Children and Sports
Children and Sports
You win with grace, you lose with grace.”
~ Simone Biles
As the Paris Olympics come to a close, many young athletes have been inspired by the stellar performances of gymnasts, swimmers, divers, track and field competitors, surfers and more. The books featured this week focus on groundbreaking Olympians and their compelling personal stories.
Joyful Reading!
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
Written by Michelle Meadows, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Written in rhyme, this profile of Simone Biles focuses on her early childhood in foster care, her early beginnings in gymnastics, through to her first Olympics. While the book touches on some adversity, including how she managed disappointment in competition, the focus is on the perseverance and dedication that led to her achievements in gymnastics. Ebony Glenn’s vibrant illustrations beautifully capture Simone in motion.
![Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles [Book] – Brown Babies Books](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fee95bcf0-0d57-4965-b80d-14f451f09a14_1000x647.jpeg "Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles [Book] – Brown Babies Books")
CNN Interview with Simone Biles following her completion of competition at the Paris Olympic Games includes a special message for young girls and the importance of sportsmanship.
Netflix documentary series, Simone Biles Rising, chronicles her preparation for her comeback to Olympic competition after pulling out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Focusing on Jesse Owens’ triumphant performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Carole Boston Weatherford’s prose primarily focuses on the period from Owens’ arrival in Berlin to the ticker-tape parade when he returns to the States. Each event in which Owens participated is described in detail, including the adulation he received from the crowds and the hostility directed at him by Hitler. Coupled with Eric Velasquez’s illustrations, the drama and exuberance of the events, and the strength and grace are Owens are beautifully captured. Endnotes provide a more comprehensive biography of Jesse Owens and a brief bibliography.
PBS’ American Experience documentary Jesse Owens chronicles his triumph at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, winning four gold medals, and the racism he endured prior to the olympics and upon his return from the games.
Olympic Pride, American Prejudice introduces audiences to the 18 Black athletes who competed in the 1936 Olympics, facing discrimination at home and the Nazi regime at the games.
Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills
Written by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman, Illustrated by S.D. Nelson
This stirring autobiographical story of perseverance in the face of adversity, chronicles the early life and Olympic victory of Billy Mills in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Orphaned at the age of 12, Mills reflects on the how the memories of his parents and teachings of his community shaped his belief in himself and inspiration to “dig deeper.” In his quest to compete in the Olympics, he overcame health challenges and racism to ultimately win the only gold metal awarded to a runner from the United States in the 10,000-meter race to date. S.D. Nelson’s delicate illustrations utilize images of birds as background to Mills’ running and incorporates iconic images from the community that supported him. Author and illustrator notes, along with additional biographical information about Billy Mills are included.
Billy Mills recalls the secret source of his inspiration to win Olympic gold.
Visit Running Strong for American Indian Youth, a non-profit organization co-founded by Billy Mills to support young people in need.
Beyond the Books
Engaging children in sports offers numerous benefits beyond physical fitness. Sports can help children develop critical life skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Additionally, participating in sports can enhance social skills, boost self-esteem, and promote a healthy lifestyle. The University of San Diego has concisely summarized The Benefits of Youth Sports in Child Development and Scripps Health has provided guidance on when to introduce children to sports and the Surprising Benefits of Youth Sports Programs. In addition, the American Psychiatric Association provides valuable considerations for adult caregivers of young athletes and how to best support them. It is important to consider the child’s interests, abilities, and personality when choosing a sport. Some children may thrive in team sports like soccer or basketball, while others may prefer individual activities like swimming, gymnastics, or martial arts. Encouragement and positive reinforcement are key to ensuring a positive experience.