10+ Best Gymnastics Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to ignite a passion for flips and tumbles in your little one? Look no further! Our curated selection of gymnastics books for 7-year-olds is designed to captivate and inspire young gymnasts. Whether your child is a budding gymnast or just loves a good story with dynamic characters, these books are sure to keep them flipping through the pages. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will help your child tumble into a love of reading!

Fun Gymnastics Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still by Karlin Gray, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This picture book biography tells the story of Nadia Comaneci, a young gymnast who scored the first perfect ten at the Olympics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that showcases the importance of perseverance and dedication in sports. The lively illustrations make it engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts and any child who needs motivation to keep practicing and striving for their best.

• Gymnastics Fun by Mickie Matheis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Strawberry Shortcake and her friends attend a gymnastics exhibition, which inspires them to try out gymnastics themselves.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces gymnastics in a fun and accessible way, encouraging kids to explore new activities and sports.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about friendship and trying new things.

• I Will Try by Marilyn Janovitz
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A little girl uses her imagination to master the basics of gymnastics, learning that with persistence, she can achieve her goals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the value of hard work in a simple, relatable way for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are new to gymnastics or any child learning the value of persistence.

• Jake at Gymnastics by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Jake and his diverse group of friends go through a fun day at gymnastics class, trying different equipment and moves.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to what happens in a gymnastics class, depicted through vibrant, action-packed illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who are curious about gymnastics or starting classes themselves.

• Stretching and Flexibility Secrets To Help You Gain Flexibility Quickly by Nadia Hayek
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Health
  • Synopsis: This book provides practical tips and exercises for young gymnasts to improve their flexibility and overall gymnastic skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations that are perfect for young readers, helping them understand and improve their gymnastic abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts looking to improve their flexibility and learn more about the physical demands of gymnastics.

Educational Gymnastics Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Cartwheel Katie by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammy Lyon
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Katie is eager to show off her cartwheel skills at her school's talent show, but first, she must learn how to do one properly. With the help of her friends and a little perseverance, Katie learns the importance of practice and patience in gymnastics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, perseverance, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that combines fun with an important lesson about practice and determination in learning new skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about school activities and learning new sports skills.

• My First Gymnastics Class by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Leyah Jensen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young girl as she attends her first gymnastics class, learning basic moves and making new friends. The story captures the excitement and nervousness of trying something new.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, basic gymnastics terminology, confidence building
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to what it feels like to attend a gymnastics class for the first time, encouraging children to try new activities.
  • Perfect for: Beginners in gymnastics and young children who are apprehensive about joining new activities.

• Gymnastics Jitters by Jake Maddox, illustrated by Katie Wood
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Dana is a skilled gymnast but struggles with nerves before each competition. This story explores themes of anxiety and coping mechanisms in sports.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional regulation, stress management, competitive sports understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the often-overlooked aspect of sports anxiety and provides coping strategies that can help in various high-pressure situations.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes who face nerves during competitions and need strategies to cope.

• Flip! How the Frisby Became a Sport by Molly Schaar Idle
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
  • Synopsis: This informative book traces the history of gymnastics through the story of how the frisby (an early gymnastics tool) evolved into a modern sport. It includes interesting facts and historical figures in gymnastics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of gymnastics evolution, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique historical perspective on gymnastics that is both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and how sports have evolved over time.

• Balance Beam Boss by Melisa Torres
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Emma dreams of becoming a balance beam champion but must first overcome her fear of falling. Through practice and the support of her coach and teammates, she learns to master the beam.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Confidence, overcoming fears, balance and coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that focuses on overcoming fears and the importance of support in sports.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring gymnasts and any child who is working to overcome personal fears in sports or other areas.

Challenging Gymnastics Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Graceful Gymnast by Tessa Kenan
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: The story follows young gymnast Mia as she trains for her first big competition. Along the way, she learns about the importance of grace under pressure and the power of teamwork.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces more complex themes of emotional resilience and teamwork, layered within the context of a competitive sport.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons about handling pressure and the importance of supporting others.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts who are beginning to understand the mental as well as the physical demands of the sport.

• Twists and Turns by Leslie Patricelli
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This engaging tale features Lily, a determined young gymnast who faces challenges mastering new twists and turns. The story focuses on her journey of self-improvement and innovation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into the technical aspects of gymnastics, which requires readers to understand and visualize complex movements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic motivator for children to persist in their endeavors and inspires creative thinking in tackling problems.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy detailed descriptions of sports techniques and stories of perseverance.

• Gymnastics Stars: An Interactive Guide to Mastering the Moves by Simone Biles
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Written by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, this interactive guide provides step-by-step instructions on gymnastic moves, accompanied by QR codes linking to videos for clearer guidance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers a hands-on learning experience that demands physical and cognitive engagement from the readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only teaches gymnastics skills but also directly connects readers with the expertise of a gymnastics champion, making the learning process engaging and authoritative.
  • Perfect for: Young gymnasts who are serious about improving their skills and appreciate a multimedia approach to learning.

• The Young Gymnast's Companion by Mary Lou Retton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Guide
  • Synopsis: Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton offers insights and advice on gymnastics, covering everything from training routines to diet and mental preparation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of topics in depth, from physical training to the psychological aspects of sports, requiring a higher level of comprehension and interest in the subject.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to succeed in gymnastics, authored by a renowned gymnast, which can inspire and educate ambitious young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring gymnasts who want a thorough understanding of the sport from a holistic perspective.

• Acrobatics for Every Kid: From Cartwheels to Confidence by Julie McNamara
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and detailed exploration of acrobatic gymnastics, with exercises designed to build confidence and skill in young athletes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a variety of acrobatic skills that require not only physical execution but also a deep understanding of body mechanics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical guide that encourages physical fitness and confidence through acrobatics, tailored for children to understand and follow.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in gymnastics and parents looking for safe, structured activities for their children to do at home.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of gymnastics books with your 7-year-old, you're on a fantastic journey. Reading about gymnastics can be as thrilling as the sport itself, and to make the most of this experience, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help your little gymnast get the most out of their reading time.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day to read gymnastics books.
  • How it helps: Encourages a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, such as after dinner or before bed, when distractions are minimal.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an enjoyable, cozy activity that kids can look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the nook with gymnastics posters or their favorite cushions.

• Picture Walk Before Reading
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures and discussing what might happen in the story.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and comprehension skills by using visual clues.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions like "What do you think she's doing here?" to encourage imagination.

• Read and Act Out
  • What it is: Read a scene from the book and then act it out together.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by physically engaging with the content.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive experience.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Discuss the characters' feelings and choices in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of narratives.
  • Tips: Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter.

• Book-Based Gymnastics Routine
  • What it is: Create a simple gymnastics routine inspired by the actions in the book.
  • How it helps: Connects reading to physical activity and helps cement the book's content in memory.
  • Tips: Keep the routine simple and safe, focusing on fun rather than technique.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and integral part of your child's daily life. Each of these activities is designed to boost engagement, comprehension, and enjoyment. So, grab those gymnastics books and let the adventures begin—both on the page and off! Happy reading and tumbling!