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New Books About Women in Sport

Mar 27, 2021 | Kids, News, Reading Romp!

It’s Women’s History Month, and here at the library we have tons of books about awesome women! Here are some of our recent arrivals about women in sport.

Betty Robinson, American Olympic Athlete

Unbeatable Betty: Betty Robinson, the First Female Olympic Track and Field Gold Medalist (2020) by Allison Crotzer Kimmel ; illustrated by Joanie Stone

At only sixteen years old, Betty Robinson became the first female gold medalist in track and field in the 1928 Olympics and an overnight sensation. She was set for gold again and had her eyes on the 1932 Olympics.

Her plans changed forever when a horrible plane crash left her in a wheelchair, with one leg shorter than the other. But Betty didn’t let that stop her. In less than five years, she relearned how to stand, to walk, and finally to run again and try to taste gold once more in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

Perfect for Women’s History units, as well as for reports on lesser-known sports heroes, Unbeatable Betty includes an author’s note narrating Betty’s later life after her win, as well as a bibliography.

Simone Biles, American Gymnast

Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles (2020) by Michelle Meadows ; illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Before she was a record-breaking gymnast competing on the world stage, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. Nimble and boundlessly energetic, she cherished every playground and each new backyard.

When she was six years old, Simone’s family took shape in a different way. Her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and her sister Adria. Ron and Nellie became their parents. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family.

From her athletic early childhood to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, Flying High is the story of the world’s greatest gymnast from author Michelle Meadows and illustrator Ebony Glenn.

Diane Taurasi, American Basketball Player

Diana Taurasi: Hoops Legend (2021) by Shane Frederick

As a child, Diana Taurasi was awkward and gangly. But as soon as she started playing basketball, she learned that her size and height gave her an advantage on the basketball court. Since winning the WBNA Rookie of the Year title in 2004, Taurasi has come a long way. Discover more about Taurasi’s highlights on the court in this action-packed biography in the Stars of Sports series.

Ashima Shiraishi, American Rock Climber

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion (2020) by Ashima Shiraishi ; illustrations by Yao Xiao

To a rock climber, a boulder is called a “problem,” and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. And then there is the moment of triumph, when there’s nothing above you but sky and nothing below but a goal achieved.

Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

Coco Gauff, American Tennis Player

Coco Gauff (2021) by Kenny Abdo

This title focuses on Coco Gauff and gives information related to her early life, her time in the pros, and the legacy she leaves behind. This hi-lo title is complete with vibrant photographs, simple text, glossary, and an index


For more reads on awesome women, check out this recommendation post!

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