Best Olympics & Paralympics Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

This young adult adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s award-winning bestseller, Unbroken, recounts the gripping story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian-turned-airman who survives a plane crash in enemy territory during World War II. The book follows Zamperini’s harrowing journey through the Pacific Ocean, where he faced hunger, thirst, and enemy attacks, before being captured by the Japanese and enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. The book features over 100 photographs and an exclusive interview with Zamperini. This thrilling and inspiring survival epic is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice is a powerful graphic memoir that tells the story of Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and his iconic protest against racial injustice. The book, co-written with Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile, offers a stirring portrait of Smith's athletic career and his activism, highlighting the professional repercussions he faced for taking a stand. This book is a must-read for sports fans and anyone interested in social justice movements.

Inaugural Ballers by Andrew Maraniss tells the incredible true story of the first US Women's Olympic Basketball team in 1976. Despite being unknowns from small schools, these women laid the foundation for the rise of women's sports in America at all levels. Maraniss presents a sociological study about the role of women in US sports, making it ideal for sports historians or basketball enthusiasts. Inaugural Ballers is a fascinating and inspiring read for teens and young adults, packed with black-and-white photos and thoroughly researched details about the beginnings of US women's basketball.

Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith is an inspiring autobiography by Gabrielle Douglas, the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around champion. The book reveals her journey from the time she first entered a gym to her gold-medal-winning performances and showcases her faith, perseverance, and determination. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by a true story of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. This book is an excellent choice for readers ages 13 and up who want to be inspired to reach their dreams.

Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything is an inspiring story of Aly Raisman's dedication, perseverance, and positive thinking, leading her to two Olympic gold medal successes and beyond. The book takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements, sharing her highest highs, lowest lows, and all the moments in between with never-before-published photos and hard-won advice for readers striving to make their own dreams come true. Honest and heartfelt, frank and funny, Fierce is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation to overcome challenges and love themselves.

The Boys in the Boat (YRE) is an inspiring true story of the University of Washington's eight-oar crew who, against all odds, won gold at the 1936 Olympics. The team was made up of working-class boys from the American West, including Joe Rantz, who had no family or prospects. The book captures the spirit of a generation that refused to be defeated by the Great Depression or the Nazis. This adaptation for young readers is a must-read for those interested in water sports and American history.

As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success is an inspiring autobiography of Kendall Coyne, a decorated US Olympian and accomplished hockey star. The book narrates how Kendall overcame her insecurities, defied her naysayers, and pushed herself past barriers to achieve her goals. It encourages readers to follow their passions, never give up, and be relentless in achieving their own goals. As Fast As Her is an uplifting true story suitable for readers aged 13 and up, fans of Olympic hockey, women's sports, and sports in general. The behind-the-scenes and personal photos make it even more engaging. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone looking for motivation to pursue their dreams.

"Games of Deception" by Andrew Maraniss is a fascinating non-fiction book about the first-ever U.S. Olympic basketball team that participated in the 1936 Summer Games in Hitler's Germany. The book sheds light on the political climate of the time, the propaganda used by both sides of the Atlantic, and the eclectic mix of people and events that made the sport's Olympic debut possible. The author's narrative style keeps the readers engaged, and the inclusion of photos, bibliography, and index makes it an excellent resource for history enthusiasts. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in basketball, history, and politics.

This well-researched biography, written by a Newbery medalist, tells the story of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, one of the greatest athletes of all time. From basketball to track and field, and from amateur to professional golf, Zaharias excelled in every sport she played. The book sheds light on her colorful personality and determination to become a champion in an era when women were barely accepted in sports. It is a fascinating read that crushes any remaining myths about women in sports and leaves readers wondering what she could have done in a less restrictive era. Overall, it is a superbly crafted, impeccably documented biography that ranks head and shoulders above its peers.

The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936, is an enthralling book that provides a deep insight into the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Based on an exhibit from the United States Holocaust Museum, the book covers the organizers, politicians, and athletes who participated in the event. It also sheds light on the Nazi propaganda machine and the controversies inside the U.S. Olympic Committee. The book's unique feature is its coverage of the Jewish athletes who competed, their fate, and the Nazis' attitudes toward race. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and complexities surrounding this notorious Olympics.