8 books to celebrate the Olympic spirit

8 books to celebrate the Olympic spirit

(Touchstone Books)


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SALT LAKE CITY — On Friday night, the world will gather to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. We’ll revel in the excitement, drama and disappointment. We’ll cheer and hope, and best of all we’ll share in a global event that inspires millions.

Deepen your Olympic experience, and learn more about the athletes and sports, with these great books.

For young readers

1. “The Encyclopedia of the Summer Olympics” by David Fischer

This great reference book teaches young readers about the history of the Olympics and the events included today. Children will learn what it takes to qualify for an event and what it takes to win an Olympic medal.

(Photo: Scholastic Library Publishing)
(Photo: Scholastic Library Publishing)

2. “Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman” by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by David Diaz

When Wilma was only 5 years old, polio paralyzed her left leg. No one expected her to walk again. But she believed she’d walk, and even run. Overcoming much, Wilma went on to run in the Olympics, becoming the first woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympiad (1960). She also paved the way for American excellence in track and field, and inspired many other African-American girls to reach for their dreams.

(Photo: Harcourt Publishing)
(Photo: Harcourt Publishing)

3. “Everything Sports: All the Photos, Facts, and Fun to Make You Jump!” by Eric Zweig and sports reporter Shalise Manza Young

This book delivers quick, interesting facts about all kinds of sports, with engaging photography. Young fans will learn about different types of games, competitions and equipment.

(Photo: National Geographic Society)
(Photo: National Geographic Society)

4. “Weird but True! Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics” by National Geographic Kids

Did you know that the Olympic torch has been to space? Do you know the number of balls used during the Wimbledon championships? Ever heard of kite fighting? These are only some of the incredibly cool things you’ll learn in this book of facts.

(Photo: National Geographic Society)
(Photo: National Geographic Society)

For older readers

1. “The Complete Book of the Olympics: 2012 Edition” by David Wallenchinsky and Jamie Loucky

Fact enthusiasts: this is your book. Not only does this book record the finals from every Olympic game since 1896 — that’s 116 years of history — it also includes the rare, amazing details and stories. For example, croquet and tug-of-war were once Olympic sports. The book also includes full descriptions of rules and scoring, updated in 2012.

(Photo: Aurum Press, Limited)
(Photo: Aurum Press, Limited)

2. “Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler’s Olympics” by Jeremy Schaap

Jeremy Schaap, ESPN correspondent and New York Times best-selling author, offers readers the most in-depth look at one of the most defining moments in sports history. Insightful and interesting, “Triumph” is an unforgettable read.

(Photo: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
(Photo: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

3. “The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team” by Wayne Coffey

“Sports Illustrated” called the victory of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team the greatest sports moment of the 20th century. No one expected the group of blue-collar athletes and their unconventional coach to perform a “Miracle on Ice.” Author Wayne Coffey brings the whole story to light in this amazing book.

(Photo: Crown/Archetype)
(Photo: Crown/Archetype)

4. “Off Balance: A Memoir” by Dominique Moceanu

As the youngest member of the 1996 Olympic gymnastics team, Dominique Moceanu helped her teammates claim the first team gold medal for the U.S. In her compulsively readable memoir, she illuminates the life of an Olympic gymnast and the trials and triumphs of victory. She also reveals incredible details about her life, including a dark family secret she only recently discovered.

(Photo: Touchstone Books)
(Photo: Touchstone Books)


![Teri Harman](//media.bonnint.net/slc/2538/253882/25388244\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65")
About the Author: Teri Harman \-----------------------------

Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a monthly column for KSL.com and contributes book-related segments to "Studio 5." Her novels, "Blood Moon," "Black Moon" and "Storm Moon" are now available. Visit her at teriharman.com

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