Review | Winners Never Quit by Mia Hamm

Winners Never Quit! (2006) is a “true-life-inspired” picture book by the legendary U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star Mia Hamm. In the story, young Mia loves playing soccer with her brothers and sisters, until a missed shot sends her storming off the field. Her frustration isn’t just about losing; it’s about not being able to accept mistakes with grace. As the book puts it, “She’d rather quit than lose.”

This is a theme that resonates strongly. For many kids (and adults), losing really does feel awful, and it can be hard to want to keep playing if the outcome isn’t guaranteed. That makes the book relatable for families, especially for children who struggle with competition.

At the same time, Hamm doesn’t spend much time exploring exactly how Mia changes her outlook. The turnaround happens quickly, leaving space for parents and teachers to discuss feelings of frustration, disappointment, and resilience with young readers. This makes the book a useful conversation starter, rather than a complete lesson in itself.

Carol Thompson’s illustrations work in close harmony with the text to convey both the energy of the games and the personalities of the characters. Bold, dynamic compositions capture moments of movement mid-action,whilst using expressive body language and facial expressions to communicate triumph, determination, and playful rivalry, allowing even very young readers to grasp the emotional beats without relying solely on the words. This emotional range, paired with shifts in perspective and a bright, saturated palette, make the illustrations not just decorative, but an essential narrative force that deepens characterisation and keeps readers invested in Mia’s journey.

Ultimately, Winners Never Quit! combines Hamm’s athletic legacy with an approachable story about perseverance. While simple in its delivery, it offers kids encouragement to keep playing, keep trying, and find joy in the game - even when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way.

Interested in other books by famous faces? Check out this list of fiction books by female footballers.