I AM SIMONE BILES (Ordinary People Change the World), by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, Rocky Pond Books, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 5-9)
The most decorated gymnast of all time, joins the ranks of the Ordinary People Change the World picture book biography series in I Am Simone Biles, by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos.
At age eight, Simone Biles began working with a gymnastics trainer, and by fifteen she was competing in a national championship—and winning best all-around. Before she turned twenty, she was an Olympic gold medalist on her way to becoming the best gymnast the world has ever seen. And through it all, Simone has been a role model for bravely opening up about her mental health struggles, knowing when to take a break, and always finding the strength to try again. —Synopsis provided by Rocky Pond Books
My kid was the perfect age for the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (which was inspired by this biography series) when it premiered. So, when I read I Am Simone Biles, those voices are the ones I heard in my head (IYKYK).
I Am Simone Biles is a joy to read. Author Brda Meltzer’s conversational text is bright, accessible and fun to read. He packs in a lot of information into a small space, and it never feels overwhelming. Christopher Eliopoulos’ illustrations are cute and expressive. His comic-style layouts enhance the action. And his inclusion of some other well-known gymnasts and Xavier, his sister Yadina, their friend Brad are fun Easter eggs.
As with other books in the Ordinary People Change the World series, I Am Simone Biles includes a timeline, photos, influential childhood moments, lots of facts, and a specific virtue Simone embodies— her perseverance and grit.
I Am Simone Biles is a great addition to a series that every kid can enjoy.
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