She Persisted: Simone Biles

by Kekla Magoon, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Simone Biles!

Simone Biles was raised by her grandparents and had to overcome many hardships as a child. After trying gymnastics for the first time on a field trip from elementary school, Simone continued with the sport, working hard and reaching professional levels. She persisted in the field and went on to become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. Through it all, she inspired kids everywhere to follow their dreams.

In this chapter book biography by NAACP Image Award-winning author and Coretta Scott King Honor recipient Kekla Magoon, readers learn about the amazing life of Simone Biles--and how she persisted. 

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Simone Biles's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Florence Griffith Joyner, Ruby Bridges, Diana Taurasi, and more!

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Sports, Middle Grade, Childrens

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the She Persisted series, this is an accessible biography for young readers. Fans of the Who Was? series will enjoy this.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Philomel Books through Edelweiss+.
Part of the She Persisted biography series.
Magoon captures Biles upbeat spirit and commitment to her life and her sport. Readers see her life as a child moving through uncertain times to feeling a permanent home with her grandparents. She began her gymnastics training at six and learned quickly. Her abilities were obvious and her passion helped her observe and tackle difficult skills. The book takes us through the delayed 2020 Olympics and her decision to practice good mental health by withdrawing. I appreciate the affirmative tone Magoon takes with this part of her life. Readers also see Biles speak out about the abuse gymnasts endured without anyone stepping up to stop it.
At the end, readers are challenged to look at how they can persist too. Suggestions and encouragement are offered to keep thinking forward.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these short, accessible biographies -- I love that they center diverse voices, I love that they feature diverse authors, and I love that they celebrate excellence. This particular book is well written -- I'm impressed at how Magoon was able to explain complex parts of Simone Biles' journey. She's great at clarity, and also at unapologetically celebrating Biles' firm defense of her own physical and mental health.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book with my bigger kids and it was so good! Both of them are gymnasts so knowing how she persisted in her gymnastics career was interesting. We learned where she came from and the life things she has gone through. It was also interesting to learn she's only 4 ft 8 inches! Such a good memoir with applicable things to the girls who read it.

[Hillary Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, reading through this series looking for the family copy that we will send home for our experience with She Persisted. Loved this story about Simone and her mental health was covered too at the end of the book. Well done but I'm going to stick with Ruby Bridges I think. Simone you are an inspiration and a woman of true grit and perseverance. Thank you for your role model!

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

I think this series is just so great! I really enjoyed learning about Biles. I like that Magoon didn't shy away from some details that some people would chose not to talk about because they are difficult topics, like Simone's biological mother's drug addiction.

The entire book shows how determined Biles is, despite setbacks.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the life and career of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The book also depicts some of the challenges she had to overcome in her career and personal life. Overall, the book was an inspiring family friendly read.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The SHE PERSISTED series are such a wonderful set of biographies and this one did such a great job being both informative and inspirational while not shying away from difficult topics in a way appropriate for the age. Perfect!

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! What a focused amazing athlete and leader. What a tremendous support system she has and she herself continues to be as well.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice children’s chapter book about Simone Biles, greatest gymnast of all time, & how she achieved her dream.

[Steffani Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro into a biography for my kids. My daughter wants to get more books from this series and learn about even more inspiring young ladies.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's Nonfiction
Biography

The 'She Persisted' children's biography series features the G.O.A.T., Simone Biles.

Read/listened to this with my 9yo during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by Elena, age 8

[Lizzy Lan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for fans of the Who Was/Is series. Nice writing flow, accessible for young readers, explains new vocabulary or concepts, reads almost like a story, engaging read.

[Audrey Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was an easy read and it was cool to learn more about Simone Biles and all that she has accomplished.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for elementary students, this book is short and inspiring.