Courage to Soar:  A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles

A powerful autobiography of Simone Biles, eleven-time Olympic medalists and one of the most influential athletes of our time. Written with the same joy and enthusiasm that she lives her life, Simone takes readers on the journey of her childhood.  She begins with the early memories of living with her birth mother, her move to foster care and eventually her adoption by her grandparents.

She shares her honest thoughts on her birth mother and highlights the unconditional support and love of her grandparents and siblings.  She writes, “When it comes to how things turned out, I’m not sorry.  I’m part of a beautiful family that is closer and more loving than any I could’ve chosen.”

While the book chronicles Simone’s rise from foster care to Olympic success, Courage to Soar is not just a story about winning gold medals.  It’s a story about resilience, faith, and the people who believed in her when it mattered most.  Simone explains, “It’s how I got there – or more accurately, who got me there – that is most miraculous.”

This inspiring memoir is especially meaningful for youth and families connected to foster care, kinship care, and adoption. Simone’s story is a powerful reminder that beginnings do not define potential and that with support, love, and courage, it is possible to soar.

To borrow this book, please call or email us at: warmline@kinkonnect.org

Simone’s journey continues in the Netflix documentary Simone Biles Rising, which offers an honest look at her decision to prioritize mental health, set boundaries, and lean on trusted supports as she returns to elite competition. For caregivers, the series reinforces the importance of listening, stability, and advocacy, reminding us that true strength includes knowing when to ask for help.