Moms, teachers, and champions of young hearts, get ready to introduce your little ones to a book that’s as inspiring as it is educational.
Joe Battaglia, an award-winning sports media leader and devoted dad, has poured his passion for track and field—and his love for his daughter—into his debut children’s book, The ABCs of Track & Field: A Fast Start For Future Runners, Jumpers & Throwers. Perfect for children aged 3-and-up, this vibrant alphabet book is more than a learning tool—it’s a celebration of early learning, sports history, and the power of dreaming big, designed to spark joy and ambition in young readers.
Crafted with the heart of a father, The ABCs of Track & Field was inspired by Battaglia’s personal mission: to provide young learners with a resource that connects early literacy with the excitement of athletics. Written as a tribute to his daughter, Giselda, who shares his passion for the sport but lacked an engaging themed learning tool, The ABCs of Track & Field stands apart from typical alphabet books by incorporating real-world stories and values from track and field.
“My goal with The ABCs of Track & Field is to show children that learning and sports are adventures in resilience and dreaming big,” says Battaglia. “This book isn’t just about letters—it’s about inspiring young hearts to chase their potential, both on the track and in life.”
The book weaves together vibrant rhymes and captivating illustrations, transforming the ABCs into an inspiring exploration of track and field. From Usain Bolt’s legendary speed to Babe Didrickson-Zaharias’ remarkable achievements, children will discover that the letters they learn can also unlock stories of greatness. As they progress through the alphabet, kids will encounter motivational figures from the sport, making it an engaging, interactive experience that encourages curiosity and imagination.
For over two decades, Battaglia has been a respected figure in the sports media industry. As Vice President Editorial at FloSports, he grew MileSplit’s subscription base by 181% and increased annual revenue by $7 million. He has received multiple accolades, including two Sports Emmy Awards and the Jesse Abramson Award for Excellence in Track and Field Journalism, making him, in 2011, the first digital journalist to be honored by the Track Writers Association of America. His experience and expertise in storytelling inform every page of The ABCs of Track & Field, bringing both authenticity and authority to the book.
In addition to his professional achievements, Battaglia’s work has always been about more than just telling stories; it has been about connecting with audiences and making a positive impact. He has authored the book University of Southern California: An Olympic Heritage 1904-2012, a testament to his commitment to preserving and sharing Olympic history. His certifications from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, Oxford, , NYU, and Wharton further reflect his dedication to lifelong learning and leadership.
The ABCs of Track & Field is unique not only because of its track and field theme but because it was created from a place of true passion and experience. Battaglia’s firsthand knowledge of the sport and his work with Olympic medalists brings a level of insight that sets the book apart from other educational books. This intimate connection to the sport, paired with his experience producing viral athlete profiles, ensures that the book will resonate.
As a mom of an early reader, The ABCs of Track & Field will resonate deeply because it’s more than just an alphabet book—it’s a heartfelt invitation to inspire young minds with the values of perseverance, teamwork, and ambition through the stories of iconic athletes from the world of track and field. This book is a perfect tool to nurture both a love for learning and the confidence to chase their potential, making it a cherished addition to any family’s bookshelf.
“This is not just an alphabet book; it’s a tool for teaching important life values through the lens of athletics,” says Battaglia. “I want kids to understand that sports can teach us valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the power of dreaming big. The ABCs of Track & Field serves as an introduction to those concepts in an accessible, engaging way.”
The book is now available on Amazon, offering parents, teachers, and coaches a resource that combines education with inspiration. With its emphasis on positive values, The ABCs of Track & Field is a celebration of the joy and energy of athletics, encouraging young readers to explore their potential, both in the classroom and on the track.
Joe Battaglia’s commitment to youth sports and education is evident in everything he does, from his work at FloSports to his creation of this book. His hope is that The ABCs of Track & Field will become more than just a book—it will become a gateway for young readers to discover the power of learning, resilience, and the joy of movement.
For more information on The ABCs of Track & Field and to purchase the book, visit ABC’s of Track & Field. For updates, follow Joe Battaglia on social media at the following links:
