gold medal grab, as well as the lows, including the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan figure-skating scandal in 1994. Includes 80 black-and-white illustrations and a 16-page photo insert.
Ages 8 - 12
Other Olympic-themed Resources
- Winter Games Unit: A comprehensive download full of excellent reading & geography activities
- My Pinterest board on Winter Olympics Printables and Activites
- Learn the Greek Alphabet (activity book for kids)
- Exploring Ancient Greece Through Crafts & Activities (books)