Best Teen & Young Adult Olympics & Paralympics Books

Here you will get Best Teen & Young Adult Olympics & Paralympics Books For you.This is an up-to-date list of recommended books.

1. Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive

Author: by Laura Hillenbrand
Ember
English

320 pages

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In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian’s courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. This adaptation of Unbroken introduces a new generation to one of history’s most thrilling survival epics.

On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard.

So began one of the most extraordinary sagas of the Second World War. The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. As a boy, he had been a clever delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and stealing. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a supreme talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics.


2. Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany

Author: by Andrew Maraniss
English
256 pages
0525514651

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“Rivaling the nonfiction works of Steve Sheinkin and Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat…. Even readers who don’t appreciate sports will find this story a page-turner.” -School Library Connection, starred review*”A must for all library collections.” -Booklist, starred reviewWinner of the 2020 AJL Sydney Taylor Honor!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Strong Inside comes the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball at the 1936 Summer Games in Hitler’s Germany. Perfect for fans of The Boys in the Boat and Unbroken. On a scorching hot day in July 1936, thousands of people cheered as the U.S.

Olympic teams boarded the S.S. Manhattan, bound for Berlin. Among the athletes were the 14 players representing the first-ever U.S. Olympic basketball team. As thousands of supporters waved American flags on the docks, it was easy to miss the one courageous man holding a BOYCOTT NAZI GERMANY sign.

But it was too late for a boycott now; the ship had already left the harbor. 1936 was a turbulent time in world history. Adolf Hitler had gained power in Germany three years earlier. Jewish people and political opponents of the Nazis were the targets of vicious mistreatment, yet were unaware of the horrors that awaited them in the coming years.


3. Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything

Author: by Aly Raisman
English
368 pages
0316472689

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Discover Aly Raisman’s inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, and learning to think positive even in the toughest times on her path to gold medal success in two Olympic Games-and beyond. Aly Raisman first stepped onto a gymnastics mat as a toddler in a “mommy & me” gymnastics class.

No one could have predicted then that sixteen years later, she’d be standing on an Olympic podium, having achieved her dreams. Aly’s road to success was full of hard work, perseverance, and victories, but not without its hardships. Aly faced many obstacles, from naysayers who said she’d never make it in gymnastics to classmates who shamed her for her athletic body to a devastating betrayal of trust.

Through it all, Aly surrounded herself with supportive family, friends, and teammates and found the inner strength to remain positive and believe in herself. Now, in her own words, Aly shows what it takes to be a champion on and off the floor, and takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements in two Olympic Games-through her highest highs, lowest lows, and all the moments in between.


4. Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith

Author: by Gabrielle Douglas
0310740673
Zondervan
English

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The inspiring autobiography from Gabrielle Douglasthe first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around championrevealing her journey from the time she first entered a gym to her gold-medal-winning performances. In the 2012 London Olympics, US gymnast Gabrielle Douglas stole hearts and flew high as the All-Around Gold Medal winner and the brightest star of the US gold-medal-winning women’s gymnastics team.

That same year, Gabrielle was also named the 2012 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation. In this personal autobiography, Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith, Gabrielle tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination. Walk with Gabby Douglas through her journey of faith and what her family overcame, from the time she first entered a gymnasium to her gold-medal-winning performances, demonstrating to readers ages 13 and up that they can reach their dreams when they let themselves soar.

Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith:Is the official autobiography of renowned US gymnast Gabrielle DouglasChronicles Gabrielle’s journey from her first practice to becoming a 2012 gold-winning US gymnastCelebrates Gabrielle as the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual All-Around and team competitions at the same Olympics.


5. Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion

Author: by Jessica Long
Clarion Books
English
112 pages

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U.S.Paralympic swimming gold medalist Jessica Long delivers an inspirational photographic memoir detailing her journey from underdog to world-class champion athlete. Born in Siberia, double amputee Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage at thirteen months old and with thirteen gold medals has since become one the most decorated U.S.

Paralympic athletes. Now Jessica shares all the moments, medals, and milestones in her lifebig and small, heartbreaking and upliftingthat led to her domination in the Paralympic swimming world. This photographic memoir, filled with photographs, sidebars, quotes, and more, will thrill her fans and inspire those who are hearing her story for the first time.


6. The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics

Author: by Daniel James Brown

5 hours and 36 minutes

Daniel James Brown

Mark Bramhall

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A beloved story about the Greatest Generation freshly adapted for the next generation Berlin, 1936. The Olympic finals of the eight-oared rowing race. Germany, Italy, USA. The American boat touches the finish line first, beating all odds and sending Hitler away in a silent rage.

