Sports Biographies For Kids

While most athletes excel in just one sport, Jim Thorpe was different. Born in Oklahoma in 1887, he played both professional football and baseball, and ran track and field. Jim was not only a sports icon but also a trailblazer. Raised as part of the Sac and Fox tribal nation, he was the first Native American person to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.

Baseball runs in the family for Fernando Tatis Jr. Both his father and grandfather played professional baseball. Tatis signed his first professional baseball contract when he was just 16 years old! He made his major league debut a few years later and broke an age record that same day. Learn more about this Dominican shortstop superstar!

Step up to the plate and prepare to be inspired by the extraordinary stories of baseball’s greatest champions! Bradford M. Smith's "Inspirational Baseball Stories for Young Readers: Baseball Champions!" is more than a collection of sports legends—it's a powerful exploration of perseverance, courage, teamwork, and integrity. Perfectly crafted for young readers, this captivating book brings to life the incredible journeys of baseball heroes who changed the game—and history.

Bubba Wallace started racing cars at nine years old. He began competing in 2010 and hasn’t slowed down since, setting records as the youngest winner at many races. He was the first Black driver to win Rookie of the Year for NASCAR.

Are you searching for the perfect hockey book for kids filled with real-life sports heroes, powerful life lessons, and motivational messages? Inspirational Hockey Stories for Young Readers is a must-have for every young sports fan, athlete, parent, or coach who values the power of perseverance, courage, and teamwork. This engaging, action-packed collection of true hockey stories introduces readers to legendary figures like Wayne Gretzky, Hayley Wickenheiser, Sidney Crosby, Willie O’Ree, Mario Lemieux, Jarome Iginla, and P.K. Subban.

In Aaron Donald, you’ll learn how Aaron overcame tough beginnings in his youth and working-class neighborhood to become an even tougher college football star. Before he was a pro player, Aaron was beating up kids at the playground and throwing around equals on the Pitt University gridiron. Always a gifted athlete and focused student, Aaron knew early on that football would be his ticket out of a tough background, and you can read all about it in this must-have book. A rare combination of speed, strength, and athleticism has made Aaron Donald the dominant force of his generation. But ...

Inspiration. Perseverance. Champions. Discover the untold stories and defining moments of tennis legends in Inspirational Tennis Stories for Young Readers — a motivational collection of true tales that go beyond the tennis court to reveal the heart, grit, and humanity of the world’s greatest players. This engaging and empowering book is crafted especially for kids ages 8–14 who love tennis, sports, or simply stories of real-life heroes who overcame incredible odds to reach greatness.

Would you like your child or teen to absorb mental toughness, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork from those baseball GOATS while he spends a funny and stimulating moment? We've got you covered! This book offers a mix of inspiring tales, facts, and interactive games to keep them engaged and learning. It's the only book about baseball for boys that combines real legends' stories, mind-blowing facts, and engaging trivia all in one place.

Harry Kane is now regarded as one of the top attackers in the world. The English marksman isn’t just a poacher; he’s also developed a creative side to his game over the years, frequently presenting opportunities for his teammates. Kane has proven his worth in the Premier League by winning several golden boots and breaking numerous records. Harry Kane took the long road, and he has been beaten, shaped, and remodeled into the world-class striker he is today, leading the English national team to one of their best World Cup campaigns in a long time.

Michael Jordan admits that he has failed a lot, but failing has, also, allowed him to succeed. In the new Mini Movers and Shakers children's book series comes a cast of characters who have failed, yet succeeded despite overwhelming obstacles. Find out what happens in this kid's book about how taking chances and working hard is needed to succeed.

This is the inspiring children's story of Stephen Curry, a boy who became a star. This is the story of a young boy who nobody believed could be an NBA super star because he was too small. But he decided to follow his dream, worked hard, and overcame all obstacles to become one of the best basketball players in history. Perfect gift for all basketball fans. Perfect audiobook to teach children to work hard to make their dreams come true.

Roberto Clemente always loved baseball. Growing up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he swung tree branches (since he didn’t have a bat) and hit tin cans. He was always batting, pitching, running, sliding. His dedication paid off when, at the age of 19, he was tapped for a major league team. First stop: chilly Montreal . . . where he warmed the bench and himself, longing to play baseball. Months later, he finally got his chance with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The powerful story of an indomitable spirit, defying the odds from the very beginning. Born near death and legally deaf from within a fundamentalist polygamist commune in rural Montana, Lance Allred's story is the inspiring journey of an underdog who never gave up on a dream on his way to becoming the first deaf player in NBA history.

In his first ever book, The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self, NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings shares his inspiring story and experiences, imparts practical advice, and encourages listeners to follow their dreams.

Throughout history, women have been told that they couldn't achieve their dreams, no matter how hard they tried. Women athletes have faced their own unique set of challenges, across countless sports and levels of play. In this third She Persisted book, Chelsea Clinton introduces listeners to women who have excelled in their sports because of their persistence.

Considered the fastest woman of all time, Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo Jo, set two world records in 1988 that still stand today. But getting there wasn't easy, and Flo Jo had to overcome many challenges along the way.

Growing up, young Chris Paul dreamed of playing professional basketball. But he knew it would take more than dedication and practice, so Chris looked to his grandfather Papa Chilly as a shining example of the values he could apply both in basketball and in life. Papa taught him about respect, faith, kindness, generosity, and the determination to succeed, just as Papa had succeeded as the first Black business owner of a service station in North Carolina.

As Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1965) reach their golden years, they reminisce about a unique time in sports history. Born just after World War II, this generation experienced the first wave of live televised sports, transforming how fans engaged with their favorite athletes and teams. No longer reliant on radio broadcasts or newspapers, they witnessed iconic sports moments in real-time, forever shaping their love for the game.

In her career, Megan has won Olympic gold medals, several World Cup trophies, ESPY Awards, and more. Not only is Megan a fierce competitor on the field, she's also a brave activist who stands up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals like herself. Learn about Megan Rapinoe's incredible soccer career and inspiring life as an activist in this book for young listeners!

Klay Thompson's skill with a basketball runs in the family. His father was drafted into the NBA in 1978. But it's Klay's own star qualities that shine as he plays for the Golden State Warriors. Known for his shooting ability, Thompson has helped his team win big. Find out more about his career moments and behind-the-scenes facts in this electric biography in the Stars of Sports series.