Whenever it is time to celebrate a month focused on a certain group, I feel the need to remind you that we need to be reading deeply and diversely all year. Read Black authors outside of February, insist on disability representation before July hits, and celebrate women even when March has ended. This is important, but I also love any excuse to party, and seeing as Women’s History Month falls right after the celebration of female athleticism that was the 2026 Winter Olympics, we’re going to throw a rager.
I followed the Olympics loosely and from afar, but my heart was bursting as little girls and athletes of every gender witnessed amazing, intelligent, strong, and exuberant women being themselves while winning medals and breaking records. It should not be a big deal to celebrate women in sports, but as most of our social progress seems to be drastically backsliding, I’m happy to reiterate that women are champions. It will be the work of forever to fight for equality and redefine the image of what a hockey player, figure skater, or freestyle skier looks like. After the 2026 Winter Olympics, the images of athletes have broadened.
Below, I’ve gathered some books celebrating female athletes who rock. (Pun intended.) This is a tiny sliver of the books about female athletes available. Let this be just the start of your exploration!
Picture Books About Female Athletes
How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi and Yao Xiao
This autobiographical picture book encourages readers to literally rise, drawing on the climbing term “problem” to reflect both rock faces and conflicts. Shirashi shares her triumphs while making it clear that this success is available to anyone willing to put in some hard work!
The Kids Are All Right
Sign up to The Kids Are All Right to receive news and recommendations from the world of kid lit and middle grade books.
Ping-Pong Shabbat: The True Story of Champion Estee Ackerman by Ann Diament Koffsky and Abigail Rajunov
Estee Ackerman was so close to an incredible goal: winning the gold medal for ping pong. There was only one thing that meant more to her, and that was her beliefs. When this young Jewish player has to decide between playing the match of her life or honoring the Shabbat, amazing things happen. Heroes have to make hard choices—read this book to find out more!
Fastest Woman on Earth: The Story of Tatyana McFadden by Francesca Cavallo and Luis San Vicente
Spina bifida and a youth spent in an orphanage couldn’t stop Tatyana McFadden from becoming the fastest woman on Earth. Drawing on her strength, talent, and perseverance, McFadden dazzled in the Paralympics. This story uses simple language to share the basics of McFadden’s story, focusing more on her accomplishments than her tragedies. When teaching about impressive record breakers, don’t leave out McFadden.
Swimming Toward a Dream: Yusra Mardini’s Incredible Journey from Refugee to Olympic Swimmer by Reem Faruqi and Asma Enayeh
Becoming an Olympian is hard for anyone, but to do so after fleeing your homeland and becoming a refugee seeking safety is a breathtaking accomplishment. This is exactly what happened to Yusra Mardini, a competitive swimmer who broke records, won medals, saved lives, and inspired millions. The story of this woman and her road to the 2016 Refugee Team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics should not be missed.
Hopefully, you’ve found some books about female athletes to spark your interest. Want more books about awesome women? Check out this list of biographical picture books for Women’s History Month. Happy reading!
English (US) · 