Fred Flips!
How One Gymnast Realized That Differences Can Become Strengths
Even before he could talk, Fred was flipping in his crib, giggling as his parents watched in awe. He was born to be a gymnast! But when Fred started training with other kids, he began to feel . . . different. Most of the gymnasts were girls. Fred was a boy--and not just any boy. He was a Black boy with skin so dark that even his friends joked, "Where's Fred? He's disappeared into the dark!" How could Fred learn to compete when he felt so different from everyone else?
In his first book, Olympic and World Championship medalist Fred Richard tells how he overcame bullying and learned to stand tall and stand out in his quest to become one of America's most famous male gymnasts. Boys and girls alike will be inspired by Fred's grit, determination, and a piece of advice from his father that changed everything: "Why just fit in when you can shine?"
Olympic Gymnast Fred Richard is a World All-Around Bronze Medalist and reigning NCAA Men's All-Around Champion and took the world by storm at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a native of Stoughton, Massachussetts.
Ryan Van Cleave is the author of dozens of books for both children and adults. He earned a PhD in American literature with an emphasis in poetry and has taught writing at numerous colleges and universities. As the Picture Book Doctor, Ryan helps celebrities create stories for kids and bring them to life on the page, stage, and screen.
Darcie Olley is an illustrator based in the east of England. She graduated with a B.A. in Textiles in 2018. Her final collection at University, based on a series of weird and wonderful extinct animals, was selected by Sir Paul Smith to receive the Nicole Abbott Award. Darcie spent some time working in the textile design industry, before deciding that illustration is where her heart lies. She uses a mixture of acrylic, watercolour, gouache, pencil, and digital techniques in her work, to create illustrations full of vibrancy, humour, and joy. Darcie's work is often inspired by her Indian heritage, her love for animals (you can often find her trying to make friends with the neighbourhood cats), and the funny and simple little things she notices about day-to-day life!
9781638192299
Book, Hardcover
Fred Flips!: How One Gymnast Realized That Differences Can Become Strengths
- Author: Frederick Richard
- With: Ryan Van Cleave
- Illustrator: Darcie Olley
Bushel & Peck Books, 2025
32
English
11.10 x 9.10 x 0.40 inches, 0.90 pounds
| Acceptable: | Fairly worn but fully readable and intact. Pages may include notes, highlighting, or minor water damage. Dust jacket, CDs, product codes, or other inclusions may be missing or expired. |
| Good: | Shows signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes or highlighting. Dust jacket, CDs, product codes, or other inclusions may be missing or expired. |
| Very Good: | Item has seen limited use and has minimal signs of wear. Pages are clean without markings. Dust jacket, CDs, product codes, or other inclusions may be missing or expired. |
| Like New: | Shows little to no signs of wear. Spine has no signs of creasing. Pages are clean without markings. CDs, product codes, or other inclusions may be missing or expired. |
| New: | Brand new, unused, and in perfect condition. Includes all original packaging and accessories. |