Kid Olympians: Summer

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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, Tatyana McFadden, and more.

Exceptional 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 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 Olympians: Summer 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.

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.

About the Author

Robin Stevenson is an award-winning author of more than twenty books for kids and teens. Her writing has been translated into a number of languages, published in more than ten countries, and nominated for many awards. Her YA novel, A Thousand Shades of Blue, was a finalist for Canada's top literary honor, the Governor General's Award. Her YA non-fiction book, Pride, was a Stonewall Honor book and was selected to ALA's Rainbow List. She lives with her family on the west coast of Canada.

Author Residence: Vancouver, BC

Author Hometown: Ontario, Canada

Allison Steinfeld obtained a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She loves to create fun and playful work that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.