10+ Best Gymnastics Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to inspire your 12-year-old gymnast? Look no further! Our curated selection of Gymnastics Books for 12-Year-Olds is packed with stories that leap off the page, capturing the excitement and challenges of the sport. Whether your young reader is a budding gymnast or a seasoned pro, these books are sure to keep them flipping through the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will motivate, entertain, and maybe even teach a new move or two!

Fun Gymnastics Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Gymnastics Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Gymnastics by Elfi Schlegel and Claire Ross Dunn
  • Genre(s): Sports, Instructional, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers everything about gymnastics including techniques, history, and tips for young gymnasts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only educational but also engaging, making it easier for readers to understand and love the sport of gymnastics.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring gymnasts and young sports enthusiasts who want to learn more about gymnastics in a fun way.

• Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far about Love, Faith, and Living Your Dreams by Shawn Johnson
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Sports
  • Synopsis: Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson shares her journey from a young gymnast to a professional athlete, detailing her experiences and the lessons she learned.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides inspiration and motivation through personal stories that resonate with young readers, showing them how determination and hard work can lead to success.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a role model in sports or anyone interested in the life of an athlete.

• Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This memoir details the life of Simone Biles, from her early days in foster care to becoming a world-renowned gymnast and Olympic medalist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories and fans of gymnastics looking for a motivational read.

• Gymnastics Jitters by Jake Maddox and illustrated by Katie Wood
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: Dana is nervous about competing in her first gymnastics meet. With the help of her friends, she learns to overcome her fears and discovers that doing her best is more important than winning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common fears and challenges faced by young athletes, teaching valuable life lessons in perseverance and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts and any child dealing with nerves in sports or other competitive activities.

• I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Sports
  • Synopsis: Laurie Hernandez shares her journey to the Olympics, detailing the hard work, determination, and passion that helped her achieve her dreams.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring autobiography that shows the importance of self-belief and resilience in reaching one's goals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream big and are looking for inspiration to achieve their own goals in sports or any other pursuits.

Educational Gymnastics Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Flip! How the Frisbee Took Flight by Margaret Muirhead
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
  • Synopsis: This book traces the surprising history of the frisbee, from its invention by college students to its impact on sports, including the gymnastic-like movements in frisbee routines.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of physics in sports, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique look at how a simple idea can evolve into a global phenomenon, inspiring creativity and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the history of sports and those who enjoy stories of inventions.

• Gymnastics Psychology: The Ultimate Guide for Coaches, Gymnasts and Parents by Joe Massimo and Sue Massimo
  • Genre(s): Sports Psychology, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This guide offers insights into the mental aspects of gymnastics, including techniques for improving focus, overcoming anxiety, and enhancing performance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mental resilience, sports psychology, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the often-overlooked psychological challenges in gymnastics, providing practical advice for mental training.
  • Perfect for: Gymnasts, coaches, and parents looking to deepen their understanding of the mental game in gymnastics.

• The Science of Gymnastics by Katie Kawa
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the scientific principles behind gymnastics, such as physics and biomechanics, explaining how gymnasts use science to perform their movements.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific understanding, critical thinking, appreciation for sports science
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex scientific concepts into understandable segments, showing how they apply in the context of gymnastics.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts and science enthusiasts eager to understand the mechanics behind the sport.

• Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith by Gabrielle Douglas
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This autobiography shares the journey of Gabrielle Douglas, who overcame numerous challenges to become an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, motivational learning, autobiographical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: Gabrielle's story is a testament to the power of determination and faith in one's self, which can inspire readers to pursue their own dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and readers who love true stories of triumph and resilience.

Challenging Gymnastics Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Letters to a Young Gymnast by Nadia Comaneci
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Nadia Comaneci, the celebrated Olympic gymnast, shares her profound insights on life and gymnastics through a series of heartfelt letters.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes such as the pursuit of perfection and the pressures of fame at a young age, presented through sophisticated narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique, personal perspective on achieving excellence and the sacrifices involved, providing deep reflections that challenge young readers to think critically about success and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts who aspire to excel and readers interested in the personal stories of legendary athletes.

• Off Balance by Dominique Moceanu
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Sports
  • Synopsis: Dominique Moceanu, a member of the 1996 U.S. Women's Olympic Gymnastics team, recounts her experiences in the world of competitive gymnastics and the personal and professional challenges she faced.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles mature topics such as emotional abuse and the physical demands of gymnastics, written in a candid and introspective style.
  • Why we recommend this book: This memoir provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an elite gymnast, encouraging readers to consider the ethical and personal costs of high-level competition.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the realities of professional sports and those looking for a story of resilience and courage.

• Chalked Up: My Life in Elite Gymnastics by Jennifer Sey
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Sports
  • Synopsis: Jennifer Sey offers an unflinching look at her rise to becoming a U.S. National Champion gymnast and the intense pressures of elite gymnastics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a critical view of the gymnastics world, discussing controversial issues like eating disorders and mental health with complex language and depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book exposes the darker side of gymnastics, providing a cautionary tale that encourages readers to seek balance and healthy environments.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers who appreciate a realistic look at sports and those interested in advocacy for athlete welfare.

• The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson
  • Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Follow the life of high school gymnast Charlie Ryland as she struggles to balance her Olympic dreams with the everyday challenges of adolescence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores themes of identity and pressure, integrating elements of sports psychology and teen issues in a nuanced narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by an Olympic gold medalist, it resonates with authenticity and provides a relatable and inspiring story for young gymnasts and other athletes.
  • Perfect for: Teen readers looking for a story that combines the thrill of sports with the complexities of growing up.

• Finding Our Balance by Brooke Hemingway
  • Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a group of young gymnasts as they navigate the ups and downs of competition and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex interpersonal dynamics and the psychological impact of competition, requiring readers to engage with emotionally charged scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling exploration of personal growth and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of support and friendship in achieving one's goals.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts and readers who enjoy stories about teamwork and personal development in a competitive setting.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the world of gymnastics through books, it's a great idea to develop some solid reading habits to enhance your experience. Here are some exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to get the most out of their gymnastics reading adventure:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading schedule and builds a routine.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic number that fits into your daily routine without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration by associating the space with reading and learning.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit, quiet, and comfortable.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested in gymnastics.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the chapters you read and what you didn’t understand.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words you encounter.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Write down the new words you learn in your reading journal.

• Visualize the Techniques
  • What it is: Imagine the gymnastics moves in your mind as you read about them.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the techniques described.
  • Tips: Use diagrams or videos online to get a clear picture of the moves if you’re unsure.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you’ve read and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you’ll not only enjoy your gymnastics books more, but you’ll also develop strong reading habits that will benefit you in all areas of learning. Happy reading and tumbling through the pages!