Who Is Michael Phelps?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Micah Hecht, Manuel Gutiérrez (Illustrator), Who H.Q.

Find out how a mischievous boy became a phenomenal swimmer and the greatest Olympian of all time in this inspiring addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series!

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Michael Phelps began swimming at age seven at the urging of his mom. As a young boy, Michael was brimming with energy--more energy than most other kids his age--and Mrs. Phelps thought this sport could help keep him calm and focused. As Michael grew older, his skills improved, and he transformed into one of the greatest swimmers in the world, winning twenty-eight Olympic medals.

Outside of the pool, Michael became an advocate for mental and physical health for adults and children. He even founded an organization that teaches water safety and promotes healthy living. Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps's thriving legacy in this illustrated middle-grade biography.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

112 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot he gave up a spot on the relay so his teammate could possibly win a medal. That was very unselfish of him and makes me like him even more. Yes he had some tough times but he is working to bring light to the mental challenges that go with being an athlete before and after Olympics.

[Madison Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who is Michael Phelps" tells a great story about Michael Phelps, focusing on his childhood, struggles with ADHD, and his Olympic greatness with 23 gold medals. The book discusses his hard work, determination, and overcoming challenges to become such an amazing swimmer. I liked this book but it teaches valuable lessons about determination and overcoming obstacles. In my classroom, I would use this in a center with prompted writing questions and a projected about his struggles and his overall life experiences.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm constantly bowled over by the tidbits of information I learn in the Who HQ series for each person that I read about the Michael Phelps' is the same way not only about his storied swimming career (and subsequent bad decisions before a comeback) but also his physical body which made him a stellar swimmer.

The trajectory of his life as the winningest swimmer is a crazy feat and the image of him with the medals around his neck is a priceless photo.

[Sarah Roberts Lundy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trying to find biographies for my 12 year old son who is a swimmer. This one did not make the cut. What a mess of a family and person. I told my son, he won races but there is nothing good to learn from this story.

This is a toxic story to raise children with.

[StephenPaul ChaseJr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know there are a controversial topics that were left out of this biography. It’s disappointing that the truth is hidden from children.

[Penny Evenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! Learned a lot about Michael Phelps!

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading about his life. Very inspiring.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it’s my 100th book of the year! Listened with the fam in the car. Ehhh. But fun for the swimmer! 💜

[Muriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting book for children who are into swimming. Unlike ledecky, Phelps doesn’t have an autobiography, yet.

[Jackson Brantley]

This goes into detail on his life and how he started swimming.