Frank Carlson Library

"In the 1928 Olympics, Chicago's Betty Robinson competed as a member of the first-ever women's delegation in track and field, and was feted as America's Golden Girl-- until a nearly-fatal airplane crash threatens to end everything. Outside of Boston, Louise Stokes, one of the few black girls in her town, sees competing as an opportunity to overcome the limitations placed on her, and risks everything to join the Olympic team. From Missouri, tomboyish...

Following her performance in the 2012 London Olympics, U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas made history as the first African-American to win the all-around competition, in addition to winning gold as a crucial member of the women's gymnastics teams. But if it wasn't for several key moments -- and people in Gabrielle's life, none of this would have ever been possible. In this autobiography, Gabrielle tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination....

"Learn more about the accomplishments of the greatest female Olympic athletes from around the world. The title also features informative sidebars, a glossary, and further resources."--Publisher's website.

Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII, only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

"In 2021, Simone Biles shocked the world when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympic Games after experiencing the "twisties" -- a scary feeling during which gymnasts lose control of their bodies while mid-air. Audiences had expected Simone to dominate these games. With seven Olympic medals, twenty-five World Championships medals, and four gymnastic skills named after her, she is considered to be the G.O.A.T. of women's gymnastics. That summer, however,...

"The extraordinary story of the small Vermont town that has likely produced more Olympians per capita than any other place in the country--and whose citizens provide a model for achieving excellence while leading a well-rounded life. Norwich, a charming Vermont town of roughly three thousand residents, has sent an athlete to almost every Winter Olympics for the past thirty years--and three times that athlete has returned with a medal. How does Norwich...

"For Sera Wheeler, the Olympics is the reason for everything. It's why she trains thirty hours a week, starves herself to under 100 pounds, and pops Advil like Tic Tacs. For her mother, Charlene, hungry for glory she never had, it's why she rises before dawn to drive Sera to practice in a different state, and why the family scrimps, saves, and fractures. They're why when Sera's best friends reports the gymnastics doctor to the authority who selects...

"In the early twentieth century, few Americans knew how to swim, and as a competitive sport, it was almost unheard of. That is, until Charles Daniels took to the water. On the surface, young Charles had it all: high-society parents, a place at an exclusive New York City prep school, summer vacations in the Adirondacks. But the scrawny teenager suffered from extreme anxiety and a sadistic father who mired the family in bankruptcy and scandal before...

This encyclopedia highlights more than 40 Olympic sports. Alongside both historic and recent photographs, readers will learn about the basics of each competition, its origin, how it has changed throughout the years, and the icons in each sport. In addition, this book provides information about the Paralympics. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.

"In this inspiring book, US Olympian and hockey star Kendall Coyne shares the grit and determination it took to break down barriers and achieve her dreams against tremendous odds, encouraging young people to follow their passions and never give up. The world told Kendall Coyne to slow down. They said "not so fast" when she picked up hockey skates instead of figure skates. They said "just a minute" when she tried out for the boy's team. They told her...