Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Inspirational profiles of 18 Winter Olympics and Paralympics standouts. As in her 2024 companion volume about Summer Olympians, Stevenson recaps the various athletes’ discoveries of their chosen winter sports and their rise to local, national, and then international championships. Her chief focus is on the obstacles each person faced and overcame along the way, such as home schooling and other accommodations necessitated by intense training regimens, as well as expensive coaching and competition travel. Some coped with physical issues: Japanese American figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi was born with clubfoot, and bone cancer left Canadian multisport Paralympian Cindy Ouellet with severe nerve damage in her legs. Other athletes dealt with racism and homophobia (after a triumph on the slopes, Korean American snowboarder Chloe Kim was told to “go back to China”), bullying (Ouellet recalls that upon her return to school after chemotherapy, “people were even kicking my crutches”), and debilitating bouts of anxiety and self-doubt. Their ultimate triumphs are clearly well earned. Stevenson also describes the hopes many have for influencing others; French figure skater Surya Bonaly, a transracial adoptee whose birth mother came from Réunion, hoped to change perceptions that “winter sports were just for white people.” In interspersed segments, the author addresses discriminatory attitudes toward transgender athletes, the challenges faced by those from tropical countries who wish to train for winter sports, and other topics. Steinfeld’s bright spot images of the determined achievers enhance the text. Inclusive and appealing. (bibliography, index)(Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal
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Gr 4–8—This collective biography presents the inspirational stories of 16 Winter Olympic athletes. The author includes a variety of diverse athletes, such as para-Nordic skier Cindy Ouellet, snowboarder Chloe Kim, Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, speed skater Shani Davis, and ice skater Nathan Chen. Readers will learn about the many challenges that Olympic athletes face and the support structures that help them reach the pinnacle of their sport. Each athlete's story reflects the common themes of determination, resilience, and family support. These athletes have had to overcome obstacles, such as homophobia, racism, mental health issues as well as physical injuries. The author also describes the impact that Olympic training has on the athletes' families who often must make financial sacrifices and relocate their homes. By interspersing the narration with direct quotes, the highly accessible text reveals the mindsets of the athletes at different points in their careers. Most pages include engaging graphic novel–style illustrations with black line drawings and bold colors. The book also features a bibliography with print and digital sources. VERDICT A wonderful addition to libraries serving upper elementary and middle school patrons who enjoy sports biographies.—Maile Steimer