Soaking up the Summer Olympic Spirit by Michelle M. Falter

I don’t know about you, but as an English teacher and sports enthusiast, I've been completely captivated by the Summer Olympics this past week. There's something truly special about watching these incredible athletes push themselves to the limit, overcome challenges, and share their inspiring journeys. While I certainly feel a surge of patriotic pride, I also find myself cheering for athletes from all over the world and discovering fascinating sports I rarely get to see. Watching stars like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Stephen Nedoroscik, Sha'Carri Richardson, Caleb Dressel, and Noah Lyles compete, I'm reminded of why I love the Olympics so much - it's a unique celebration of human potential, sportsmanship, and global unity that I wish could last all year round.

As I think about the start of this academic year, I can see how the Summer Olympics could provide an incredible opportunity to get students excited about reading and writing. I think pairing the thrilling narratives of the Olympic games with carefully chosen YA literature could really engage students in their literacy activities. The Olympics offer such a rich tapestry of stories - tales of perseverance, cultural exchange, and athletic excellence - that would naturally lend themselves to meaningful classroom discussions, activities, and writing prompts. I'm excited to harness this Olympic spirit in the English curriculum, and I believe it could effectively bridge the gap between sports and literacy for many students.  Here’s a few ideas of how English teachers can harness the spirit of the Summer Olympics to enrich their curriculum through YA literature.

1. Exploring Themes of Perseverance and Achievement
The Olympics are filled with stories of perseverance, dedication, and triumph over adversity, themes that resonate deeply within YA literature. One ideas is to select YA novels that mirror these themes to facilitate rich discussions and activities. Books like Fast Girls by Elise Hooper, which follows three female athletes’ determination and resilience amidst the growing threats of war during the Nazi-sponsored 1936 Olympics in Berlin, provide rich fodder for exploring these themes.

Activity: Thematic Analysis Essay Students can write essays analyzing the theme of perseverance in both an Olympic athlete's story and a YA novel. This exercise encourages them to draw parallels and deepen their understanding of these universal themes.

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2. Cultural Diversity and Global Perspectives
The Olympics highlight cultural diversity and global unity, themes that can also be explored through YA literature. Books like The Knockout by Sajni Patel, which tells the story of a seventeen-year-old Indian American who attempts to balance her cultural heritage and her passion for Muay Thai boxing, can serve as a catalyst for exploring these themes.

Activity: Multicultural Book Club Organize a book club where students read and discuss YA sports novels from different cultures. Pair these readings with profiles or documentaries about Olympic athletes from those same cultures. This activity has the potential to promote empathy, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of the world.

3. Reading Olympics: A Competitive and Collaborative Activity
To foster a love for reading and healthy competition, organize a Reading Olympics. This activity can engage students in a fun and motivating way while enhancing their reading skills.

Activity: Reading Olympics Divide students into teams, each representing a different country. Over a set period, students read a selection of YA novels related to the Olympics or themes of sports and perseverance. See the list below of possible books to choose from.

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Medal Event Ideas:

1. Speed Reading: Award medals to students who complete the most books within the timeframe.
2. Comprehension Quizzes: Hold quizzes on the books read, with medals for the highest scores.
3. Book Reviews: Students write reviews of the books, with medals for the most insightful and well-written reviews.
4. Creative Projects: Students create a project related to one of the books, such as a poster, diorama, or digital presentation. Medals are awarded for creativity and execution.

Award Ceremony: Conclude the Reading Olympics with an award ceremony where gold, silver, and bronze medals are given out. This celebration recognizes students' efforts and achievements, while also fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging a lifelong love for reading.
As an English teacher, I'm always looking for ways to make my lessons more engaging and relevant. I believe that integrating the Summer Olympics into a curriculum through YA literature has the ability to spark students' interest in reading and writing. The rich stories and diverse themes not only improve their literacy skills but also broaden their worldview. Not only do adolescents love sports, these texts also have the possibility of helping students feel more connected to global events and cultures. Personally, I think it’s a win-win for the start of the year - effective, fun, relevant, timely, and meaningful all at once.

