Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)

Growing Reader

Tween

14 Slam-Dunk Kids’ Books About Basketball

by Tom Burns

Photo credit: commerceandculturestock/Getty Images

For elementary or middle school kids who love basketball, it’s hard to stay away from the TV or Internet during March Madness, the NCAA’s annual basketball tournament.

If you want to convince your kid to spend a little less time working on their brackets and a little more time brushing up on their reading, we’re here for you. From biographies on superstars like Caitlin Clark and Stephen Curry to action-packed stories about the game, here are 14 books that should grab the interest of any young NBA hopeful.

I Have a Superpower

I Have a Superpower

by Stephen Curry, illustrated by Geneva Bowers

Buy from:

NBA Champion Stephen Curry draws from his experiences as an underdog to deliver an inspirational message for kids. He shows readers how they can use hard work and perseverance to overcome barriers to their goals. This basketball-themed book is perfect for encouraging children to dream big.
(Ages 4 – 7)

Buy from:

Basketball Town

Basketball Town

by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Darnell Johnson

Buy from:

Maxwell is obsessed with basketball, so he’s thrilled when he wakes up in an alternate universe where everyone plays b-ball all day, every day. He works on his skills and makes his way to the Championship game, where he and his teammates must present a united front to win. Basketball fans will enjoy the game-related lingo and action-packed story.
(Ages 4 – 8)

Buy from:

The Half-Court Hero

The Half-Court Hero

by Mike Lupica

Buy from:

Eight-year-old twins Zach and Zoe are pros at multitasking: specifically, when it comes to solving mysteries and playing sports. In The Half-Court Hero, the dynamic duo can’t help but notice that someone is slowly and secretly restoring their summer league’s rundown court. Who could it be? And how will the team fare in playoffs?
(Ages 6 – 9)

Buy from:

Beyond the Game: LeBron James

Beyond the Game: LeBron James

by Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge

Buy from:

Newly independent readers will love this series that spotlights exemplary athletes and their accomplishments on and off the court. From championships to activism, kids will learn about the causes that LeBron James champions and how he uses his position as an athlete and role model to improve the world. If you like this book, check out the other books in this series, including Beyond the Game: Maya Moore.
(Ages 6 – 9)

Buy from:

If Lin Can

If Lin Can

by Richard Ho, illustrated by Huynh Kim Liên and Phùng Nguyên Quang

Buy from:

Anyone who has ever been told they can't achieve their dreams will connect with the star of this story—basketball trailblazer Jeremy Lin. Driven by a series of questions posed to the reader, this picture-book biography traces Jeremy Lin’s uphill battle as the first American of Asian descent to play in the NBA. A book that Kirkus calls "A slam dunk choice for role modeling."
(Ages 7 – 10)

Buy from:

Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters

Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters

by Claudia Mills, illustrated by Guy Francis

Buy from:

Fourth-grader Mason is what some might call disaster-prone, so he’s not thrilled when his parents insist he join the basketball team — and he’s doubly un-thrilled when his dad volunteers to coach. Somehow, Mason isn’t even the worst player on this team of misfits, and soon they’re going up against Mason’s school bully, Dunk. Prepare to cheer hard for the home team.
(Ages 7 – 10)

Buy from:

Stephen Curry: The Official Graphic Novel

Stephen Curry: The Official Graphic Novel

by Josh Bycel and Rich Korson, ilustrated by Damion Scott

Buy from:

Sports enthusiasts will love this graphic novel about Stephen Curry’s rise to NBA fame. As a new recruit, nobody believed that Stephen had much to offer. However, through hard work and perseverance, Stephen proved his doubters wrong and became one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. This book is the first official title in a planned series about sports heroes.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

We Are Big Time (A Graphic Novel)

We Are Big Time (A Graphic Novel)

by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

Buy from:

This inspiring sports tale is based on a true story about an all-girl, hijab-wearing basketball team. It celebrates the power of teamwork, breaking cultural stereotypes, and owning one’s unique identity. Fans of graphic novels like Roller Girl or The Crossover will love this book.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

Hoops: A Graphic Novel

Hoops: A Graphic Novel

by Matt Tavares

Buy from:

New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Matt Tavares shares a heartfelt and inspiring story in his debut graphic novel. It’s about a girls’ basketball team in 1975 Indiana with no money, transportation, or jerseys. However, their grit and perseverance took them from one victory to the next. Based on a true story, this book offers a peek into the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and equality in sports.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan

Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan

by Gabe Soria and Who HQ, illustrated by Brittney Williams

Buy from:

Michael Jordan is undisputedly the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of basketball. His performance during the 1997 NBA finals stands out as an example of his unfailing determination. This action-packed graphic novel retells the game’s events and how Michael Jordan refused to let a mysterious illness keep him from competing. Full-color illustrations and a fast-paced narrative make it a must-read for every basketball fan.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

Who Was Kobe Bryant?

Who Was Kobe Bryant?

by Ellen Labrecque and Who HQ, illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Buy from:

Young basketball fans can learn about Kobe Bryant, his legacy, awards, and championship moments in this biography. From his draft into the NBA and through 20 seasons with the Lakers, readers will discover how Kobe became a superstar. Easy-to-read text and plenty of illustrations make this an excellent choice for young readers wanting to learn about this legendary player.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

Who Is Caitlin Clark?

Who Is Caitlin Clark?

by Meri-Jo Borzilleri and Who HQ, illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Buy from:

Caitlin Clark is the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, across both men and women's basketball. Since her college career, she has helped put women's basketball in the spotlight, bringing in over 14 million viewers to watch her playoff games in April of 2024. Now a point guard for the Indiana Fever, learn about Clark's inspiring rise to basketball fame in this Who HQ Now biography.
(Ages 8 – 12)

Buy from:

The Sixth Man (The Triple Threat 2)

The Sixth Man (The Triple Threat 2)

by John Feinstein

Buy from:

Book two of The Triple Threat series finds Alex Meyer optimistic about the team’s prospects this season. There’s a new kid on the team, Max Bellotti, and he’s good. Like, really good. But Alex seems to be the only one excited to welcome Max: for one, he’s a freshman stealing the spotlight; for two, he’s openly gay. Tensions on the team escalate to school-board controversy in this socially conscious read that still packs plenty of on-court action.
(Ages 10+)

Buy from:

True Legend

True Legend

by Mike Lupica

Buy from:

Bestselling sportswriter Lupica introduces us to 15-year-old Drew "True" Robinson, a basketball prodigy and NBA prospect who has let his success go to his head. But when he befriends an angry former basketball star on a local playground, True begins to realize the value of humility and teamwork. A compelling novel filled with dynamic sports sequences that young basketball fans will love.
(Ages 10+)

Buy from:

You might also like:

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.