Inspired by the Olympics
We’re glued to the TV around here, watching the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. I am generous in my loyalties, switching readily from cheering on the favorite and then the underdog. I’m amazed and astounded at the feats the athletes achieve. I’m moved by their determination and sympathize with their disappointments.
Some of my favorite books about sports and athletes are in this previous post (inspired by the NCAA March b-ball tournament), but below are a bunch more to keep your Olympic dreams going strong all year long.
Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt (2019) (Cricket)
Blog regulars will not be surprised to see a Schmidt book recommendation. The author scores again with this middle-grade novel. Carter and his mother are bequeathed a butler named Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick after his grandfather’s death. While the butler teaches Carter about cricket, he also helps him cope with the recent changes in his life. Funny and touching, as I would expect from Schmidt.
The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson (2019) (Soccer)
Johnson perfectly captures the highs and lows of middle school with the ensemble cast in this graphic novel. Faith joins the soccer team at her new school and ends up on the C squad. The unskilled but passionate team bonds and explores what friendship means.
Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin (2021) (basketball, football)
Mara is suspended from her beloved basketball team for fighting. Needing to prove to her coach that she can behave on a team, she joins the football team. When others interpret her move as a political statement, four other girls join the team. Conflict ensues as Mara is the only girl with football skills. Can she prove herself and help the other girls make their mark?
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa (2023) (soccer, cheerleading)
Hawkins is the mascot for her high school. She has a massive crush on Regina, the head cheerleader, who is dating Chloe, star athlete. Regina cons Hawkins into tutoring Chloe, not knowing that the two of them were friends long ago, when Hawkins went by Belle. Will their friendship be rekindled into something more?
Blue Stars: The Vice Principal Problem by Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Molly Murakami (2024) (gymnastics)
This middle-grade graphic novel focuses on cousins Maya and Riley, who both relocate to a new city and school. While most of the action involves taking down the power-hungry vice principal, Riley is also a skilled gymnast (while Maya thrives on robotics and inventing).