If your kids are anything like us, they are really missing sports during COVID-19. From evening practices and all-weekend tournaments to a simple pick-up game with neighborhood kids, the lack of sports is creating a void in our lives.
To help fill that void, we’ve put together a list of sports books for kids to read while we wait for the social distancing to end. It may not be the same as playing or watching a sport, but we know a good book can rival watching baseball to help pass the time and provide a bit of an “escape.”
SPORTS BOOKS FOR KIDS UNDER 5 AND BABIES
Baby Loves Sports
By: Duopress
Why we love this book: High contrast books are our go-to for getting babies started at a young age. This book combines high contrast with sports. That’s a “win in our book!”
From Amazon: It’s never too early to look at the world, and the things that you and your baby will enjoy, together. Making connections between images on a page and the real world is an important building block for your baby’s communication skills—and these simple, solid-white sports figures, paired with bold and colorful sports balls, provide a great high-contrast experience for young developing eyes.
Ten Little Surfers in Hawaii
Written By Catherine Payne; Illustrated by Jamie Meckel Tablason
Why we love this book: Not only do we love this book because it’s about surfing, but also because it shows kids what it means to get up and try again after a fall. It also features numbers, rhyming, and of course – surfing vocabulary!
From Amazon: Ten little surfers run in a line, One falls down and then there are nine; Nine little surfers paddle out straight, One girl turtle rolls and then there are eight. Follow these carefree, little surfers as they head out to catch some waves and count down from ten to one.
Bears Can’t Play Soccer
Written By Beth Thompson; Illustrated by Roksana Oslizlo
Why we love this book: This book teaches young readers to not make assumptions about a person’s (or a bear’s) ability to do things.
From Amazon: Is it a monster? Is it an alien? No, it’s a b…b…b…bear! Who is this bear and what does he want? Surely, bears can’t play soccer…or can they?
SPORTS BOOKS FOR KIDS AGES 5-7
Jabari Jumps
Written and Illustrated By Gaia Cornwall
Why we love this book: Has anyone else ever experienced the fright freeze that comes just before you jump off of a diving board? If so, you know it can be intense! Jabari works through this fear – something every athlete can learn how to do.
From Amazon: Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
You Can’t Stop Sophie Now
Written by Sarah Fischer and Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre
Why we love this book: When a child experiences an illness or injury that causes a new disability, it can be a difficult adjustment. They may feel like so many of the activities they used to do are no longer an option. We love this book, because it shows there ARE options out there and that you CAN do them.
From the publisher: Sophie Swanson loves to play basketball with her friends. But when a surgery leaves her paralyzed, she believes her game is done. Trapped in a small purple wheelchair, there’s no way Sophie could ever play again. That’s when an event at the local mall introduces Sophie to wheelchair basketball! Along the way, Sophie makes some new friends and discovers that the old saying is undeniably true:
You can do anything you put your mind to!
Move Your Body
Written by Gina Bellisario and Illustrated by Renee Kurilla
Why we love this book: This book offers kid-friendly illustrations of various exercises and activities we can do to be physically active and stay healthy. Best part – it’s all packaged in a story the kid will enjoy.
From Amazon:It’s almost Field Day! But Natalie’s team isn’t ready for the big race. Their muscles get tired easily. Ms. Starr teaches them about aerobic and anaerobic exercise. They learn some stretching exercises too. Now they’re full of energy. Can they win the beach ball relay?
Win or Lose, I Love You
Written by Lysa Terkeurst and Illustrated by Jana Christy
Why we love this book: We are all about good sportsmanship, and “Win or Lose, I Love You” shows kids what fair competition and good sportsmanship can look like!
From Amazon:Lulu and Max have planned an exciting field day for their animal friends, and the winner will be the leader of the forest. But sore losers, bragging winners, and bad attitudes are taking the fun straight out of the contests! Just when the day seems ruined, someone steps in and turns things around. Finally, Lulu and Max must decide who will be leader of the forest. Their choice is a big surprise, but it feels just right.
Don’t Throw it to Mo!
Written by David A. Adler and Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Why we love this book: Mo Jackson is a storybook character who loves sports! This is just one of the many books about Mo, and we are sure kids will begin to think of him as a friend after reading his stories. This book illustrates that no matter your physical stature – there’s a place for you to win in sport!
From Amazon: Winner of the 2016 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don’t mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a “butterfingers” who’s too tiny to catch the ball. But Mo’s coach has a plan to turn Mo’s little size into a big win for the Robins! This Level 2 reader about a little African-American boy with a big passion for sports was the winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award in 2016.
Wheels and Waves: The Adventures of Frank and Mustard
Written by Simon Calcavecchia and Illustrated by Arturo Alvarez
Why we love this book: Over the past several years, we have supported the Para Surfing World Championship competition. We are BIG believers in the power of adaptive sport, and surfing may be a surprising option for many. The author of the Frank and Mustard series went on his own surfing adventure and shared his experience through the lens of the Frank, a dachshund who uses a wheelchair, and his friend Mustard.
From the publisher: This book is based on the true story about when the author went surfing. Together, the Frank and Mustard team overcome challenges to have one awesome adventure.
SPORTS BOOKS FOR KIDS AGES 7-11
Sophie Washington: Mismatch
Written by Tonya Duncan Ellis
Why we love this book: There is often more to people than meets the eye, and this book brings to life the truth in that statement! Readers will learn, through Sophie, how to accept someone who is different than you AND take the time to understand where they may be coming from.
From Amazon: Watch out Venus and Serena, Sophie Washington just joined the tennis team, and she’s on her way to becoming queen of the court!
