40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Women In Sports

Colours of Us

3 years ago

Multicultural Children's Books About Women in Sports

March is Women’s History Month! A perfect time to celebrate the achievements of powerful women of colour in sports – women across all kinds of sports who persevered against racial and gender discrimination, broke records, and paved the way for others to follow. Enjoy learning more about these amazing women with your children!

40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Women In Sports

Babies & Toddlers

Women in Sports: Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
by Rachel Ignotofsky

Highlighting the pioneering efforts of women athletes, this board book edition of bestselling Women in Sports features simpler text and beautiful illustrations reimagined for younger readers to introduce the perfect role models for inspiring a love of sports. The collection includes diverse women across various sports, time periods, and geographic location, this is a perfect gift for every future athlete! ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

Preschool

Chloe Kim (My Itty-Bitty Bio)
by Meeg Pincus

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of professional snowboarder and Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. ~ Asian – Preschool

Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating
by Rose Viña

In the 1930s, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn’t let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down colour barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. Ice Breaker tells the fascinating story of the first African-American woman to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. ~ African – Preschool

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl
by Megan Reid

In 1940’s Harlem Althea Gibson was the quickest, tallest, most fearless athlete — she just couldn’t sit still! The fleet-of-foot girl reigned supreme at every sport, from stickball with the boys and basketball with the girls to paddle tennis with anyone who would hit with her. But Althea wanted more: She knew she could be a tennis champion. Against all odds she eventually becoming the first black person to win a trophy at Wimbledon. With exuberant illustrations, Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl chronicles this spirited athlete’s journey. ~ African – Preschool

Fearless Heart: An Illustrated Biography of Surya Bonaly
by F. Murphy & S. Bonaly

As a young girl in France, Surya Bonaly was constantly in motion, gifted in any sport she tried. But it was figure skating that had her heart. Surya knew she belonged on the ice. Her colourful costumes, exuberant routines, powerful jumps, and daring combinations were all expressions of her love for skating and her ambition to push the boundaries of what a figure skating champion could look like. Culminating in her iconic backflip performed at the 1998 Olympics, Fearless Heart is a lushly illustrated, lyrical story of self-expression and courage. ~ African – Preschool

She’s Got This
by Laurie Hernandez

Even Olympians have to start somewhere. When Zoe sees a gymnast on TV, she realizes that gymnastics is just like flying. But when she first goes to class and falls off the balance beam, she discovers that following your dreams isn’t always that easy. She’s Got This by gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez is an inspiring picture book about never giving up on your dreams. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

Elementary School

Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
by Michelle Meadows

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. At six years old, Simone’s grandparents adopted her and her sister. Simone was introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family. From her early childhood to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, Flying High is a lyrical picture book biography of Simone Biles. ~ African – Elementary School

I Am a Promise
by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce

Shelly Ann’s grandmother tells her early on that she is a promise. With this encouragement, the young runner goes on to become a six-time Olympic medal winner and the fastest woman in the world in 2012. I Am Promise tells Shelly Ann’s story from her childhood a tough inner-city community Kingston, Jamaica, through her development as a young athlete, to her first Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter sprint in 2008. An inspiring read that will encourage young readers to believe in themselves and follow their dreams! ~ African – Elementary School

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

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. From Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world’s youngest and most skilled climbers, comes this story of strength and perseverance. How To Solve A Problem challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible. ~ Asian – Elementary School

The Story of Simone Biles
by Rachelle Burk

Simone Biles has been called the greatest gymnast of all time, winning five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22. Before she wowed the world with her incredible gymnastics skills, Simone was an energetic young girl who dreamed of becoming a top gymnast. She trained for hours every day and made many sacrifices to pursue her goals. The Story of Simone Biles explores how Simone Biles went from being a kid growing up in Texas to an Olympic athlete who has won more gymnastics medals than anyone in history. Includes a glossary and a fun quiz. ~ African – Elementary School

Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion
by Heather Lang

When Alice Coachman was a girl, most white people wouldn’t even shake her hand. Yet when the King of England placed an Olympic medal around her neck, he extended his hand to Alice in congratulations. Standing on a podium in London’s Wembley Stadium in 1948, Alice was a long way from the fields of Georgia where she ran barefoot as a child. With a record-breaking leap, she had become the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Queen Of The Track is an inspirational picture book of perseverance and unwavering ambition. ~ African – Elementary School

Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
by Anna Malaspina

Bare feet shouldn’t fly. Long legs shouldn’t spin. Braids shouldn’t flap in the wind. ‘Sit on the porch and be a lady,’ Papa scolded Alice. In Alice’s Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African-American girl could practice, so she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948. Touch The Sky is an inspiring free-verse story of the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Includes photos of Alice Coachman. ~ African – Elementary School

Serena: The Littlest Sister
by Karlin Gray

Serena Williams is one of the biggest names in sports, but she grew up the littlest of five sisters. While sharing a room and playing tennis with her older sisters, Serena had to figure out how to be her own person―on and off the court. Boldly illustrated Serena: The Littlest Sister is an inspiring story of family, determination and finding your own path. ~ African – Elementary School

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
by Audrey Vernick

Growing up in the early 1900s in Philadelphia, Effa Manley loved playing baseball. She later founded the African American Newark Eagles Team and became a tireless champion for her player’s rights, from fair salaries in the integrated major-league teams to their recognition in the Baseball Hall of Fame. She Loved Baseball is a vibrant tribute to the first – and only – woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. ~ African – Elementary School

Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams
by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Six days a week they awoke before the sun came up to practice their serves and returns, to learn to run faster and hit harder. At age fourteen, Venus played her first professional match. Three years later, it was Serena’s turn. Some tennis fans cheered for these two fresh faces, while those who were unhappy to see two Black girls competing in a nearly all-white sport booed and taunted them. But they didn’t let it stop them. With vibrant mixed media art, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams is the inspirational story of two fierce tennis legends and sisters. ~ African – Elementary School

Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues
by Leah Henderson

Mamie “Peanut” Johnson dreamed of playing professional baseball. She was talented, but she wasn’t welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League. But then a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when she was signed to play for the Negro Leagues’ Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men’s professional team. Mamie On The Mound is a captivating story of passion and persistence. ~ African – Elementary School

Wilma Rudolph
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Part of the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Wilma Rudolph tells the story of the remarkable sprinter and Olympic champion.These inspiring picture books feature stylish and quirky illustrations and a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile. ~ African – Elementary School

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
by Rachel Ignotofsky

From the author of bestselling Women in Science comes this inspiring book that highlights the achievements of fifty memorable female athletes from the 1800s to today. Women in Sports features well-known figures such as tennis player Althea Gibson and gymnast Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions such as Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a professional men’s league. Includes infographics and a timeline. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
by Kathleen Krull

Wilma Unlimited is a dramatic and inspiring picture book biography about ‘the world’s fastest woman’, Wilma Rudolph. With polio paralyzing her left leg at age 5, Wilma vowed not only to walk again but to run. And run she did! In 1960 the African American athlete became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympiad. ~ African – Elementary School

Evonne Goolagong
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Evonne grew up on a hot, dusty farm in Australia. She was the third of eight children, and descendant of the Wirundjuri people, who have lived on the land for more than 60,000 years. Her talent for tennis was discovered at a local tennis club, and before she knew it, the girl dreaming about the place called “Wimbledon” was playing on center court. Evonne Goolagong is a moving picture book that features stylish and quirky illustrations, a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant tennis player’s life. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson
by Sue Stauffacher

Everyone sees Althea as trouble but play leader Buddy Walker sees potential in the young girl from Harlem. He buys her a tennis racket, and before long, she’s on her way to becoming a great athlete. Althea Gibson was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. With lively text and vibrant paintings, Nothing But Trouble captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman. ~ African – Elementary School

