Sports Books for Kids of All Ages
by Devon A. Corneal
COVID-19 has changed the way a lot of us are viewing and participating in sports, so it’s more important than ever to keep young athletes and fans connected to the activities they love. Even if your slugger’s Little League season didn’t happen, they can still explore the magic of the ballpark. Ditto for your aspiring black belt, hoopster, or future lineman. Even if your child doesn’t play a sport, these great stories about competition, determination, grit, and overcoming obstacles are timeless and appropriate for anyone.
-
Picture Books and Early Readers
-
Karate Kids
Available from:Come join Maya for a karate class at her local dojo! Maya loves learning about blocking and patterns and showing her Sensei how hard she has worked. But the most important lesson Maya learns is that the encouragement of friends and teachers is the best part of any class.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
How to Solve a Problem
Available from:If you thought rock-climbing was only for adults, think again. Ashima Shiraishi is considered to be one of the best teenage climbers in the world – and she started climbing rocks in the park when she was just six years old! Her story will inspire and challenge children to tackle any obstacle in their way, and to trust themselves and their own abilities — no matter what life throws at them.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Sports Star Mad Libs Junior
Available from:Dreaming of the time you can get back and play with your team? Or perhaps, you’re just feeling a little bored being stuck instead? If so, these Mad Libs are for you! Fill in the blanks with the silliest, most ridiculous words you can think of and create hilarious sports stories that will entertain you for hours.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Girl Running
Available from:Sometimes, it’s best not to tell someone they can’t do something, or they just might set out to prove you wrong. That’s what Bobbi Gibb did when she decided to become the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. With vibrant illustrations and an equally energetic story, Girl Running is sure to be a hit with any future track star in your house.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
The Zach & Zoe Mysteries All Star Collection
Available from:Although Mike Lupica might best be known for his middle grade sports writing, he hasn’t forgotten elementary readers. In this four-book collection, twins Zach and Zoe combine their love of sports and solving mysteries to take readers on fun-filled adventures on the soccer pitch, baseball diamond, football field, and basketball court.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
My Book of Gymnastics
Available from:Gymnastics is all about power coupled with grace, exuberance tied to extreme control, and show-stopping charisma atop perfect technique. The sport is followed by eager young girls and boys thrilled to see their heroes defy gravity and stick seemingly impossible landings. This latest compendium not only tells the stories of the all-time greats of the sport, but also shows budding gymnasts how to break down complicated moves so they can follow in their footsteps.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
Yoga For Kids
Available from:When you’re done with practice, there’s nothing better than a good stretch. Yoga teacher Susannah Hoffman understands better than anyone the important complementary role yoga can play for young athletes and has brought her more than 20 years of teaching experience to her latest project – yoga flashcards for kids! Perfect when you need a moment of meditative calm with a kid who can’t sit still, or a way to relax and cool down after an energetic game of soccer.
(Ages 7 - 9)Also available from:
-
Middle Grade
-
Goal!
Goal! covers everything from the history of soccer to the newest technology changing the game. With vivid pictures and tons of information, young soccer fanatics will find plenty to keep them busy until they can get back on the field.
(Ages 7 - 10) -
Who Is Michael Jordan?
Available from:For those too young to watch The Last Dance, this biography will give them all the information they need about one of the greatest basketball players of all time. From his legendary competitiveness and multi-sport prowess to his lucrative endorsement contracts, Michael Jordan changed everything about the game — setting the stage for new generations of superstars.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Who Was Jackie Robinson?
Available from:Jackie Robinson was an extraordinary athlete – a three-sport threat who was identified early on as a stunning talent. Although his skill propelled him into history as the man who integrated baseball, it was Jackie Robinson’s steely self-control that gave him the ability to withstand the horrific racism he faced in his early days with the Dodgers and to pave the way for future generations.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Who Are Venus & Serena Williams?
Available from:The Williams sisters began playing tennis on courts in Compton, California and rose to conquer the tennis world in ways few other players have. With Olympic gold medals, Grand Slam wins, and number one rankings, their powerful play brought new life into tennis and a legion of fans around the world.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Trailblazers: Simone Biles
Available from:Simone Biles is a powerhouse of an athlete and an inspiration to young gymnasts everywhere. Learn more about her incredible story and determination in this latest in the Trailblazers series.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Takedown
Available from:MIkayla has always wrestled with her brothers; it’s just what she does. So she’s surprised when people object to her joining the boys’ wrestling team. But Mikayla won’t let anyone or anything stop her from pursuing the sport she loves and winning while she’s at it.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Not Playing by the Rules: 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports
Available from:This is girl power at its very best. Twenty-one extraordinary women who broke barriers, pushed society’s limits, and, as a result, changed the very fabric of the sporting world. Sure, you’ve heard of Serena Williams and Mia Hamm, but do you know about Lizzie Arlington? If not, it’s time to pick up this book and learn about these amazing (and sometimes forgotten) trailblazers.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Heat
Available from:For years, Mike Lupica’s books have enthralled sports-loving kids. Even when capturing the steady build of baseball games, the fast-paced breaks on the basketball court, and the physical intensity of the football field, Lupica makes sure to remind us of the humanity at the core of every athlete’s journey and the pain they sometimes experience along the way.
Read more of Mike Lupica's sports books: Strike Zone, Travel Team, and Lone Stars
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
Rising Above
Available from:Sometimes, the most inspirational athletes are the ones who overcome the biggest challenges. They are the people who push past physical limitations, social obstacles, unsupportive coaches, health crises, or family tragedy to rise to the pinnacle of their chosen sports. They make anything seem possible and give hope to anyone chasing what seems like an unattainable dream.
More from the authors: Rising Above: Inspiring Women in Sports
(Ages 10 - 14)Also available from:
