
Reach for this book when your child is facing a new challenge or needs to understand that success is built on a foundation of grit and practice. Joanne Mattern's biography of Simone Biles introduces young readers to the world's most decorated gymnast, focusing not just on her medals, but on the perseverance required to reach the top. It gently touches upon her early life and adoption by her grandparents, framing these experiences as part of a journey toward a supportive and loving home. Ideal for children aged 5 to 8, the book highlights themes of resilience, family support, and the importance of finding joy in one's passion. Parents will appreciate how it demystifies greatness by showing the hours of training and the necessity of getting back up after a fall. It serves as an excellent tool for discussing how a positive mindset and a strong support system can help anyone achieve their biggest dreams.
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Sign in to write a reviewFocuses on athletic achievement; less focus on the social pressures Biles has faced later in life.
The book addresses Simone's early childhood instability and her placement in foster care. The approach is direct but age-appropriate and secular. The resolution is highly hopeful, emphasizing the stability and love found in her adoptive family (her grandparents).
An active 7-year-old who loves sports but sometimes gets frustrated when they don't master a skill immediately. It is also perfect for children in kinship or adoptive care who need to see high-achieving role models with similar family backgrounds.
The book can be read cold, though parents should be ready to explain what foster care is if the child is unfamiliar with the concept. The transition from her biological mother's care to her grandparents is handled with grace. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I'm not good at this, I want to quit,' or after a child asks questions about what it means to be adopted.
Five-year-olds will be captivated by the photos of Simone's athletic feats. Eight-year-olds will better grasp the timeline of her career and the discipline required for professional sports.
Unlike more complex biographies, Mattern's version uses very accessible language and high-quality photography that makes the 'Greatest of All Time' feel relatable and human to the youngest readers.
This biography follows Simone Biles from her early childhood through her rise as an Olympic champion. It covers her introduction to gymnastics during a field trip, her move into foster care and subsequent adoption by her grandparents, and the intense training regimen that led to her record-breaking career.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.