In the midst of the Great Depression, the nine rowers showed the world what true grit really meant. They were western, working-class boys who never expected to beat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did.

At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, whose personal struggle – and ultimate triumph – captures the spirit of his generation, the one that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.

This deeply emotional yet easily accessible middle-grade adaptation of the New York Times best-selling The Boys in the Boat shows listners how we can find hope in the most desperate of times.


7. Unbroken: An Olympian's Journey From Airman To Castaway To Captive (Young Readers Edition) (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

Author: by Laura Hillenbrand
Turtleback
English
320 pages

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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this riveting biography includes more than 100 black-and-white photos. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood.

Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary sagas of the Second World War.

The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. As a boy, he had been a clever delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and stealing. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a supreme talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics.

But when war came, the athlete became an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.


8. Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The Making of a Champion

Author: by Russell Freedman
Clarion Books
English
192 pages

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Befitting a champion. School Library Journal, starred review Babe Didrikson Zaharias was one of history’s greatest athletes as an All-American basketball player, an Olympic gold medalist in track and field, and a championship golfer who won eighty-two amateur and professional tournaments.

She was elected Woman Athlete of the Year six times, and in 1950 was named Woman Athlete of the Half Century. This insightful and well-researched biography from a Newbery medalist brings to life the woman who changed the perception of female athletes forever.


9. Lauren's Secret

Author: by Jenifer Ruff
English
230 pages
1954447019

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Some secrets change your entire life. Some secrets get you killed. Lauren is an elite gymnast training full-time to qualify for the Olympic team, when an unexpected and terrifying incident changes everything in her world. Forced to abandon her identity, she has no choice but to become someone else, somewhere else, and face high school for the first time.

A brand-new scene of cliques, competitive cheerleading, and teenage drama would shake anyone, but that isn’t the worst of Lauren’s problems. Anyone who likes a good mystery and appreciates the intense discipline and rigor of women’s gymnastics and competitive cheerleading at their highest levels will love Lauren’s Secret, by USA Today and International Bestselling author, Jenifer Ruff.

Lauren’s Secret can be read by upper elementary-aged children through adults. There is no inappropriate language or sexual content. Lauren’s Secret was previously titled Full-Out.

10. The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936 (United States Holocaust Museum)

Author: by Susan D. Bachrach
English
132 pages
0316070874

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Drawn from an exhibit mounted by the United States Holocaust Museum, an enthralling glimpse into the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin during which the German Nazi Party tried to turn the Games into a propaganda instrument for its own political agenda profiles the organizers, the politicians, and the athletes.Simultaneous.

11. Olympic Sports – When and How? : History of Olympic Sports Then, Now And Beyond: Olympic Books for Kids (Children's Olympic Sports Books)

Author: by Baby Professor
B01A2YIQZE
December 20, 2015
English

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This book is perfect for the young and aspiring Olympians. It provides a glimpse into the world of the greatest athletes, and your child can decide to either follow their footsteps or not. The nice thin about this books is that the information is presented visually so there is 100% understanding.

After all, images are universal learning languages.Grab a copy today!

12. A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Early Modern Times

Author: by Benson Bobrick
English
160 pages
0375872523

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From the barefoot races of 8th century BC to the underwater obstacle courses in the early 20th century to the high-tension Berlin Games preceding World War II, the Olympics have always been exciting dramas of athletic prowess and human interest.

In A Passion for Victory, award-winning author Benson Bobrick tells the details of the captivating story of the Olympic Games, starting with their inception in Ancient Greece. This wonderfully readable narrative is rich with anecdotes and profiles of athletes and weaves in important historical events to create a complete picture of each installment of the Games.

This thorough account of an international fixation is gripping, poignant, and occasionally hilarious.

13. Simone Biles: Dominant Gymnast (At the Top of Their Game)

Author: by Bethany Bryan
Cavendish Square
English
112 pages

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Simone Biles is four foot eight, making her the shortest American athlete to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games. But Biles soars high above her competition and is one of the most decorated athletes in the world, with twenty-five competition medals between the Olympics and World Championships.

This engaging biography delves into the early life of Biles, including her Texas roots and how she found a unique family with her adoptive parents Ron and Nellie. Appealing photographs and thought-provoking sidebars support the narrative. Readers will explore her demanding career as a gymnast, her tireless work ethic, the ups and downs of competition-level gymnastics, and what it takes to soar.