Kid Olympians: Summer

About the Book

Triumphant, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood stories of a diverse group of international athletes who have captured the world’s attention at the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, like Simone Biles, Jesse Owens, Naomi Osaka, Tatyana McFadden, and 12 other incredible olympians.

Athletes throughout history have dreamed of competing in the Olympics—and some were kids themselves when those dreams and plans began! In Kid Olympians: Summer, discover the childhood stories of legends such as:

• Usain Bolt, who used to skip practices to go to the arcade and play video games.
• Serena Williams, who sometimes hit her tennis ball over the fence on purpose!
• Tatyana McFadden, who had to fight to be allowed on her school’s track team

Featuring kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, you’ll be inspired to dream bigger, faster, and higher than ever before!

The diverse and inspiring group also includes Michael Phelps, Yusra Mardini, Dick Fosbury, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Gertrude Ederle, Nadia Comaneci, Ellie Simmonds, Tommie Smith, Wilma Rudolph, and Megan Rapinoe.

Praise

“Steinfeld’s cartoon scenes, which are as upbeat as the narratives, place the budding international stars amid physically and racially diverse groups of family members and fellow competitors or in climactic victory poses. More inspiring tales of young dreamers and achievers.”—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for the Kid Legends series:
“Telling the true stories of famous people’s childhoods, this book inspires kids to think big and humanizes historical figures in a new and fresh way.”—CNN Underscored, on Kid Innovators by Robin Stevenson

“These reads aren’t just educational, they’re inspiring – they remind us all that we’re never too young to start dreaming! Plus – they’re a great resource for school projects!”—YAYOMG.com, on Kid Innovators by Robin Stevenson

“Kids will be drawn in.”—Chicago Parent, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

“The vivid details of each activist’s story, combined with vibrant illustrations, demonstrate that every civil rights hero and popular firebrand started out as children, just like the rest of us.”—School Library Journal, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

“A great way to encourage kids who already love science to pursue their interests as well as to show kids who are not motivated by traditional schooling that there are many paths to greatness.”—American Scientist Magazine, on Kid Scientists by David Stabler

“Illustrate[s] a wide variety of early influences and backgrounds, proving to kids that where they come from isn’t important when fixing something that is.”—Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

“Outstanding… Inspiring and entertaining.”—Booklist, starred review, on Kid Athletes by David Stabler

“A heartening reminder that 17 unconventional greats—not to mention all the rest—started out as children too.”—Kirkus Reviews, on Kid Artists by David Stabler

“Just like history class, only hilarious.”—Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever, on Kid Presidents by David Stabler

“Full of real information, but the author made it fun and funny.”—Michael, age 9, on Kid Authors by David Stabler

Allison Steinfeld

Allison Steinfeld obtained a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She loves to create fun and playful work that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. She lives in North Carolina.

Robin Stevenson

Robin Stevenson is an award-winning author of over 20 books for kids and teens. Her writing has been translated into several languages, published in more than 10 countries, and nominated for many awards. Her YA novel A Thousand Shades of Blue was a finalist for Canada’s top literary honor, the Governor General’s Award. Her YA nonfiction book Pride was a Stonewall Honor book and selected to ALA’s Rainbow List. She lives with her partner in Victoria, British Colombia, with their son, dog, and cat.