As a parent of five kids, I\u2019m constantly looking for outlets for everyone\u2019s energy. Sports are a big part of that \u2014 both the organized kind and the \u201cGo outside and play something \u2026 NOW\u201d kind. With three boys and two girls in our family who love playing every sport imaginable, I want my kids to know that gender isn\u2019t a limitation in athletics. Books about women and girls in sports have been great conversation starters about perseverance, overcoming bias, team play, and the qualities that make a worthy role model. Check out some of our family\u2019s favorite books starring female athletes.<\/p>\n
no no 9781101996683 Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon<\/i> by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Micha Archer <\/p>\n
This story really speaks to kids who are working on understanding the complexities of fairness. (It also gives readers some insight into the intensity of marathon training!) Rules don\u2019t stop Bobbi Gibb and her itch to run the Boston Marathon. She trains hard, wears boys running shoes \u2014 since no one makes women\u2019s ones \u2014 and jumps into the race disguised as a man. Eventually, other runners convince her to shed her hooded sweatshirt and show the world what she can do. Even though the 1966 race officials wouldn\u2019t recognize her as a participant, young readers definitely see her as a winner.<\/p>\n
9780593430484 We Are Big Time<\/i> by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui <\/p>\n
Young readers who love Roller Girl<\/i> will want to read this basketball-centered graphic novel. When a Muslim girl named Aliya moves to Wisconsin and joins the basketball team, she loves everything about it \u2014 except how badly the team stinks. The story follows Aliya and her teammates as they learn to work together, embrace themselves, and have an unforgettable season. <\/p>\n
9780593377659 Women in Sports<\/i> by Rachel Ignotofsky <\/p>\n
This board book isn\u2019t just for babies. Older kids (and sports-loving parents) will enjoy reading this to little ones and will learn something, too. The women profiled go beyond the usual sports celebs; the impressive list includes a roller derby champ, dog musher, Ping-Pong player, wheelchair racer, and many more. Plus, the unique doodle-filled artwork is bursting with happy vibes. This is on our list of go-to gifts for new baby girls.<\/p>\n
9781623541682 Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women’s Olympics<\/i> by Jean L. S. Patrick, illustrated by Adam Gustavson <\/p>\n
Lucile \u201cLudy\u201d Godbold\u2019s powerful strength, long, lean limbs, and relentless work ethic helped her become an Olympic shot put champion. The text\u2019s southern twang and catchy rhythm make for a fun read-aloud. Fair warning, though \u2014 once they hear Ludy\u2019s story, expect kids to turn anything spherical into a make-shift shot put as they try to follow in her (long) footsteps.<\/p>\n
9780593523643 Crushing It<\/i> by Erin Becker <\/p>\n
This debut novel combines soccer, friendship drama, secret poetry, and first crushes. While Mel excels on the soccer field, she feels like her personal life is falling apart. Meanwhile, Mel\u2019s ex-best friend Tori struggles both on the field and off. An anonymous text chain connects the girls and helps heal the rift between them. <\/p>\n
9780399169069 Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams<\/i> by Howard Bryant, illustrated by Floyd Cooper <\/p>\n
The Williams sisters\u2019 story resonates with children. When they dreamed of becoming tennis stars, Venus and Serena didn\u2019t let others\u2019 biases about their skin color or their tough Compton neighborhood get them down. Their father never stopped believing that they\u2019d grow up to be champions. They held tight to their sisterly devotion even when they became competitors. This title is essential reading to introduce kids to this pair of iconic female athletes. <\/p>\n
9781524773274 How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion<\/i> by Ashima Shiraishi, illustrated by Yao Xiao <\/p>\n
Regardless of whether kids have ever tried rock climbing, this autobiography of climbing phenom Ashima Shiraishi impresses young readers with her mental and physical toughness. Ashima Shiraishi began climbing at age 6 and rose to international success in her early teens. The unique art and text get kids thinking about perseverance and (literally) getting back up after each fall.<\/p>\n
9780593752845 Who Is Katie Ledecky?<\/i> by James Buckley, Jr. and Who HQ, illustrated by Laurie A. Conley <\/p>\n
Introduce your young athlete to one of the greatest swimmers of all time. Katie Ledecky has set records and won over twenty gold medals at the Olympics and world championships. Readers of all ages will love learning more about Katie, how she got into swimming, and what drives her to excellence. <\/p>\n
9781632172884 The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird<\/i> by Sharon Mentyka, illustrated by Ellen Rooney <\/p>\n
This picture book biography follows celebrated basketball player Sue Bird from a shy kid to being one of the greatest and most inspirational players in the history of the WNBA. By spotlighting Sue’s struggles to hone her skills as a team player, readers also see how that hard work helped create a leader both on and off the court. <\/p>\n
9781524764531 Not Playing by the Rules: 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports<\/i> by Lesa Cline-Ransome <\/p>\n
My grandmother, star of her high school basketball and field hockey teams and lifelong advocate for girls\u2019 sports, would have adored reading this book with kids. This collection of mini-bios celebrates women who made a difference in sports from the late 1800s to the present day. It contains many readable and compelling stories, including field hockey, baseball, swimming, running, soccer, and gymnastics. The full-page photos with quotes from each athlete do an excellent job of grabbing kids\u2019 attention, too.<\/p>\n
9780593306925 Tryouts<\/i> by Sarah Sax <\/p>\n
When baseball-loving Al tries out for the middle school team, she doesn\u2019t expect a warm welcome. To her surprise, the coach is thrilled, and she makes the team. But playing on a multi-championship-winning team comes with unique challenges. Al must navigate new dynamics, friendships, and the baseball field to help her team take home another trophy.<\/p>\n
9780593519691 Who Is Chloe Kim?<\/i> by Stefanie Loh and Who HQ, illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez <\/p>\n