Book Review: Kid Athletes

Book: Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends by David Stabler with illustrations by Doogie Horner and color by Mario Zucca

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The author and illustrator of Kid Presidents have reteamed to share 20 true tales from the childhoods of famous athletes. From Babe Ruth (so incorrigible that his parents put him in reform school at age 7) to Muhammad Ali (who learned to fight at age 12 after a thief stole his bicycle), Kid Athletes is packed with inspirational stories from the world of sports. Billie Jean King rose from modest circumstances to win 39 Grand Slam championships; race car champion Danica Patrick fended of bullies who told her "girls can't drive"; and martial arts legend Bruce Lee credited his success, in part, to childhood dance lessons. Every goal, touchdown, and championship comes to life in these kid-friendly and relatable stories, all with Doogie Horner’s whimsical full-color illustrations. Kid Athletes is a slam dunk for young sports fans everywhere.


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

What makes an athlete great? Well, that's what Kid Athletes explores in this children's biography. This book takes a look at how sixteen athletes became world class athletes by showing how as kids all the hard work that went into pursuing their sport of interest. There were also quite a few who had to overcome things that could have hindered them such as racism, behavioral problems, bullying, sexism and more. While others just needed the confidence to believe in themselves and overcome their fears.

I learned a lot of interesting things from this book as well as learned about athletes I've never heard of. The writing will keep children entertained because it's fast-paced and easy-to-read. Throughout the book are colorful illustrations that add a bit of humor and fun to the biographies.

Below are the athletes that were focused:

Babe Ruth: Baseball
Jackie Robinson: Baseball
Billie Jean King: Tennis
Peyton Manning: Football
Danica Patrick: Race Car Driver
Bobby Orr: Hockey
Michael Jordan: Basketball
Tiger Woods: Golf
Yao Ming: Basketball
Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas: Gymnastics
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: All-Around Athlete
Bruce Lee: Martial Arts
Muhammad Ali: Boxing
Jesse Kuhaulua: Sumo Wrestler
Julie Krone: Horse Jockey
Lionel Messi: Soccer

I hope there will be a second volume of Kid Athletes because I can think of even more athletes that could be featured. I think books like this inspire kids and not just with sports. It could inspire them to go out there and give anything they're interested in a try.