At WITS, we believe in the power of stories to shape how young people view themselves and the world around them. For young girls passionate about athletics, accurate and consistent representation matters. Seeing female athletes celebrated in books from an early age – on the field, on the track, on the court, or in the pool – helps encourage strength, self-assurance, and resilience in our youngest learners.
Whether your reader is a budding soccer phenom or just beginning to discover an interest in tumbling, these five books offer powerful female messages of courage, perseverance, and self-confidence.
1. She’s Got This
Author: Laurie Hernandez
Picture Book • Target Age Range: 4–8
Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez brings her personal story to life in this uplifting tale about a young girl named Zoe who dreams of flying high—but struggles with falling down. A perfect pick for young readers learning to face their fears and embrace the joy of movement, She’s Got This encourages girls to keep going, even when it’s hard. As the book says, “[f]alling is part of learning. Getting back up is a part of growing.”
2. The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, the First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
Author: Frances Poletti & Kristina Yee
Picture Book • Target Age Range: 5–9
This beautifully illustrated biography tells the true story of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1966—at a time when women weren’t allowed to compete. Gibb’s determination and quiet rebellion against unjust rules make her an unforgettable role model for young girls with big dreams.
3. Sisters & Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams
Author: Howard Bryant
Picture Book • Target Age Range: 6–10
More than just tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams represent excellence, discipline, and the bond of sisterhood. This dynamic book tells their story from childhood to championship, offering kids a powerful look at two girls who worked hard—and worked together—to rise to the top.
4. Izzy Barr, Running Star
Author: Claudia Mills
Early Chapter Book • Target Age Range: 7–10
Third grader Izzy Barr is the fastest runner at school and proud of it—until she starts to feel overlooked both in her family and among her friends. This relatable chapter book explores the joys and challenges of competitive spirit, and the importance of recognition, fairness, and friendship.
5. The Kicks: Saving the Team
Author: Alex Morgan
Chapter Book • Age Range: 8–12
Written by U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team star Alex Morgan, this series starter introduces Devin, a girl who has to adjust to a new town, a new school, and a less-than-perfect soccer team. Packed with energy, teamwork, and girl-powered grit, “The Kicks” is a great entry point for middle-grade readers who love sports.
Books like these have the power to demonstrate that strength, ambition, and passion belong in the classroom, as well as in a variety of non-academic spaces. By highlighting both trailblazers and relatable, lesser-known characters, these stories help cultivate a confidence and resilience in our readers that will serve them throughout their early lives and beyond.
I hope you will consider purchasing these titles for your own collections, encourage the readers in your life to borrow them from the library, or gift one to a promising young athlete. Every page turned is a step toward empowering the next generation of hard-working, confident female competitors and citizens.
