Women in Sport: Kids Books to Celebrate Title IX
The purpose of Title IX legislation, passed 50 years ago this month, is to protect against sex-based discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding. The law has affected the opportunities of girls and women in many ways—notably leading to a huge increase in girls playing sports. Participation in sports can have more than just physical and health benefits, but leads to greater confidence and self-esteem.
In honor of Title IX's anniversary, we are sharing kids books about the many women who have broken barriers and achieved greatness in the sports arena both before and after the law's enactment. We've also included a few books specifically about Title IX to help kids understand what this law means and who fought to make it a reality.
Title IX
An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America
written by Helaine Becker; illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
You’ve likely heard of the law Title IX. It protects the equal rights of students, athletes, and professionals in America regardless of gender. But do you know about the women who fought to enact this new law? Here is the rousing account of how Title IX was shaped at the hands of brave politicians who took risks to secure women’s dreams and their futures under the Constitution
Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX
written by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
A champion of equal rights who helped create a better future for all Americans, this biography of the first Asian American woman elected to Congress showed how she carved her own path to become a historic trailblazer.
Athlete Profiles
Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
written by Ann Malaspina; illustrations by Eric Velasquez
A biography of the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, from her childhood in segregated Albany, Georgia, in the 1930s, through her recognition at the 1996 Olympics as one of the hundred best athletes in Olympic history.
Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl
written by Megan Reid; illustrated by Laura Freeman
A spirited portrait of the first Black Grand Slam tennis champion at Wimbledon describes how Althea Gibson rose from a fearless athlete in 1940s Harlem to a barrier-breaking star.
The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton
written by Audrey Vernick; illustrated by Steven Salerno
Presents the life of Edith Houghton, a female baseball phenomenon who joined the professional women's team the Philadelphia Bobbies at the age of ten.
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
written by Michelle Meadows; illustrated by Ebony Glenn
A lyrical picture book biography of the international gymnastics champion touches on her experiences as a foster-care child, her introduction to gymnastics and the dedication, talent and sacrifices that shaped her Olympic and World Championship achievements.
Babe Conquers the World: The Legendary Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias
by Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace
A portrait of the world record-setting woman athlete traces her early childhood ambitions through her courageous final battle with cancer, providing coverage of such topics as her achievements at the 1932 Olympics and her later dominance in professional golf.
She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner
written by Rita Williams-Garcia; interior illustrations by Gillian Flint
Considered the fastest woman of all time, Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo, set two world records in 1988 that still stand today. But getting there wasn't easy, and Flo-Jo had to overcome many challenges along the way.
Billie Jean! How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women's Sports
written by Mara Rockliff; illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Anything Billie Jean did, she did it ALL THE WAY. When she ran, she ran fast. When she played, she played hard. As a top women's tennis player, Billie Jean fought for fairness in women's sports, and when she faced off against Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes, the most famous tennis match in history, she showed the world that men and women--and boys and girls--are equal on and off the court.
Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating
written by Rose Viña; illustrated by Claire Almon
In the 1930s, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn't let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down color barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. Mabel became the first African-American woman to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird
written by Sharon Mentyka; illustrated by Ellen Rooney
This picture book biography of accomplished and celebrated basketball player and activist Sue Bird follows her journey from an energetic yet shy young girl to one of the most versatile and inspirational athletes of our time and a leader whose legacy extends off the court.
Sisters & Champions: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams
written by Howard Bryant; illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Tells the story of the highly successful tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, laying out their humble beginnings, hard work, mutual support, and their resulting extraordinary achievements in tennis.
Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon
written by Kim Chaffee; illustrated by Ellen Rooney
A narrative celebration of girl power shares the story of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, from her early lap-running in her backyard through her barrier-breaking achievements, while sharing insights into the value of a running community.
Women and Girls in Sport
Breaking Through: How Female Athletes Shattered Stereotypes in the Roaring Twenties
by Sue Macy
A timely account of the achievements of women athletes in the 1920s that describes how their defiance of period segregation and politics promoted women’s rights, redefined femininity and changed the course of history.
Girls With Guts! The Road to Breaking Barriers and Bashing Records
written by Debbie Gonzales; illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon
A celebration of the strength, endurance and athleticism of women and girls throughout history profiles inspirational athletes from the late 1800s through the 1970s who pushed for changes to the legal boundaries that prevented women from participating in sports.
Run Like a Girl: 50 Extraordinary and Inspiring Sportswomen
written by Danielle Brown; design and illustration by Robin Shields
All over the world, there are female athletes breaking barriers, pushing limits and achieving amazing things, but where did their journeys begin? And what challenges did they have to overcome to get where they are today? Here is a collection of fascinating biographical stories about 50 highly successful sportswomen.
Girls Race! Amazing Tales of Women in Sports
by Kathy Allen
Through narrative stories, explores female athletes who have made major contributions to sports and culture. Their victories thrill us. Their power amazes us. Their talent awes us. And their stories inspire us all.
Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.