10 Children's Books with Black Olympians

As the Olympic torch lights up the world, let’s turn the spotlight on the incredible stories of Black Olympians who have paved the way with their extraordinary achievements. From the graceful routines of Simone Biles to Muhammad Ali’s legendary fights, these athletes have set the bar high. We’ve compiled a list of 10 children’s books that put their inspiring stories front and center. 

1. Little People, Big Dreams; Usian Bolt by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
​In rural Jamaica, young Usain Bolt stood out in cricket and sprinting, impressing fans by age fourteen. Despite having scoliosis, he created a successful training plan and shattered records at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting world records in the 100m and 200m the next year. Usain's journey demonstrates that determination makes dreams possible.

2. Little People, Big Dreams; Wilma Rudolph 
​by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Born into a large family in the segregated South, Wilma Rudolph contracted polio and was told she would never walk again. However, by age twelve, she regained her strength and excelled in basketball and sprinting, earning the nickname "Skeeter." In college, Wilma competed in the 1960 Olympics, winning gold and breaking world records in sprinting. She overcame polio to become an Olympic champion, inspiring countless women in sports.
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud,​

3. Simone Biles; A Little Golden Book Biography by JaNay Brown-Wood
​This Little Golden Book tells the story of Simone Biles, the superstar Olympic athlete who became the most decorated gymnast in history. Simone has won 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, including four golds at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Known for her groundbreaking skills, she is the first woman to land a triple-double in competition. Simone's journey from foster care to the pinnacle of gymnastics showcases her incredible determination and talent.

4. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander​
Cassius Clay started out as just a regular kid before becoming a boxing legend. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson use stories and poems to show how he faced school challenges, dealt with racism, and began boxing after his bike was stolen. Follow his journey from his first Golden Gloves win to becoming the famous Muhammad Ali.

5. Simone Manuel :Swimming Star by Heather E. Schwartz
​Simone Manuel is one of the top female athletes in the country. Explore her early life, the obstacles she has faced, and her significant achievements in swimming. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone became the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming, earning two gold and two silver medals. She has broken several American and world records.

6. Running on Ice by Vonetta Flowers and Wallace Terry Whalin
On February 18, 2002, Vonetta Flowers made history as the first African American to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. Her remarkable achievement earned her the honor of carrying the U.S. flag during the closing ceremonies. Although she had been a track and field athlete since age nine, Vonetta initially missed the summer Olympic team. Encouraged by her coach, she took a chance on bobsledding, a sport she had never considered before. Her extensive track training helped her secure a spot as the anchor in the two-woman bobsled team, leading to her historic victory. 

7. She Persisted; Florence Griffith Joyner  by Rita Williams-Garcia
​In this chapter book biography, Rita Williams-Garcia explores the remarkable story of Florence Griffith Joyner, the three-time Olympic gold medalist and fastest woman ever. Known as Flo Jo, she set enduring world records in the 100m and 200m in 1988. Despite facing numerous difficulties, her unwavering determination and exceptional skill propelled her to achieve legendary status in athletics.​

8. A Star Like Jesse Owens by Nikki Shannon Smith
Matthew, aspires to be an Olympic runner like Jesse Owens, even though asthma makes running tough for him. He gets a unique opportunity to travel to the 1936 Olympics in Germany with his journalist father. There, Owens’s historic four gold medals and his triumph over racial prejudice might inspire Matthew to overcome his own obstacles and follow in Owens's footsteps.​

9. Stephen Curry: The Children's Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
by Anthony Curcio
​The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA star Stephen Curry. This illustrated picture book follows Stephen from a young boy who was deemed too short and too weak for high school and college basketball to becoming one of the greatest NBA players of all time. ​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

10. Speed to Glory; The Cullen Jones Story by Zonderkidz
Cullen Jones nearly drowned at age five, but he overcame his fear of water with the help of swimming lessons. His initial struggle turned into a remarkable talent as he became one of the world’s top swimmers. This book shows how faith and hard work led him to win an Olympic gold medal and set a world record.

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