Sisters: Venus & Serena Williams
by Jeanette Winter

Before they were famous tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams were sisters with big dreams growing up in Compton, California. In the early mornings, they head to the tennis courts, clean up debris, and practice. They compete in their first tournament and they both win. Sisters is an inspiring picture book about two of the greatest tennis players of all time who followed their dream despite adversity and health challenges. ~ African – Elementary School

A Girl Called Genghis Khan
by Michelle Lord

Pakistani girl Maria Toorpakai Wazir loved sports and longed for the freedom that boys in her culture enjoyed. She joined a squash club to pursue her dream, and was taunted, teased, and beaten—but still continued playing. When Maria received an award from the President of Pakistan for outstanding achievement, the Taliban threatened her squash club, her family, and her life. Although forced to quit the team, she refused to give up. Maria kept practicing the game in her bedroom every day for three years and eventually went on to become Pakistan’s top female squash player. A Girl Called Genghis Khan is an empowering picture book about perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles. ~ Asian – Elementary School

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game
by Chelsea Clinton

Throughout history, women have been told that they couldn’t achieve their dreams, no matter how hard they tried. Women athletes have faced their own unique set of challenges, across countless sports and levels of play. With vibrant artwork and inspiring text, She Persisted in Sports introduces readers to women who have excelled in their sports because of their persistence, from Wilma Rudolph to Kristi Yamaguchi, from Ibtihaj Muhammad to Serena Williams, and many more. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner
by Rita Williams-Garcia

Considered the fastest woman of all time, Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo Jo, set two world records in 1988 that still stand today. But getting there wasn’t easy, and Flo Jo had to overcome many challenges along the way. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner shines a light on the amazing life of the three-time Olympic gold medalist. Includes a list of ways that readers can follow in Florence Griffith Joyner’s footsteps and make a difference. ~ African – Elementary School

She Persisted: Diana Taurasi
by Monica Brown

When Diana Taurasi was a girl, professional women’s basketball didn’t exist in the US. Diana knew she was talented, and she worked hard to create opportunities for herself and other female athletes. She won high school and college championships before going pro with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and winning five Olympic gold medals, inspiring many girls to follow in her athletic footsteps. She Persisted: Diana Taurasi is an inspiring chapter book biography that shows readers how Diana Taurasi persisted and succeeded. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Girls with Guts!: The Road to Breaking Barriers and Bashing Records
by Debbie Gonzales

No chasing! No stretching or straining! And never, ever sweat. These were the rules girls were forced to play by until Title IX passed in 1972. From Melpomene in 1896 to Althea Gibson in 1956 and beyond, readers will meet the women athletes who refused to take no for an answer and paved the way for women’s right to play, compete, and be athletes. Girls With Guts! celebrates the athletes who played all kinds of sports before Title IX finally allowed them to compete in the Olympics, tournaments, and in leagues across America. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Yusra Swims
by Julie Abery

“Just a girl / With a dream. / Olympic Games / Swimming team. / Unrest spreads, / Conflict strains. / Staying focused, / Yusra trains.” With sparse rhyme and gorgeous illustrations, Yusra Swims is a stunning biography of Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini. Great for classroom use! ~ Asian – Elementary School

Middle School

Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes
by Rebel Girls

Part of the award-winning Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes celebrates the stories of 25 phenomenal women in sports, including Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Allyson Felix, and more. The exciting, easy-to-read text is paired with colourful full-page portraits created by female artists from all around the world. Include the most thrilling anecdotes from the 2021 Olympic Games. ~ Diverse – Middle School

Who Are Venus and Serena Williams?
by James Buckley Jr.

Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most successful professional tennis players of all time. Coached at an early age by their parents, the sisters have both gone on to become Grand Slam title winners and achieved the World Number One ranking in both singles and doubles. Although completely professional and fiercely competitive, the sisters remain close. With 80 illustrations, Who Are Venus and Serena Williams? follows them from their early days of training to the Summer Olympic Games, where they have each won four gold medals—more than any other tennis players. ~ African – Middle School

Trailblazers: Simone Biles
by Sally Morgan

In August 2016, American gymnast Simone Biles won four Olympic gold medals! Her irresistible smile, fierce determination, and unbeatable strength have made her a favourite around the world. Trailblazers: Simone Biles shines a light on the inspiring life of the girl who taught herself to flip on her backyard trampoline and went on to become one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time. ~ African – Middle School

Who Is Chloe Kim?
by Stefanie Loh

At the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Chloe Kim became the youngest woman to ever receive an Olympic gold medal in snowboarding, and she was only seventeen! This amazing accomplishment led to Chloe winning three ESPY awards, becoming the inspiration for her own Barbie doll, and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated. She is also the only athlete to have won three gold medals at the X Games before turning sixteen. Who Is Chloe Kim? shines a light on the legendary snowboarder’s career and her lifelong love of the sport. ~ Asian – Middle School

Finding the Edge: My Life on the Ice
by Karen Chen

At seventeen years old, Karen Chen has already achieved what some girls only dream of—and yet it’s only the beginning for this incredibly talented athlete. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Karen began to figure skate at just five years old. Ten years and many grueling training sessions and injuries later, she broke out at the 2015 US Championships with a bronze medal. In 2017, Karen became the US National Champion, winning gold in two programs and receiving the highest score ever recorded for the short program at the US National level. With never-before-seen photos and behind-the-scenes details from her journey, Finding the Edge is Karen’s story of how she got where she is today. ~ Asian – Middle School

Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream
by Ibtihaj Muhammad

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab and the first Muslim American woman to win a medal. But before she was an Olympian, activist, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj was a young outsider growing up in suburban New Jersey. When she fell in love with fencing, a sport most popular with affluent young white people, she stood out even more. Despite often being told that she would never succeed, Ibtihaj powered on to pursue her dream. Enhanced with helpful advice and never-before-published photographs , Proud (Young Readers Edition) is an all-American tale of faith, family, hard work, and self-reliance. ~ Asian – Middle School

I Got This: To Gold and Beyond
by Laurie Hernandez

At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez has already made many of her dreams come true—and yet it’s only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn in 2016 when she was chosen to be part of the US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. She then danced her way into everyone’s hearts while competing on—and winning!—the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars. In I Got This: To Gold and Beyond, Laurie shares her inspiring to Olympic gold and where her phenomenal talents will take her next. ~ Hispanic – Middle School

We Got Game!: 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World
by Aileen Weintraub

We Got Game! introduces thirty-five female athletes who played hard and broke records. Some of them have retired. Others are still competing. But they have one thing in common: they all got game! You’ll read about the first woman horse jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby, the number one tennis player in the world, a surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack, and a snow boarder who landed a death-defying jump, along with many others. From Maria Toorpakai Wazir to Simone Biles, from Kristi Yamaguchi to Mohammad, and many more, these athletes proved that girls can do anything! ~ Diverse – Middle School

High School

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
by Simone Biles & Michelle Burford

Simone Biles’ entrance into the world of gymnastics started on a field trip in her hometown of Spring, Texas. Her talent, along with her determination to succeed no matter the obstacle, brought her to the national spotlight during the Olympic Games and has catapulted her ever since—including 25 World Championship medals. But there is more to Simone than her accomplishments. In Courage to Soar the four-time Olympic gold-winning and record-setting gymnast shares how her faith, family, passion, and perseverance has made her one of the top athletes and gymnasts in the world—and how you too can overcome challenges in your life. Contains an eight-page, full-colour photo insert. ~ African – High School

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes
by Mia Wenjen

Meet 17 Asian Pacific American female athletes, past and present! From snowboarder Chloe Kim and hockey player Julie Chu to
soccer player Natasha Kai-Marks, Changing The Game introduces readers to these champions who rose to compete at the highest level and paved the way for others to follow. ~ Asian – High School

Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith
by Gabrielle Douglas

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 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 inspiring autobiography, Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith, Gabrielle tells her story of her journey of faith and what her family overcame, from the time she first entered a gymnasium to her gold-medal-winning performances. ~ African – High School