That is until her coach matches her with class oddball, Mackenzie Clark, and the drama really begins…
Mackenzie refuses to talk to Sophie or learn the secret handshake she made up. Sophie just can’t figure her out. Then Mackenzie starts skipping practice, and gets sick at school, and Sophie realizes that there’s more to her doubles partner than meets the eye. Can Sophie make things right with Mackenzie before their first big game, or is their partnership a complete mismatch?
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Written by Laurie Ann Thompson and Illustrated by Sean Qualls
Why we love this book: For starters – it’s a true story! We also love that Emmanuel is a hero in his own right, challenging his body and his mind in order to raise awareness and increase equality for Ghanians with disabilities. This book shows us we can all bring something great to the world with determination and focus.
From the Amazon:Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah’s inspiring true story—which was turned into a film, Emmanuel’s Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey—is nothing short of remarkable.
Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.
SPORTS BOOKS FOR KIDS AGES 11-13
The Hero Two Doors Down
Written by Sharon Robinson
Why we love this book: We are big fans of Jackie Robinson, and this book is based on a true story! The Robinson family moves into the same building as the book’s protagonist, and we get an up close look at what it’s like to be neighbors with your hero. Sharon Robinson, Jackie’s daughter, wrote the book. Check out our podcast with Sharon from several years ago!
From the Amazon: Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve.
But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It’s 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before.
Then it happens — Steve’s new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can’t wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero?
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!
Written by Sarah Kapit
Why we love this book: It’s not often you find books where the protagonist is not neurotypical, and it’s especially rare to find sports books for kids where that isn’t the case. Vivy Cohen is an athlete who also has autism.
From Amazon: Vivy Cohen is determined. She’s had enough of playing catch in the park. She’s ready to pitch for a real baseball team.
But Vivy’s mom is worried about Vivy being the only girl on the team, and the only autistic kid. She wants Vivy to forget about pitching, but Vivy won’t give up. When her social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, Vivy knows exactly who to choose: her hero, Major League pitcher VJ Capello. Then two amazing things happen: A coach sees Vivy’s amazing knuckleball and invites her to join his team. And VJ starts writing back!
Now Vivy is a full-fledged pitcher, with a catcher as a new best friend and a steady stream of advice from VJ. But when a big accident puts her back on the bench, Vivy has to fight to stay on the team.
Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
Written and Illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky
Why we love this book: This book brings history to life and celebrates the history of women in sport. It also serves as a useful primer for the reader to understand other concepts related to women in sport. For anyone raising a young female athlete, coaching girls teams, or is just a fan — we recommend this!
From Amazon: A richly illustrated and inspiring book, Women in Sports highlights the achievements and stories of fifty notable women athletes from the 1800s to today, including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in more than forty sports. The athletes featured include well-known figures like tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions like Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a professional men’s league, and skateboarding pioneer Patti McGee. The book also contains infographics on topics that sporty women want to know about such as muscle anatomy, a timeline of women’s participation in sports, pay and media statistics for female athletes, and influential women’s teams. Women in Sports celebrates the success of the tough, bold, and fearless women who paved the way for today’s athletes.
The Crossover
Written by Kwame Alexander
Why we love this book: This book isn’t just about basketball. Sport is the backdrop of the characters’ lives and their experiences, which are relatable – especially to young black men in the United States. The lyrical, poetic style of the book is different enough to be engaging and interesting, while still feeling familiar to the reader.
From Amazon: “With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. ’Cuz tonight I’m delivering,” raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood—he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line. As their winning season unfolds, things begin to change. When Jordan meets a girl, the twins’ bond unravels.Told in dynamic verse, this fast and furious middle grade novel that started it all absolutely bounces with rhythm and bursts with heart
SPORTS BOOKS FOR TEENS
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
Written by Michaela DePrince
Why we love this book: This book is nothing short of inspiring. Michaela’s story illustrates the power of a dream, a caring and loving adult in your life, and perseverance.
From Amazon: Michaela DePrince was known as girl Number 27 at the orphanage, where she was abandoned at a young age and tormented as a “devil child” for a skin condition that makes her skin appear spotted. But it was at the orphanage that Michaela would find a picture of a beautiful ballerina en pointe that would help change the course of her life.
At the age of four, Michaela was adopted by an American family, who encouraged her love of dancing and enrolled her in classes. She went on to study at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre and is now the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She has appeared in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as on Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Nightline.
In this engaging, moving, and unforgettable memoir, Michaela shares her dramatic journey from an orphan in West Africa to becoming one of ballet’s most exciting rising stars.
This Was Never About Basketball
By Craig Leener
Why we love this book: This is yet another book that uses basketball as the backdrop to life for a teenager moving into adulthood. Readers have praised the writing and story as being captivating and showcasing common teenage experiences. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, this book is sure to hook you.
From Amazon: In this coming-of-age novel, seventeen-year-old high school basketball star Ezekiel “Zeke” Archer has it all: a sweet jump shot, a full-ride scholarship to a Midwestern basketball powerhouse, and the brightest future. But when Zeke’s temper gets the better of him in the city championship, he is expelled from school, has to forfeit his scholarship, and is left to ponder his once-hopeful future.While finishing his final high school days in the California educational system’s version of purgatory, Zeke makes a stunning discovery. With the help of a young autistic classmate Zeke befriends, he learns that the mysterious 7th Dimension, which brought basketball to Earth more than a century ago, has decided to take the game away for good — all because of the ugly event Zeke set into motion in his final game!As he embarks on the ultimate cross-country road trip to save basketball, Zeke must confront his unsettled past — including a father he’s not heard from in years and a brother fighting in a war half a world away — in order to set his life on the right path and rescue the game he loves.
