The 2022 Winter Olympics are here! If you’re excited to watch your favorite skaters, skiiers and snowboarders in Beijing, add one of these Olympian books to your reading list.
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Books for Adults
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Beartown’s junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals, but the semi-final match becomes the catalyst for a violent act that will throw the entire town into chaos. No resident goes unaffected in this compelling story about secrets and the courage to fight against the tide.
Crazy Blood by T. Jefferson Parker
A psychological thriller! For generations, the Carson family has ruled the ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes in California. But a storm is brewing: the return of the patriarch’s grandson reopens a murder in the family’s past. The family’s story plays out against one of the most perilous ski destinations in the world.
A Skating Life: My Story by Dorothy Hamill
“America’s sweetheart” figure skater Dorothy Hamill spent years working toward the dream she accomplished at 19: winning Olympic gold. But her life wasn’t as perfect as it appeared. In this memoir, Dorothy details the painful inner struggles that followed her from childhood into adulthood.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
A lovely graphic memoir! For a decade, Tillie got up before dawn to practice figure skating, then practiced after school and spent every weekend competing. But as she switched schools, became interested in art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she started questioning the sport she’d dedicated her life to. This book explores what it’s like to grow up, come out, and come to terms with your true desires.
Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery by Steph Jagger
Skiing became for Steph Jagger what hiking was for Cheryl Strayed. For one year, she embarked on a mission to ski four million vertical feet in a year. Through her incredible journey, she learned more about being a woman and living authentically.
Books for Children
Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story by Maureen Fergus
Reading age: 3 to 6
Vlad the vampire has spent centuries alone in his castle and wants to try something new! When he hears the local hockey team get excited for their next game, Vlad joins the team and tries his best to play well. He quickly learns, however, that vampire powers won’t help if he doesn’t first master the basics of hockey.
Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester
Reading age: 4 to 7
Let the games begin! In this fun read-aloud book, Tacky the penguin lends his unique style to each competition in the Winter Games.
Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi
A heartwarming story by one of the world’s most famous figure skaters! Poppy, a pig with big dreams, discovers that stardom is not as easy as it sounds. But once she feels herself gliding and sliding and swirling and twirling on the ice, she begins to believe in herself and her dreams.
She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game by Chelsea Clinton
Reading age: 4 to 8
Introduce your child to Olympic athletes who achieved their goals, despite the challenges they faced. By working hard and persevering against obstacles, these inspiring athletes paved the way for future generations.
Hockey Night in Kenya by Danson Mutinda and Eric Walters
Reading age: 6 to 8
When a librarian gives Kitoo a book containing a picture of the Canadian national men’s ice hockey team, he finds a pair of old rollerblades and teaches himself to skate. Although he dreams of one day playing hockey himself, you can’t play ice hockey in Kenya, right?
Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics by Sue Macy
Reading age: 10 to 14
An amazing visual history of the winter Olympics! From the Jamaican bobsled team to the unforgettable U.S.S.R. vs. U.S.A. hockey clash at Lake Placid, this book covers all the great legends of winter sports with super photo galleries. It’s also got a map of Winter Olympic sites, information on new extreme sports, and a Winter Olympics almanac.
Miracle on Ice: How a Stunning Upset United a Country by Michael Burgan
Reading age: 10 to 14
Introduce your young reader to the Miracle on Ice: a stunning upset of the 1980 Soviet hockey team by the American team during the medal round of the men’s hockey tournament. This book explores why this game is called one of the greatest moments in hockey history – and why the victory meant more to the United States than simply winning a game.
