I got this great newsletter from Random House Kids and wanted to share their newly published chapter books on the Olympics.
All eyes are on London this year as the world’s greatest athletes compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics. With roots in Ancient Greece to modern-day stories of triumph and dedication, there’s a lot to learn about the Olympic Games.
Chapter Books on the Olympics
Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #10: Ancient Greece and the Olympics
When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #16: Hour of the Olympics, they had lots of questions. What did the ancient Greeks wear? What did they do for fun? Where were the very first Olympics held? How are our modern Olympics similar to the ancient Olympics? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts. Filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. [easy chapter book for ages 6 and up]
Magic Tree House #16: Hour of the Olympics
Jack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House!
No girls are allowed at the Olympic Games!
That’s the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to ancient Greece. But when Annie tells Jack to go to the games without her, he knows she’s up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games? Or will she get herself—and Jack—into Olympic-size trouble? Find out in Hour of the Olympics. [easy chapter book for 2nd grade]
Non-Fiction on Olympics for 4th Grade and Up
A Passion for Victory
From the barefoot races of the 8th century BC to the underwater obstacle courses in the early 20th century to the high-tension Berlin Games preceding World War II, the Olympics have always been exciting dramas of athletic prowess and human interest. In A Passion for Victory, award-winning author Benson Bobrick tells the details of the captivating story of the Olympic Games, starting with their inception in Ancient Greece. This wonderfully readable narrative is rich with anecdotes and profiles of athletes and weaves in important historical events to create a complete picture of each installment of the Games. This thorough account of an international fixation is gripping, poignant, and occasionally hilarious. [non-fiction for 4th grade and up]
Swifter, Higher, Stronger
Let the games begin again! Acclaimed sportswriter Sue Macy’s comprehensive portrait of the Summer Olympics has now been fully updated for the 2008 games in Beijing, China. This new edition includes a complete retrospective of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. The new text will also incorporate updates to all charts and records, as well as fun facts and anecdotes from the most recent Olympics and training, making this a perfect Olympics history handbook as the 2008 Games unfold historically in China.
Swifter, Stronger, Higher (Updated Edition) paints a dramatic and fascinating picture of the Summer Olympics. Absorbing narrative and vivid photographs tell stories of tragedy, triumph, scandal, and of course, action from over a century of modern games! A foreword by sportscaster Bob Costas, five new interior photos (more than 100 total), at-a-glance information on each Olympiad, a map of Olympic sites, a chart of record-setters, and a rich guide to further resources round out this exceptional update to a gold-medal title. [non-fiction for 4th grade and up]
Olympic Sports Mystery Fiction
Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics
Bestselling sportswriter and Edgar Award winner John Feinstein is back with another sports mystery featuring Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson—this one set at the Summer Olympics in London. In this book, Susan Carol isn’t a reporter—she’s an Olympian, competing as a swimmer at her first Olympic games. Stevie is both proud and envious of her athletic prowess. And he’s worried by the agents and sponsors and media all wanting to get up close and personal with Susan Carol. But the more disturbing question becomes—how far might they go to ensure that America’s newest Olympic darling wins gold?
Sports novels abound, but Feinstein’s books are all-stars. They combine sports action, high-stakes mysteries, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of big-time sporting events. [chapter book for 4th grade and up]
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Really want to check out A Passion for Victory! Also my daughter is a big fan of Magic Tree House and fact trackers! The only thing we don’t like is that they are B&W – should definitely come out with deluxe color versions!
Hi Ann,
You are right! Color would be nice. Please let me know what your daughter thinks of any of these books. I love getting a kid’s perspective! Thanks!