Total Gymnastics

Superstar Simone Biles is front and center on the introduction page of this comprehensive guide to gymnastics. Part of the Total Sports series, this volume discusses the history of gymnastics, from its ancient Greek roots to the modern Olympics, and notes key players. Though the most commonly known form is artistic gymnastics and Olympic events (four for women, six for men), there are several other forms of the sport (rhythmic, aerobic, acrobatic), and this volume explains them all. Close-up photos depict gymnasts undertaking various impressive physical feats in all fields of the sport. Though female gymnasts were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1928, this takes special care to acknowledge their contributions to the field, briefly telling the stories of gymnast heroes such as Nadia Comneci, Oksana Chusovitina, and, of course, Biles.

Thorough overviews make this series an ideal starting point for middle school research projects. The origins and histories of each sport are detailed and include descriptions of major past and present stars.