For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton*

 Over two months (maybe more??) I read this biography aloud to my sons during lunch. Of the three biographies I bought to read to them, this one is probably the least exciting, but mostly likely the best written and most impressionable! Mr. Hamilton provides rich, detailed information about the times, the countries, and the people. If you like details and background information/context, this biography would be a treasure trove!

Mr. Hamilton shares with readers Eric Liddell's life as a runner and missionary in China up to his death and then how his family dealt with his death. This biography delves deeply into Eric's character and how he impacted people. Readers will carry with them an indelible impression of him. My oldest son said he will remember what an incredible person Eric was and wants to emulate him.

As far as I can tell, the author is not a believer like Eric. He, however, did not disparage his faith but treated it with high regard.

*Highly recommend for the reader who loves details and history.

Warning: some graphic details about how the Japanese treated their prisoners and the Chinese, the conditions in the camp are brutal, the author describes how teens were experimenting sexually/orgies-since I read it aloud, I could easily skip this section (about 2-3 paragraphs)

-I own this book.

The Boys in the Boat-movie*

 Last fall I read aloud this book to my teenage sons. I was so excited that Amazon Prime had it available!

The movie is a little over two hours long. Even in that amount of time, they could not include details about Joe's past, the couple of years he rowed, and all of the races before the Olympic medal. The producers incorporated enough facts to create a superb and inspiring movie. 

Rated P-13 for swearing & smoking 

My warnings- some swearing, some suggestive scenes-Joe sneaks into his girlfriend Joyce's dorm room, where she changes behind a screen-viewers see her bare shoulder & bra strap,  between husband and wife-"Come see a different/better view", and then the wife leaves her bathrobe lying in the doorway-viewers cannot see anything inappropriate, some drinking

Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change by Elisa Boxer illustrated Elizabeth Baddeley*

 After being stricken with polio, Ethelda follows her doctor's orders and learns to swim. In the water she feels strong and alive. Swimming transforms her life. Not only is she the first woman in the world to win all of the swimming events in one Olympic game, she is the woman who challenged the law requiring woman to wear socks. Her fiesty nature also prompts NYC to build its first public swimming pool. 

Ethelda was compassionate too. As a nurse, she devoted her life to teaching children with polio and cerebral palsy how to swim. She passed away in 1978.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown**

*"Adapted for young readers 

The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics

 I read this aloud to my teenage boys at lunch on school days. This read aloud has been my fourteen-year-old's favorite so far this year!

Mr. Brown deftly shares both Joe Rantz's personal life and also the formation of the 1936 Olympic rowing team. Readers also learn about the effects of the Great Depression and the politics leading to WW II. Great discussion could ensue about perseverance, work ethic, and teamwork. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

Consider/discuss: Joe's father abandons him when he was a young teenager. He basically must try to survive on his own until he is married. Hitler, his politics, and his cruelty towards Jews is mentioned.

-I own this book.

Walt Disney-Cool Runnings-DVD

 Rated: PG

When three men do not qualify for the summer Olympics in the 100m, they seek an American, a former Olympian bobsledder, living in Jamaica who could train them to compete in the bobsled event for the winter Olympics.

Humor abounds.  The qualities of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and integrity are featured throughout the film.  

My husband thought it was goofy.  My boys and I enjoyed it.  If the viewer is in the mood for a fun, light-hearted movie, this one is it!

Warnings: swearing, a lady admires the main character's butt, one character made the comment, "I have known you since that girl wanted to see your ding-a-ling"- (I did not catch it because of the accent and don't think my sons did.  My husband heard it.).  

-Borrowed from the library

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Greek Athlete by Michael Ford illustrated by David Antram

This book delves into the history of the Olympic games and offers great details about the training involved and the various events and structure of the games.
Additional facts are at the end plus a time of the Olympic Games.
I read this aloud to my boys to support our study of early Greek History.
-Borrowed from the library.

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong with Mark Tabb*

When Lopez was six years old, rebel soldiers kidnapped him and a bunch of other boys one Sunday morning where the families were worshiping.  He became one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  Miraculously, he survived the rebel boot camp from which three teenagers helped him escape.  For ten years he lived in a Kenyan refugee camp, running 18 miles around its border to dull the hunger and emotional pains.  Finally at sixteen years old, a couple from New York state adopted him and gave him the opportunity to live the American dream-an education and  . . . . hope.
In this book, Mr. Lomong describes the hardship Sudanese children experience, his adjustments to the U.S., the thrills of being an Olympic athlete and the challenges he faced while earning his degree.  Through it all, he sees God's provision and grace, and gives Him the glory.
He also shares his passion to help other children in Sudan through his nonprofit organization, 4 Sudan Vision (partnership with World Vision).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Wildest Race Ever by Meghan McCarthy

The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
As usual Ms. McCarthy makes history come alive with her engaging tone and ability to present facts/history in an interesting way.
She describes the course, the athletes and the situations that arose during the race.
-Borrowed from the library.

Run with Me, Nike! by Cassandra Case illustrated by Dan Brown

The Olympics in 420 B.C.
Tomas and his classmates are visiting the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute.  When Tomas peers closely at a pottery scene he is transported back in time to Greece where he trains for the Olympiad.
Nike is the goddess of Victory.
-Borrowed from the library.
A great book to utilize when studying Greek culture, ancient history and Olympic history.

Olympig! by Victoria Jamieson

The Triumphant Story of an Underdog
Boomer the pig is convinced he will win at the Olympics because as he states to Mr. Hamstring the reporter, "If you practice and try your best, you can do anything."
His philosophy does not pan out, however, when he loses every event.  His optimistic, determined attitude helps him overcome disappointment and strive for the next goal-Winter Olympics!

This book was a bit weird . . .but Boomer's determination is admirable.
-Borrowed from the library.

A True Book-Bobsledding and the Luge by Larry Dane Drimner

The history and current aspects of these sports are explained in this book that is perfect for grades 3rd-6th to read.
-Borrowed from the library.
My nine year old picked out this book and read it to himself.

Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull illustrated by David Diaz*

How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
Ms. Krull shares how Wilma's childhood was saturated with illness.  Then she is stricken with polio.  Doctors claim she will never walk again.  With the help from her mother,lots of determination and faith, she overcomes her handicap to become a three gold medal Olympic winner by running!
-We own this book.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: character traits, inferring, asking questions, connections
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.8