The Way Champs Play
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Way Champs Play is tennis star Naomi Osaka's debut picture book, illustrated by artist Kamala Nair. The book is a celebration of girl athletes and the inspiring ways they play. It showcases girls from various ethnic backgrounds -- Black, Brown, and White -- and one character wears a hijab. Girls' empowerment is a major theme, and characters play a number of different sports throughout the pages, from tennis to gymnastics to football. The book concludes with an author's note from Osaka in which she explains Play Academy, the program she founded that empowers girls through sports around the world.
What's the Story?
In THE WAY CHAMPS PLAY, an unnamed narrator begins a fun-filled day at Play Academy, where she and a group of diverse friends and teammates take part in play, movement, and sports. Throughout the day, they work hard, they work together, and they take care of themselves. Along the way, they realize and actualize what it means to be a champ -- and it all starts within.
Is It Any Good?
Naomi Osaka's picture book is a beautifully illustrated celebration of girl athletes. The Way Champs Play empowers girls -- whether they currently play a sport or not -- to tap into their inner strength: physical, mental, and emotional. Much of the book is written as affirmations that young readers can internalize and apply to various parts of their lives. Young girls who play should be able to see themselves represented on the pages of the book, as it depicts people from many different backgrounds. Osaka is mindful about encouraging self care, and her fans who know her struggles with her mental health will appreciate the fact that she's checking in on theirs. Artist Kamala Nair's gentle and inclusive illustrations bring the book's powerful messages to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about integrity in The Way Champs Play. How do the champs at Play Academy play their sports? How do they treat each other? How do they take care of themselves?
What's your favorite way to play? What's your favorite way to find calm?
Do you play any of the sports shown in the book? Are there any sports you want to try? Which ones?
Book Details
- Author: Naomi Osaka
- Illustrator: Kamala Nair
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper
- Publication date: December 7, 2022
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 7, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game
Lively stories of girls who broke barriers, smashed records.
-
The Adventures of Qai Qai
Confidence and friendship are center stage in adorable book.
-
I Have a Superpower
Cute concept teaches kids to unlock their power within.
-
I Color Myself Different
Moving story encourages self-love and pride in diversity.
For kids who love sports
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate