Simone Biles Biography K-2

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Illustrated chapter book biography for kids age 5-9

for copies signed by the author, contact Rachelleburk (at) gmail (dot com)

Simone Biles has been called the greatest gymnast of all time, winning five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22. Before she wowed the world with her incredible gymnastics skills, Simone was an energetic young girl who dreamed of becoming a top gymnast. She trained for hours every day and made many sacrifices to pursue her goals. Explore how Simone Biles went from being a kid growing up in Texas to an Olympic athlete who has won more gymnastics medals than anyone in history.

The Story of Simone Biles includes:

• A fun quiz―Test your knowledge of Simone’s life with a short quiz that covers the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of her story.
• Word definitions―Explore a helpful glossary with some of the more advanced words and ideas in this beautifully illustrated book about Simone Biles.
• Lasting change―See how Simone’s accomplishments helped open doors for female athletes across the world.

How will Simone’s hard work and determination inspire you?

From School Library Journal:  Gr 2-5–This early chapter book biography unveils the remarkable story of gymnastics legend Simone Biles, who stands at just 4 feet 8 inches. The interactive text is enriched with bold vocabulary, myth and fact highlights, maps, discussion questions, and time lines, offering readers a dynamic reading experience. Biles’s profound impact on sports and the Olympics is skillfully portrayed, emphasizing her strong focus and hard work.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gr 2-5–This early chapter book biography unveils the remarkable story of gymnastics legend Simone Biles, who stands at just 4 feet 8 inches. The interactive text is enriched with bold vocabulary, myth and fact highlights, maps, discussion questions, and time lines, offering readers a dynamic reading experience. Biles’s profound impact on sports and the Olympics is skillfully portrayed, emphasizing her strong focus and hard work." ― School Library Journal

“As a reading specialist, I look for rich literature that will appeal to my students at the elementary level. This book is filled with a robust vocabulary and has wonderful text features like "myth and fact," a timeline, and even a family tree. Rachelle has shared such personal details about Simone's life that students will be interested in turning the page to read more. All these features will help each and every reader engage with this biography.” ―Linda Lyon, Reading Specialist

“Reading the biography reminded me of my time in competitive gymnastics. I also talked to myself to remain calm and have fun. I was reminded of how wonderful I felt after competing and pushing myself to do better next time. I love the positive energy and honesty of the story even around some rather tough topics of ‘family’ and ADHD. It was refreshing to know that Simone was allowed to make her own decisions about her career. I feel it is powerful for children to know they can make their own decisions.” ―Kathy Coressel, Senior Regulatory Manager, 13 years in gymnastics

“For any youngster bold enough to dream, The Story of Simone Biles shows that hard work and determination can lift up even those from humble beginnings to golden moments. Although the path was never easy, Simone overcame obstacles and setbacks to become the greatest gymnast of all time. She also proudly carried her nation’s flag on the world’s biggest stage. Her journey, as told in rich detail by Rachelle Burk, inspires the child in all of us to set goals and keep trying even if everyone else says it’s impossible.” ―Robert Dvorchak, Retired Journalist and Sports Writer

“An entertaining and informative introduction to an Olympic champion. Biles' hard work, dedication, and perseverance to her gymnastics career are highlighted and provide an inspiring story for young girls. A perfect addition to classroom sports biographies for young readers.” ―Darlene Beck Jacobson, Children's Book Author

5.0 out of 5 stars Go Girls Go!

Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020

Biographies and autobiographies are considered one of the best resources for gifted learners. There are very few books on the market that speak to both giftedness and disabilities in the same person. The Story of Simone Biles does so. I was surprised to learn that Simone has ADHD, but quickly realized - and was thrilled to discover - that she used this to her advantage. Go Simone! The Simone Biles story will appeal to girls, athletes, minorities, and anyone who learns differently. I particularly liked the discussion questions; they were thought provoking and insightful. Children reading this book will be inspired to pursue their dreams. (While the story is geared toward K – 2 children, I think even 4th graders would appreciate it.)

Gail H. kid-lit author

... this book did not disappoint! The challenges of an elite athlete are not sugar-coated, but presented in a way kids can appreciate. Whether in academics, athletics or life in general, the concept of goal-setting is presented in lovely ways throughout the book.The charming illustrations break up the text at just the right moments. And, the other 'pauses', Myths and Facts and Jump in the Think Tank, were really neat and gave the reader, young or old, the green light to look at their own feelings and how they handled them. What a great intro to the world of biographies!

Jeffry W. Johnston, Edgar-nominated author of the YA novel FRAGMENTS

5.0 out of 5 stars THE STORY OF SIMOME BILES sticks the landing.

Just like a perfectly performed floor exercise, author Rachelle Burk has stuck the landing in her new book THE STORY OF SIMONE BILES. The writer’s clear and precise prose, accompanied by the bright and colorful illustrations by Steffi Waltha, make the book just right for new readers. Simone Biles’s story is one of commitment and dedication, and, starting with her early childhood, the book does a wonderful job of capturing the highs and lows of Ms. Biles’ training that led her to become perhaps the best female gymnast of all time. Questions throughout the book also help young readers to relate to Simone Biles in a way that allows them to think about their own hopes and dreams. Ultimately, THE STORY OF SIMONE BILES offers an important message to all children: that with hard work, support, dedication, and true love for what you do, it’s possible for all children to achieve their dreams and goals.

Linda Surks

5.0 out of 5 stars Great New Reader Biography

 This is a well-organized account of the inspiring life of Olympic champion Simone Biles. Each chapter follows the stages of her life and development as a gymnast, with a timeline review at each end and thought-provoking questions along the way designed to guide young readers. The reader comes away from the biography knowing this young woman with her trials, tribulations, and joys, but also with an understanding that dreams and hard work can make anything possible. Provides a very strong message for today's young people, and particularly young girls.

Eva Pell children's author

5.0 out of 5 stars Great biography for early readers

If you are looking for a book that a new reader can dig into, this book will be perfect for your young person. The reader travels along with Simone Biles on her journey and learns lessons that will serve all children well—life can be hard but that doesn’t prevent success; it takes hard work to succeed; sometimes you have to try more than once to achieve your goals; and most importantly, follow your dreams and have fun along the way. The book is designed with questions for the reader that will work well for adults reading the book with young people. Steffi Walthall’s illustrations are engaging and contribute to the reading experience. At the end of the book there is a quiz and some background information that would be useful to teachers using the book in a class.