Here are some recommended YA and MG texts that feature some of the Summer Olympics Sports:

• Fast Girls by Elise Hooper (2020):

Fast Girls explores the lives of three female athletes who competed in the 1936 Olympics. Elise Hooper blends history and fiction, focusing on their determination and resilience amidst societal obstacles and global upheaval. The novel highlights their legacy and the challenges they faced in breaking barriers. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• Gold by Chris Cleave (2012):

Gold examines the friendship and rivalry between two competitive cyclists as they pursue Olympic glory. Chris Cleave delves into their personal struggles and triumphs, offering insights into the intense world of elite sports. The story underscores the complexity of balancing ambition with personal relationships. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

• Don't Tell Me You're Afraid by Giuseppe Catozzella (2016):

This novel tells the true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somali girl with Olympic dreams. Giuseppe Catozzella narrates her journey from war-torn Mogadishu to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, highlighting her spirit and the challenges she faced. It is a poignant account of the obstacles athletes encounter beyond their sport. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• The Flying Horse by Sarah Maslin Nir; Illustrated by Laylie Frazier (2023):

The Flying Horse follows the journey of a young girl training for the Olympics and her encounter with a magical horse. Sarah Maslin Nir weaves a story of ambition and courage, complemented by Laylie Frazier's illustrations. The narrative captures the determination and dreams of an aspiring Olympic athlete. Recommended for ages 8-14.

• Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab (2020):

​Breath Like Water delves into the life of a competitive swimmer aiming for the Olympic trials. Anna Jarzab presents the protagonist's struggles with pressure, injury, and self-discovery. The novel explores the resilience required to pursue athletic dreams amidst personal challenges. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• Tumbling by Caela Carter (2016):

Tumbling follows the lives of five gymnasts competing for a spot on the Olympic team. Caela Carter examines the personal and professional challenges they face, offering a look into their dedication and sacrifices. The story provides a perspective on the emotional journey of elite athletes. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

• The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson (2016):

The Flip Side, written by Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, explores the double life of a teenage gymnast training for the Olympics. The novel balances the protagonist's high school experiences with the demands of elite sports. Johnson offers insights into the world of gymnastics from an insider's viewpoint. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

• Code Red by Joy McCullough (2022):

Code Red addresses the topic of menstruation with humor and sensitivity, touching on the protagonist's interest in the Olympics. Joy McCullough's protagonist navigates the stigma surrounding periods while also engaging in athletic pursuits. The book aims to break taboos and promote understanding. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

• Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally (2017):

Coming Up for Air focuses on a competitive swimmer on the verge of a significant decision. Miranda Kenneally portrays the protagonist's balance between Olympic aspirations and personal desires. The novel captures the pressures of growing up and pursuing athletic goals. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics by John Feinstein (2012):

Rush for the Gold follows two teenage reporters covering the Olympic Games. John Feinstein combines elements of mystery and sports journalism, providing a glimpse into the world of competitive sports. The narrative highlights the excitement and challenges of the Olympic experience. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

• Break the Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli (2020):

Break the Fall examines the world of elite gymnastics through the eyes of a young athlete. Jennifer Iacopelli's protagonist deals with injury, team dynamics, and personal setbacks on her path to the Olympics. The story highlights the strength required to overcome obstacles in pursuit of athletic success. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• Gravity by Sarah Deming (2019):

Gravity tells the story of a young female boxer aiming for the Olympics. Sarah Deming explores themes of identity, perseverance, and the reality of the sport. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's journey and the challenges she faces in achieving her goals. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

• The Knockout by Sajni Patel (2021):

The Knockout follows a teenage girl balancing her cultural heritage and her passion for Muay Thai boxing. Sajni Patel's protagonist navigates family expectations and her aspirations, with the goal of competing in the Olympics. The novel addresses themes of identity, ambition, and determination. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Michelle M. Falter is a former middle and high school English teacher and currently an Associate Professor of English Education and the Director of Teacher Education at St. Norbert College in Green Bay, WI. Her work focuses on the study of young adult literature and how teachers take up these texts and their topics in the ELA classroom, along with the role of emotion and empathy in ELA teaching and learning. She can be reached at [email protected]