10 Children’s Books About The Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in northern Italy, from February 6 to 22, and will be followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to 15.
To get your kids in the spirit of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and help them learn about the inspirational athletes and history of these international sporting events, check out these 10 books we think they’ll love:
Fearless Heart: An Illustrated Biography of Surya Bonaly (Ages 6-8)
“A vibrant picture book biography of Surya Bonaly, the figure skating champion who backflipped her way into history.
Culminating in her iconic backflip performed at the 1998 Olympics, Fearless Heart is a lushly illustrated, lyrical story of self-expression and courage.”
Hayley's Journey (Ages 4-8)
“We can do this!” Hayley Wickenheiser calls to her team as they skate out onto the ice. It’s been a long journey to the Olympics, but Hayley has worked hard to get here. From early-morning practices to playing with boys hockey teams during her childhood, from being the youngest player on Team Canada to winning two Olympic gold medals, Hayley knows she can make history again.”
Kid Olympians: Winter (Ages 4-7)
“Triumphant, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood stories of a diverse group of international athletes who have captured the world’s attention at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, including Johnny Weir, Chloe Kim, Alex and Maia Shibutani, Surya Bonaly, and 13 other inspiring Olympians.”
Meet Clara Hughes (Ages 6-10)
“Clara is still the only person in the world to ever win multiple medals at both the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. But perhaps her biggest accomplishment is the work she has done to help others.
Young readers will get the inside story of Clara Hughes’s inspiring life and how she learned to not only take care of herself, but to inspire others to do the same.”
Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater (Ages 4-8)
“A universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab.
After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least!”
A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games (Ages 8-12)
“Telling the inspiring human story behind the creation of the Paralympics, this young readers biography artfully combines archival photos, full-colour illustrations, and a riveting narrative to honour the life of Ludwig Guttmann, whose work profoundly changed so many lives.
Dedicating his life to helping patients labelled “incurables,” Ludwig Guttmann fought for the rights of paraplegics to live a full life. The young doctor believed—and eventually proved—that physical movement is key to healing, a discovery that led him to create the first Paralympic Games. ”
Tenacious:
Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes (Ages 4-8)
“A downhill skier whose blindness has sharpened her communication skills. An adaptive surfer who shreds waves while sitting down. A young man who excels at wheelchair motocross–but struggles with math. Tenacious tells their stories and more, revealing the daily joys and challenges of life as an athlete with disabilities.
These competitors have won gold medals, set world records, climbed mountain peaks, claimed national championships, and many more extraordinary achievements. ”
Wei Skates On (Ages 4-8)
“Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion Nathan Chen delivers an inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome.
As the first Asian American man to win gold in figure skating, Nathan Chen is a celebrated role model for kids who want to shine on and off the ice. His uplifting message of positivity and perseverance makes this story the perfect choice for social emotional learning at home or in the classroom.”
What Are the Winter Olympics? (Ages 8-12)
“Grab your skis, ice skates, and snowboard and learn how the Winter Olympic Games became a worldwide phenomenal event watched by millions.
Like its summer counterpart, the Winter Games are dedicated to bringing together the world's top athletes to honour their talents and see who gets to stand on the medal podium.”
What Are the Paralympic Games? (Ages 8-12)
“It's time to cheer for the inspiring athletes of the Paralympic Games!
Participants from all around the world vie for the gold medal in a variety of sports, including archery, basketball, swimming, speed skating, and ice hockey. Author Gail Herman highlights their achievements, describes how these athletes train--both mentally and physically--for the games, and gives the reader a better understanding of what makes the Paralympic Games one of the world's most viewed sporting events.”