Best Gymnastics Books for 8 Year Olds (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Finding the best gymnastics books for 8 year olds starts with the reader: one young fan may want a story to follow, while another may want facts about moves and equipment. The picks below compare what each listing states about reading age, grade level, length and series, so a parent can match the book to the reader.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	My Book of Gymnastics by DK	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Gymnastics by Flynn	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	I've Got This! by Torres	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	The Gymnast by Slazyk	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	She's Got This by Hernandez	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

My Book of Gymnastics by DK

DK·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A photo guide to moves, equipment and gymnastics types for a young fan who wants facts, not a story.

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Pros

• Reading age 6 to 9 years, grade level 1 to 4
• Photos and step-by-step illustrations explain moves and equipment
• Covers rhythmic, acrobatic and artistic gymnastics

Cons

• A facts guide, not a story
• 64 pages, short for a long-book reader
• No series stated, no next volume to follow

2

Gymnastics by Flynn

Sarah Wassner Flynn·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A short Level 2 reader on gymnastics history, events and competitions for an independent reader.

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Pros

• Level 2 text for an independent reader
• Covers history, events, competitions, training and judging
• Reading age 5 to 8 years, grade level Kindergarten to 3

Cons

• 32 pages, short for a long-book reader
• Aimed at younger readers too
• No series position stated, stands alone

3

I've Got This! by Torres

Melisa Torres·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A chapter story about a girl starting competitive gymnastics, for a reader who wants a story.

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Pros

• Chapter story in competitive gymnastics, on confidence and friendship
• Book 1 of 8, more books to follow
• Century Gothic, a dyslexic-friendly font

Cons

• Grade level 4 to 6 disagrees with 2nd/3rd grade reading level
• Reading age 7 to 9 years, marked as from customers
• Heroine aims for a Level 3 team

4

The Gymnast by Slazyk

Joanne Slazyk·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A longer gymnastics novel about a teenager changing gyms, for a confident reader who wants an older heroine.

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Pros

• Full gymnastics novel at 203 pages
• Reading age 8 to 14 years starts at 8
• Gymnast changing gyms, training for Regional Gymnastics Championships

Cons

• Heroine is fourteen, older than the reader
• No grade level stated
• A teammate works against Riley, preview for a sensitive reader

5

She's Got This by Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A picture book about a girl who falls off the beam and tries again, for a younger reader.

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Pros

• Picture story about falling and trying again
• Title age range of 4 to 8 years
• Illustrated, 32 pages, for a read-aloud

Cons

• Reading age 3 to 7 years, marked as from customers, below 8
• A picture book, short for a chapter reader
• No series stated, a single story

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More picks to compare

• Shine Like a Champion by KrossFor a young gymnast working on confidence, nerves and bouncing back after mistakesCheck on Amazon
• Gymnastics Girls of Star Club by KrossTwelve gymnastics stories about friendship and confidence for girls ages 6 to 10Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. All 5 listings give a reading age, and 4 give a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best gymnastics books for 8 year olds

Match the reading age and grade level to the reader

A reading age of 6 to 9 years, as My Book of Gymnastics by DK gives, sits right on an 8 year old, while Preschool to 3, as She’s Got This by Hernandez gives, points younger. Check both figures, since I’ve Got This! by Torres gives grade level 4 to 6 beside a 2nd/3rd grade reading level.

Pick a story or a facts guide

A reader who wants a plot can follow Trista in I’ve Got This! by Torres, while a reader who wants facts can browse My Book of Gymnastics by DK, and a short Level 2 reader like Gymnastics by Flynn suits a single sitting. For a lighter change, joke books for 8 year olds offer short reads between longer books.

Check the series and the length before buying

Book 1 of 8 means a fan who finishes I’ve Got This! by Torres has more books waiting, while My Book of Gymnastics by DK is a single guide. Compare length too: 32 pages suits a short read, while 203 pages suits a longer story. An activity book for a younger reader can sit beside a chapter book.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date: My Book of Gymnastics by DK is dated May 5, 2020, while The Gymnast by Slazyk is dated February 11, 2023.
• For a series, buy Book 1 first and confirm the series number on the listing.
• Compare the listed reading age and grade level with the reader, and read the description for themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What suits an 8 year old new to gymnastics?

My Book of Gymnastics by DK gives a reading age of 6 to 9 years and explains moves and equipment, so it suits a new fan learning the sport.

Should an 8 year old start with Book 1 of a series?

Yes, start with I’ve Got This! by Torres, which the listing names as Book 1 of 8 in its series.

Is The Gymnast too old for an 8 year old?

The listing gives a reading age of 8 to 14 years, so an 8 year old sits at the start of the range, but the heroine is fourteen, so preview it first.

Still deciding? Our top pickMy Book of Gymnastics by DK

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