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Topic: Olympics & Paralympics

Poetry

A brilliant, funny and inspiring collection of poems about sport by Brian Moses and Roger Stevens!

These are poems about winning and about taking part; poems about having all the right kit, but no talent; poems that show that coming first in the egg and spoon race really is as important to your mum and dad as being an Olympic athlete; poems about being a team player and poems about being an individual hero. In fact, this book is packed with sporting gems of all kinds.

Olympic Poems is perfect for any young poet or aspiring Olympian.

Non-fiction

Run with the Olympic athletes and sweat it out in the deadly ballgame courts of the Aztecs in this beautifully illustrated and informative guide to the sports and games that have entertained people for the past 2500 years.

How did the Vikings keep themselves occupied between raids? What tricks did medieval Japanese sumo wrestlers have to win their matches? With fascinating facts and detailed pictures, this book is the perfect guide to everything to do with games, from the tiniest chess pieces to the biggest sports tournaments.

Non-fiction

A celebration of the Paralympic Games! The profile of the Paralympics is on the rise and the 2020 Games in Tokyo are set to be the biggest yet, with over 4,400 athletes taking part in 537 medal events, from 5-a-side football to powerlifting and from badminton to boccia. Paralympic Power gives all the essential background information on the Paralympics, from how they originated to how the different events are categorised and staged.

Interviews with Paralympians both past and present reveal the personalities behind the Games.

Picturebook

Before she was a record-breaking, world-famous gymnast, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. Nimble and boundlessly energetic, she cherished every playground and each new backyard. When she was six years old, Simone’s family took shape in a different way: her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, adopted her and her sister Adria. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same fateful year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family.

Non-fiction

A brilliant introduction to the history of The Olympics, from the traditional games of Ancient Greece, to their revival by Pierre de Coubertin and the pomp and ceremony of the modern Games. Internet links to carefully selected websites allow children to access the very best sites to support this book and enhance their learning experience. Specially written for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

Non-fiction

The youngest of ten children, Jesse grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. Discovered by his high school track and field coach, Jesse quickly rose to fame as an athlete. He went on the challenge racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and made new world records. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back , including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete and activist’s life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people , from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

Non-fiction

Published to coincide with 2020 Summer Olympic Games, this captivating title provides young readers with a background on the history and rules of these aquatic events, including details about swimming races, diving and artistic swimming (formerly synchronised swimming). Full-colour photos feature winning athletes and capture the action of these thrilling events. This volume also includes a table of contents, a Q&A feature, glossary, recommended books and websites and an index.

Non-fiction

Published to coincide with 2020 Summer Olympic Games, this dynamic book puts a spotlight on its featured track and field competitions, including running, jumping and throwing events. Young readers will be delighted by the stories about Olympic heroes and will marvel at the full-colour action photography. This volume also includes a table of contents, a Q&A feature, glossary, recommended books and websites and an index.

Non-fiction

Find out all about Paralympic sports for individuals and the people who participate in them in this exciting photo-illustrated book.

Events covered include cycling, archery and triathlon competitions for both male and female athletes with disabilities. Information about the rules of the events and how they differ from their Olympic counterparts is also provided.

Along with accessible text and vibrant sports photography, this volume also includes a Q&A feature that will help to engage young readers.

Long before he became a professional All-Star basketball player, Michael Jordan had dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal–and with dedication and perseverance, that’s exactly what he did. This heartwarming picture book, written by Michael’s mother and illustrated by Barry Root, gives a rare glimpse into a sports hero’s childhood and emphasizes the role that good values play in success. An ideal companion to the New York Times bestselling Salt in His Shoes, this is an inspirational story for sports fans, go-getters, and anyone with big dreams!

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