Hour of The Olympics (Magic Tree House #16) by Mary Pope Osborne

 Hour of The Olympics (Magic Tree House #16) by Mary Pope Osborne-80 pages

Jack and Annie go back in time to Ancient Greece to find a story for Morgan Le Fay's library in Camelot. It is time for the Olympics which are being held in Olympia. However, as soon as Jack and Annie arrive they realize women and girls aren't considered citizens and, therefore, Annie is not allowed to watch the Olympics. It is illegal for non-citizens to watch the Olympics or do many things men/citizens are allowed to do. Jack and Annie meet the philosopher, Plato, who takes Jack to see the Olympics. Annie tries to attend the Olympics and is caught, so she and Jack must flee Ancient Greece and return home to Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. They return and deliver the story to Morgan Le Fay. I have always enjoyed reading the Magic Tree House series. I enjoyed this one just like all the others before.

Private: The Games by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan

Private: The Games by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan, 366 pages

Private: The Games was a really good book to read during the Olympics, which I did.  Although the book is fiction, it takes place in Rio with some deadly events going on (kind of similar to the fear of the Zika Virus).  Jack Morgan of Private is chosen to be head of security for the Games.  He was also chosen 2 years prior to secure the World Cup Soccer Games. But, when things take a deadly turn, Jack has to be even more alert prior to the Olympics. Will he find the person trying to spread a deadly virus and sabotage the Games before it is too late?

Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics by Sue Macy; foreword by Bob Costas

Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics by Sue Macy; foreword by Bob Costas, 96 pages

This book covers the Summer Olympic Games from the beginning of the modern era.  Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin revived the ancient Olympic Games.  The first modern games was held in 1896 in Athens.  It is interesting to note in the first Olympics silver medals were awarded for first place and bronze for second. It was not until the games were held in St. Louis in 1904 did the practice of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals begin.  Women competing in the games was not accomplished until 1928 and only on a trial basis. Through the years, much controversy has revolved around the Olympic Games including Jesse Owens competing in Germany in 1936 much to Adolf Hitler's chagrin.  Politics played a role again in 1972 when the US basketball team did not show up to pick up a silver medal the team had earned after the judges made a biased decision in favor of the Russians.  Also, tragedy hit when 11 members of the Israeli team were killed by Palestinian terrorists.  And, who can forget the bomb that went off in 1996 during the games in Atlanta, killing one person.  This was an excellent book published by National Geographic with great pictures!  

Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics by Sue Macy and Peggy Fleming

Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics by Sue Macy and Peggy Fleming, 96 pages

Freeze Frame is a fantastic journey through the history of the Winter Olympics.  And, it could not be a more appropriate time to read a book about the Winter Olympics.  Published by National Geographic, this was a fascinating read.  Having been a fan of the Olympic games most of my life, this book brought back some great memories as well as sad ones. For instance, before my time, I had not known that the entire United States skating team was killed in a plane crash in 1961 prior to the 1962 Winter Olympics.  It was a devastating blow to figure skating in the United States.  Then in more recent times, there was the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan fiasco.  Some more happier memories were Eric Heiden's win of five gold medals in 1980 and Dan Jansen winning in 1994.  This book contains history of all Winter Olympic games from the first one in 1924 in Chamonix, France to the last one in Vancouver, Canada.  National Geographic and the author did a wonderful job on this book!!