Olympic Book Review Series: All About Gymnastics

Gymnast Aly Raisman

The Gymnastics competitions are under way and I don't know about you, but it is one of my favorite Olympic events to watch. For 7 years when I was younger I did these events and I'm here to tell you that anyone who says it is not a sport obviously never tried it. Gymnastics uses more muscle groups than basketball and the gymnasts move their bodies more than football players. So a sport it is. The end of the debate. :)

There are several interesting books I found about gymnastics that young readers can enjoy. Gymnastics by Bobbie Kalmon and Tommy Everts features photographs of kids performing the gymnastics moves. The book covers everything from warming up to uneven bars to proper form while flying through the air. It also includes a picture glossary.

Gymnastics by Bernie Blackall discusses the differences between Artistic and Rhythmic gymnastics, as well as the history of the sport, U.S. Highlights, and skills and events. It features events for both guys and girls, so the Pommel Horse is included along with the Vault. This was the only book I found where males were included.  I tried to snap a picture of a page with the boys featured, but my camera on my phone stopped working.  Of course. 

Author Jen Jones has a series of books about gymnastics, as you can see below. The books include photos, history, and lots of good vocabulary (spotter, endurance, incline mat, apparatus, dismount, grips, etc.)

 

 

Here are some more gymnasts competing in this year's games. Who is your favorite to win the gold medals in gymnastics?  Who do you look up to if you enjoy gymnastics?

 Olympic Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas

Olympic Gymnast Jordan Wieber

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