Best Ice Skating & Figure Skating Books of 2026

In "One Jump at a Time: My Story," Nathan Chen shares his journey to becoming a three-time World Champion and Olympic gold-medalist in figure skating. Despite facing challenges as a Chinese American skater, Chen's mother served as his coach and made significant sacrifices to help him pursue his dreams. Chen discusses his triumphs, disappointments, and the physical and emotional toll the sport demands. He also provides insights into the figure skating world and competing in the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. This inspiring memoir showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and family support.

A Different Kind of Edge: Transitioning from Skater to Coach: A Guide to Figure Skating Foundations is a resourceful book that provides techniques and strategies to help skaters transition from athletes to coaches. Written by Jessica Rensch, who has a degree in psychology and a passion for figure skating, this book covers important topics like blade pressure, jump rotation, and speed increase. The author shares her coaching journey and encourages skaters to build a strong foundation while creating their own coaching ideas. This book is a must-have for anyone looking to become a successful figure skating coach.

The 2022-2023 Ice Hockey Guide for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to understanding and enjoying the game of ice hockey. With detailed explanations and pictures, this book covers everything from the National Hockey League (NHL) season structure to trivia questions and answers. Whether you're a fan or a player starting out, this book has all the information you need to master the sport. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in ice hockey and is a valuable addition to the collection of ice skating and figure skating books.

The Mystery on the Iditarod Trail (8) (Real Kids Real Places) by Carole Marsh Mysteries is an exciting children's mystery book that takes readers on a thrilling adventure in Alaska. The story follows four kids who find themselves in the middle of a mystery involving a runaway team and a renegade musher during the Iditarod Trail dogsled race. The book incorporates history, geography, culture, and educational facts, making it an excellent learning tool for children. The cliffhanger chapters and fun humor will keep kids engaged and begging for more. This book is highly recommended for children aged 8 to 12 years old.

My Sergei: A Love Story is a memoir written by Olympic gold medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva, chronicling her life with her husband and skating partner Sergei Grinkov. The book details their love story, from their early days as skating partners in the Soviet Union to their world championships and eventual marriage. However, the story takes a tragic turn when Sergei dies suddenly at age 28. Gordeeva's poignant and heart-wrenching account of their lives together is a deeply moving tribute to their love and their success as one of the greatest skating pairs of all time.

Little Red Gliding Hood is a fun and clever winter-themed fractured fairy tale that will keep kids entertained. In this story, Little Red needs a partner for an ice skating competition, and the Big Bad Wolf turns out to be her perfect partner. The book is filled with inside jokes and references to other fairy tales, making it engaging for children and adults alike. The colorful cartoon-style illustrations add to the overall appeal of the book. Overall, Little Red Gliding Hood is a delightful and unique addition to any children's winter sports book collection.

Laura Stamm's Power Skating is a comprehensive guide to the techniques and drills used by one of the most respected power skating coaches in North America. With over 300 detailed illustrations and photographs, this book is an excellent resource for hockey players of all skill levels. Stamm's expertise has been utilized by NHL teams and players, and her methods have been proven to be effective. As a former student, NHL All-Star Forward Rob Niedermayer recommends this book for any skater looking to improve their game. Overall, this book is a must-read for any hockey player serious about taking their skating to the next level.

Little Girls in Pretty Boxes by Joan Ryan is a groundbreaking book that exposes the dark and often brutal side of women's gymnastics and figure skating. The book delves into the private lives of young, talented competitors and the horrors they endure at the hands of their coaches and families. It also addresses the sexual abuse scandal perpetrated by USA Gymnastics national team doctor, Larry Nassar. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in these sports and advocates for an end to the culture of abuse and our national obsession with winning at any cost.

Conditioning for Skating: Off-ice Techniques for On-ice Performance is a comprehensive guide for skaters of all levels and disciplines, including singles, pairs, and ice dance. The book covers the physical preparation necessary for Preliminary through Senior-Elite skaters, with a focus on building strength, power, flexibility, and endurance for on-ice injury prevention. With over 300 photos, the book provides detailed coverage of warm-up drills, stretches, cooldown routines, and various training programs. The periodization plan helps skaters maximize their potential, making the book a valuable resource for skaters, coaches, trainers, and parents. Overall, Carl M. Poe, M.S., C.S.C.S., has designed a user-friendly guide that meets the competitive requirements of modern figure skating.

Taking the Ice: Khalli's Big Test is a children's book that follows the story of Khalli Davies, a young figure skater who dreams of taking her first national level test. Written by seven-time U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist, Allye Ritt, this book offers valuable insights into the world of figure skating and the dedication required to achieve a dream. The book is well-written, engaging, and perfect for young readers who love sports and are looking for a story about perseverance and determination.