Once again, Simone Biles has dominated the U.S. Olympic Gymnastic Trials, qualifying for her third Olympic games. She is one of only four American women gymnasts to accomplish this feat. Biles has overcome abuse, abandonment, and mental health issues to become the most decorated gymnast of all time. Her character on and off the mat is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unyielding spirit.
Here are 14 books about Simone Biles to encourage the children in your life to be their best…including one written by the star athlete herself:
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
Part of the “Who Did It First?” series, Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles uses rhyme to talk about the gymnast’s life in an accessible way for preschoolers and young children. The book also includes a one to two-page biography and some fun facts about the athlete.
Read more about the book and the Who Did It First? series.
Simone Biles (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio)
The “My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio” series, which boasts over 100 books, offers a book about the acclaimed gymnast to captivate the youngest readers. Told in the first person, preschoolers and kindergarteners can imagine Simone speaking to them directly.
Click here for more about the book and the My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio series. Some books are also available in Spanish under “My Early Library: Mi Mini Biografía.”
She Persisted: Simone Biles
Elementary school children will enjoy this chapter book by NAACP Image Award-winning author and Coretta Scott King Honor recipient Kekla Magoon. Complete with an introduction by Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, and a list of ways to make a difference, She Persisted: Simone Biles will encourage all children to be the best they can be.
Click for more information about the book and the She Persisted series.
The Story of Simone Biles: A Biography Book for New Readers
Compared to the other children’s books on this list, The Story of Simone Biles: A Biography Book for New Readers includes a vocabulary list, discussion questions, and other sections to incorporate it into an elementary school classroom.
Click here for more about the book and the A Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers series.
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
In Courage to Soar, Biles’ official autobiography, we learn about the prodigy’s rise to fame in her own words. Accompanied by a foreword by fellow Olympian Mary Lou Retton, Biles gives us an intimate look into the life of the world’s best gymnast.
Click here for more information.
Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography
Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography addresses serious topics in language young children can understand. “Mental health comes first. That’s more important than any medal you can win.”
Read more about the book and the Little Golden Book series
Simone Biles: America’s Greatest Gymnast (Rookie Biographies)
Appropriate for preschool and lower elementary students, Simone Biles: America’s Greatest Gymnast engages children with accessible language and bright photos.
Read more here.
Meet Simone Biles: Inspirational Biographies for Kids With Big Dreams
Upper elementary school students will enjoy this interactive chapter book. With journal prompts, reflection exercises, and drawing activities, this is the perfect gift for the young students in your life.
Read more about the book here.
Who is Simone Biles?
Part of the “Who Is”/”Who Was” series, Who is Simone Biles? is an accessible chapter book for younger or reticent readers. The timelines and bibliography in the book offer elementary students a list of resources for writing book reports and giving presentations.
Click here for more about the book and the Who Is/Who Was series.
Trailblazers: Simone Biles
For fans of “Who Is”/”Who Was”, the “Trailblazers” series offers older children a more comprehensive experience. Trivia, facts, and vivid illustrations accompany a broad historical context to help upper elementary students immerse themselves in the lives of the world’s pioneers.
Click here for more about the book and the Trailblazers series.
Simone Biles has also been featured in several anthologies: She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game, We Got Game!: 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World, Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win, and The Story of Strong Black Women 5 Book Box Set. Although all the books focus on women, these role models inspire all children to reach for the stars.
Simone Biles’ dedication to excellence and perseverance through adversity resonates with people from all walks of life. She exemplifies that success is not just about winning medals but about the journey, personal growth, and the courage to be vulnerable.