Kid Olympians: Winter: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers (Kid Legends)
Kid Legends Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Kid Olympians: Winter gathers engaging, bite-size biographies of famous Winter Olympians and Paralympians, focusing on the surprising, funny, and often challenging moments of their childhoods. From snowboarder Chloe Kim building backyard jumps in California to figure-skater Yuzuru Hanyu training after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, each story highlights how ordinary kids grew into record-breaking athletes through grit, family support, and an unshakable love of sport. Illustrated vignette-style chapters make history feel personal while reinforcing universal themes of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Chloe Kim
Yuna Kim
Nathan Chen
Eileen Gu
Shaun White
Mikaela Shiffrin
Discussion points
Which athlete’s childhood challenge felt hardest to you? Why?
How did family or friends help these Olympians keep going?
What small step can you take toward a big dream today?
Why do you think diversity matters in sports?
How do setbacks make victories feel different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate athlete routines to daily chores or homework habits.
Watch a highlight clip together and compare to the childhood story.
Create a family ‘goal poster’ inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance conquers setbacks
Explanation: Each athlete fell, failed, or faced doubt before succeeding.
Real-World Application: Keep practicing a skill even when progress feels slow.
Example Lesson: Support systems matter
Explanation: Coaches, parents, and friends encouraged young Olympians.
Real-World Application: Ask for help and cheer on others toward their goals.
Example Lesson: Embrace diversity
Explanation: Athletes break barriers of race, gender, and ability.
Real-World Application: Celebrate differences in classmates and teammates.
Example Lesson: Set incremental goals
Explanation: Small achievements—landing a jump, shaving time—built confidence.
Real-World Application: Break homework or training into manageable steps.