From Challenge to Champion

Awaken your child’s inner champion—and love of reading—with these motivational sports stories for kids ages 6–9.

“From overcoming challenges to advocating for change, this book shows how true champions inspire us both on and off the field.”
—Allyson Felix, seven-time Olympic gold medalist and founder of Saysh

Do you have a sports-obsessed kid eager to learn more about their favorite stars? Thrill them with From Challenge to Champion, a collection of stories about legendary athletes from soccer, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, and more. They’ll learn how these athletes overcame incredible challenges—whether injury, doubt, burnout, or difficult beginnings—and emerged victorious. From Simone Biles and Serena Williams to Lionel Messi and LeBron James, each athlete’s tale is a testament to hard work and perseverance that is sure to inspire and empower your child. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom libraries, or as a gift to young readers, this book is sure to become a treasured early chapter book.

What’s Inside?

• 12 uplifting sports heroes. Dive into the lives of LeBron James, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Simone Biles, Jessica Long, Megan Rapinoe, Jackie Robinson, Allyson Felix, Patrick Mahomes, Chloe Kim, Tom Brady, and Lionel Messi—top athletes from America’s most beloved sports.
• Life lessons that go beyond sports. Valuable insights on resilience, growth mindset, and the importance of believing in oneself inspire young readers to go after their own dreams.
• Additional athletes to know and love. 12 more short biographies of breakout stars like Caitlin Clark, Coco Gauff, and C. J. Stroud.

• Easy-to-read format that’s a slam dunk for new readers. Short chapters, fun illustrations, and simple language keep kids engaged and motivated to read more.

“From Challenge to Champion is not just about sports—it’s about heart, courage, and standing up for what’s right. From overcoming challenges to advocating for change, this book shows how true champions inspire us both on and off the field!”
—Allyson Felix, seven-time Olympic gold medalist and founder of Saysh

“Without passion, the champion never emerges. And isn’t that a great lesson no matter your age? Whether it’s LeBron James or Serena Williams, every athlete in From Challenge to Champion found that passion, that love inside them, that allowed them to go from dream to reality. Skyler’s love for sharing a story is contagious, making this book a fun and enjoyable read that will spark the passion in your kid.”
—Beau “The GOATmentator” Estes, NBA on TNT anchor and voice of the NBA Top 10

“Parents: Buy this book immediately. Your sports-loving child will not only be inspired by the resilience of the athletes but also encouraged to become a lifelong reader.”
—Mirin Fader, New York Times bestselling author of Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion and sports journalist at The Ringer

“From Challenge to Champion showcases some of the world’s greatest and most inspiring athletes who overcame obstacles at every turn, in a way that readers of any age will find both relatable and unforgettable. Share Skyler’s stories with your children and your friends—and relive the memories and achievements that leap off these pages.”
—Jeff Fellenzer, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism professor, NCAA Heisman Trophy voter, and Sports Business Classroom instructorSkyler Trepel is a multimedia sports and entertainment journalist and author from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with a passion for education, sports, entertainment, and family. Skyler received his bachelor of commerce (honors) from the University of Manitoba, his film production diploma from the Toronto Film School, and his master of arts in specialized journalism from the University of Southern California. He has written hundreds of articles for various publications and is currently a contributing writer for People magazine/People.com, focusing on sports and entertainment.Inspiring Sports Books for Kids