Did you know? (Olympics edition)

The first record of the Olympic Games dates back to 776 BC! The three original events were running, wrestling and chariot racing.

I found this information on page 33 in the book Understanding Greek Myths by Natalie Hyde. I found this book to be fascinating, especially the stories about the Greek Gods and their lineages. I enjoyed the photographs of the Greek artifacts as well as the bits of history.

The Olympic Games (An Eyewitness book) by Chris Oxlade gives all kinds of information about the Olympics, including a history of the games as well as pictures of the clothes, stopwatches, equipment and the sports themselves – – and how they have changed through the years.

Children can get caught up in the excitement of the Olympics as well! The Summer Olympics by Bob Knotts is an easy book for kids who want to know more. It gives the basics for most of the events and includes a beginning history of the games.

For up and coming statisticians, The Complete Book of the Olympics 2012 Edition is for you. Learn some of the facts and statistics about the Olympics and amaze your friends! And don’t forget The Olympics: Athens to Athens 1896 – 2004 which shows you the locations and highlights of previous games.

Of course, especially here in the northwest, how can you say “Olympics” and not think of our very own Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Park? Olympic Mountains (Images of America) by the Jefferson Co. Historical Society shows the Olympic mountains and has lots of interesting (black and white) photographs and stories about the settlers in the early 1900’s.

Olympic: the Story Behind the Scenery is a book with stunning photographs from the Olympic Peninsula, ranging from the mountain tops to the shore. There are wildflowers, animals, trees, birds and sea life. Learn the history behind the National Park and the territory surrounding it.

Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library