Explore a carefully selected slate of children’s books that celebrate Simone Biles, the iconic Olympic gymnast. Each title highlights courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. From illustrated biographies to early readers, these books make inspiring role models approachable for kids and families. The following picks are chosen for clarity, age suitability, and engaging visuals that resonate with young audiences.
| Book Title | Author / Illustrator | Amazon Link | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles (Who Did It First?) | Michelle Meadows (Author), Ebony Glenn (Illustrator) | Link |  |
| Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography | JaNay Brown-Wood (Author), Kim Holt (Illustrator) | Link |  |
| The Story of Simone Biles: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers | Rachelle Burk (Author) | Link |  |
| I am Simone Biles (Ordinary People Change the World) | Brad Meltzer (Author), Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator) | Link |  |
| Simone Biles (Little People, BIG DREAMS, 103) | Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author), Nadia Fisher (Illustrator) | Link |  |
Below are detailed product insights to help families choose titles that suit different reading levels and interests, followed by a practical buying guide.
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
This narrative by Michelle Meadows presents Simone Biles’ early drive and groundbreaking achievements with Ebony Glenn’s illustrations that capture motion, emotion, and determination. The book emphasizes the importance of practice, resilience, and breaking barriers in sports. It is suited for elementary readers who enjoy a story with clear milestones and engaging visuals. The format balances textual narration with vivid pictures to foster both reading confidence and interest in gymnastics.
Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography
JaNay Brown-Wood tells a concise biographical story tailored for younger readers. Kim Holt’s illustrations complement a straightforward narrative arc, highlighting key moments in Biles’ journey and the values of dedication and perseverance. The Little Golden Book format makes it approachable for early readers and gift-giving occasions, with durable pages and accessible text.
The Story of Simone Biles: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Rachelle Burk offers a compact biography aimed at early and independent readers. The emphasis is on milestones, challenges, and the impact of Biles’ athletic philosophy. This title can supplement classroom reading, as it provides a clear narrative with simple sentence structures and supportive illustrations that sustain engagement and comprehension.
I Am Simone Biles (Ordinary People Change the World)
Brad Meltzer’s entry in the Ordinary People Change the World series offers a slightly longer narrative with a focus on character, resilience, and leadership. Christopher Eliopoulos’ illustrations light up scenes of Biles’ journey, making it appealing to children who enjoy biographical storytelling with approachable humor and clear moral takeaways. It works well for reading aloud or as a guided reading option in elementary classrooms.
Simone Biles (Little People, BIG DREAMS, 103)
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara’s entry in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series introduces Biles through concise biography text and Nadia Fisher’s warm illustrations. It is ideal for very young readers and fans of picture-book formats who want an approachable overview of Biles’ inspirational journey, with a focus on courage and determination as universal values.
Buying Guide
- Reading level and age: Choose based on whether the child is a new reader (Little Golden Book or picture-book format) or a more confident reader (short biography).
- Illustration style: Consider whether kids respond better to dynamic action scenes or more straightforward portrait-style art; both styles appear across these titles.
- Narrative focus: Some books emphasize milestones and training routines; others highlight personal resilience and leadership. Pick a focus that matches the child’s interests.
- Length and pacing: Short paragraphs with bright illustrations suit younger audiences; slightly longer biographies can support independent reading and comprehension.
- Series and branding: If a family collects series-led biographies, Little People, BIG DREAMS and Ordinary People Change the World offer recurring formats and familiar layouts.
- Educational use: These titles pair well with discussions about perseverance, goal setting, and diversity in sports, which can be reinforced in classrooms or at home.
Across these selections, the aim is to provide accessible biographies that anchor kids’ interest in sports, achievement, and representation. Each book contributes to a broader understanding of resilience, teamwork, and the importance of practice in pursuing one’s goals.