Are you looking for some Track children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Track of any kind are a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Track books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Track, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Girl Running by Annette Bay Pimental
Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she’s not allowed to run on her school’s track team. But after school, no one can stop her! She is free to run endless miles to her heart’s content. This is an inspiring story of the first female to run the Boston Marathon comes to life in stunningly vivid collage illustrations.
She is told no yet again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because the officials claim that it’s a man’s race and that women are just not capable of running such a long distance. So, what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do.
Literacy Extensions:
- Track Literature List
- Student Booklet: “Track Counting”
- Track Counting
- My Track Story: Student Worksheets
2. Marathon Mouse by Amy Dixon
The mice of New York City dread the day of the New York City Marathon more than any other, the crowds, the large shoes, the noise. All of them, that is, except for Preston. He and his family live underneath the starting line on the Verrazano Bridge and every year Preston has dreamed of joining all the other runners in the marathon.
This year, Preston is determined to make his dream come true, even though his family tells him that mice are not fit to run marathons. He trains hard leading up to the big day and when the race starts, he successfully dodges sneakers and crosses the finish line, showing his family that mice can do much more than just scurry.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Track” Classroom Book
- “My Favorite Track Events” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Track Events
- Track Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Running is Totally for Me by Cassie Celestain
The story features a determined girl, Madi, that tries several sports in search for what truly inspires her. She calls on her friends to help her through the process, but ultimately stands firm in choosing what brings her joy.
When children read this book they will see stereotypes and gender roles being broken. They will hear encouraging words not only for the characters, but for themselves. At the back of the book, you will find three activities that you children can do right away. The activities incorporate language, math, and science all while getting your kid using gross motor skills and sports activities.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: My Favorite Track Event
- Track Story Parts Worksheet
- Make a Jersey Art Project
- Track Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Jesse Owens by David Adler
Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a “floating wonder.”
After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, including three in less than an hour, Owens competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four Olympic gold medals and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice.
Literacy Extensions:
- Track Literature List
- Track Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Track Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Track Award Metals Art Project
5. Unbeatable Betty by Betty Robinson
An inspiring picture book biography of the first woman to win a gold medal in track and field. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share with children. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.
At only sixteen years old, Betty Robinson became the first female gold medalist in track and field in the 1928 Olympics and an overnight sensation. She was set for gold again and had her eyes on the 1932 Olympics.
Her plans changed forever when a horrible plane crash left her in a wheelchair, with one leg shorter than the other. But Betty didn’t let that stop her. In less than five years, she relearned how to stand, to walk, and finally to run again and try to taste gold once more in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Track” Classroom Book
- Track Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Track Jersey Art Project
- Track Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Touch the Sky by Alice Coachman
This bestselling story tells how Alice Coachman, who was born poor in the state of Georgia, became the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Bare feet shouldn’t fly. Long legs shouldn’t spin. Braids shouldn’t flap in the wind. ‘Sit on the porch and be a lady,’ Papa scolded Alice.
In Alice’s Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African American girl could practice, so she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948.
Literacy Extensions:
- Track Word Bank
- Track Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Track Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Track Roll & Cover Math Games
7. The Berenstain Bears’ Big Track Meet by Mike Berenstain
It’s finally the Bear Family Big Track Meet! After years of training, Papa, Sister, and Brother are ready to race, jump, and climb their way to win gold. But there can only be one champion at the top of the podium. Who will it be?
The Berenstain Bears’ Big Track Meet is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and read full sentences.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Favorite Track Event” Student Booklet
- Track Make a Short Vowel Word
- Track Sight Word Games
- Track Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Sloths Don’t Run by Tori McGee
Sloths Don’t Run is the story of two rainforest creatures who embark on an unlikely adventure, running The Great Rainforest Race. The pair proves that with hard work they can do what seemed impossible!
Along their journey they also learn the true meaning of courage. The bouncy rhymes are fun to read aloud, and the story serves as a gentle inspiration to any child who dreams of accomplishing a goal.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Favorite Track Events” Classroom Book
- Track Letter & Sound Match Game
- Track Build a Word
- Track Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Track children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Track books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
