Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky Featured in Popular Youth Book Series
One of the more-popular book collections at the elementary-school level and for early middle-school students is the “Who Is, Who Was” series, published by Penguin Random House and known for its caricature covers. The series features biographies on high-profile individuals throughout history, and from a variety of vocations. The series highlights government figures, individuals from entertainment, people from the art world, innovators and those who have made societal impacts.
There are also multiple titles in the series on great athletes, including the two individuals who are considered the greatest male and female swimmers in history: Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Both titles were published in 2024 and detail the vast accomplishments of Phelps and Ledecky as legends in the pool. A 28-time Olympic medalist, Phelps was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame last year. Ledecky, meanwhile, owns 14 Olympic medals and will be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection once she retired – which remains down the road.
Phelps made five Olympic appearances between 2000-2016, earning 23 gold medals during his career. At the 2008 Games in Beijing, he set a record by claiming eight gold medals and setting seven world records. As for Ledecky, she is a four-time Olympian who has won the 800 freestyle at each of the Games in which she has competed.
In the series, Phelps and Ledecky are joined in the athletes collection by Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Pele, Venus and Serena Williams and Jackie Robinson, among others.