1. “Wilma Unlimited” by Kathleen Krull
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the inspiring true story of Wilma Rudolph, the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. Wilma overcame polio as a child and defied all odds to become a track and field legend. The book is an empowering story about perseverance, determination, and breaking barriers.
- Best for: Ages 6-9
- Key Themes: Overcoming adversity, women in sports, Olympic history
2. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
“The Crossover” is a Newbery Medal-winning novel told in verse, perfect for middle-grade readers who love basketball. The book follows twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, who are talented basketball players, navigating their bond, their love for the game, and family dynamics. Kwame Alexander’s lyrical writing style and the fast-paced nature of the story are sure to captivate young readers.
- Best for: Ages 9-12
- Key Themes: Family, brotherhood, sportsmanship, growing up
3. “El Deafo” by Cece Bell
Though not a traditional sports book, “El Deafo” by Cece Bell features a story about a girl named Cece who overcomes hearing loss and learns to embrace her superpower-like hearing aid. In the book, she finds her place on her school’s basketball team, discovering her courage and confidence along the way. This graphic novel is both humorous and heartwarming, making it a great choice for kids of all backgrounds.
- Best for: Ages 8-12
- Key Themes: Disability, self-acceptance, teamwork
4. “My First Book of Baseball” by Sports Illustrated Kids
For young sports fans who are just getting introduced to baseball, this beginner’s guide is a fantastic resource. “My First Book of Baseball” by Sports Illustrated Kids breaks down the rules, positions, and basic strategies of the game with fun illustrations and simple explanations. It’s a great tool for kids who want to learn more about America’s favorite pastime.
- Best for: Ages 4-8
- Key Themes: Baseball fundamentals, learning new sports, fun with facts
5. “Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams” by Howard Bryant
This picture book tells the story of two of the greatest tennis players of all time, Venus and Serena Williams, and how they rose to stardom despite facing many challenges. The story highlights their bond as sisters, their dedication to their sport, and the hard work that made them champions. It’s an inspiring read for young athletes, particularly girls looking to pursue their dreams in sports.
- Best for: Ages 6-10
- Key Themes: Tennis, sibling relationships, resilience, women in sports
6. “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds
“Ghost” is the first book in Jason Reynolds’ award-winning “Track” series, and it’s perfect for middle school readers. The story follows Castle Cranshaw (nicknamed Ghost), a troubled boy with natural running talent who joins a track team. As he learns to channel his energy and emotions into running, he also faces his past traumas and learns life lessons about trust, friendship, and discipline.
- Best for: Ages 10-13
- Key Themes: Running, personal growth, overcoming hardship, mentorship
7. “Heat” by Mike Lupica
In “Heat”, one of Mike Lupica’s best-selling sports novels, 12-year-old Michael Arroyo is a talented pitcher with dreams of playing in the Little League World Series. The novel is filled with baseball action, but it also deals with deeper issues like immigration, identity, and the pressure of living up to expectations. Lupica’s writing is engaging, making this a favorite among young baseball fans.
- Best for: Ages 10-14
- Key Themes: Baseball, family, dreams, determination
8. “Ballpark Mysteries” Series by David A. Kelly
This series is perfect for younger readers who love a mix of sports and mystery. Each book in the “Ballpark Mysteries” series takes place in a different Major League Baseball stadium, where cousins Kate and Mike solve mysteries related to the game and the players. These books are fun and educational, with interesting facts about different stadiums and teams, making them a great introduction to both reading and sports.
- Best for: Ages 6-9
- Key Themes: Baseball, mystery-solving, teamwork
9. “Hoops” by Walter Dean Myers
For older readers, “Hoops” by Walter Dean Myers is a powerful novel about basketball and life. The story centers around Lonnie Jackson, a talented young player with dreams of making it big. However, Lonnie faces difficult choices about his future and learns the hard way about loyalty, trust, and integrity. This coming-of-age story provides a realistic look at the challenges faced by young athletes.
- Best for: Ages 12 and up
- Key Themes: Basketball, tough choices, dreams, personal integrity
10. “Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends” by David Stabler
For young readers who enjoy real-life stories, “Kid Athletes” is a fantastic collection of childhood stories from some of the biggest names in sports, like Babe Ruth, Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, and Jackie Robinson. The book shows that even the greatest athletes faced challenges growing up, making it a relatable and inspirational read for kids who dream of greatness.
- Best for: Ages 8-12
- Key Themes: Childhood, sports legends, overcoming obstacles
These ten sports books for kids offer a diverse range of stories, from real-life legends like the Williams sisters and Wilma Rudolph to fictional characters discovering their own strength through sports. Whether your child is an avid athlete or simply loves a good story, these books will inspire them to dream big, work hard, and appreciate the many values sports have to offer.
Encouraging kids to read sports books is a great way to combine their love for athletics with the benefits of reading, helping them build their skills both on and off the field!
Learn more at: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-sports-books
Top Ten Must-Read Sports Related Books: A Bibliophile’s Playbook
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!