Best sports books for kids
The best sports books for kids include Malgudi Schooldays, Who Was...? (series) and Football Genius. For a child who would rather be on the field, a book about the sport they love is the easiest way in.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 9–14
Malgudi Schooldays
by R.K. Narayan
Ten-year-old Swaminathan navigates the ups and downs of childhood in the charming fictional town of Malgudi in colonial India. Between dodging strict teachers, dreaming about cricket matches with his friends, and getting tangled in small daily rebellions, Swami finds everyday life full of drama and amusement. R.K. Narayan captures the innocence, humour, and fleeting anxieties of school days with warm, gentle storytelling that young readers will easily relate to.
- 2
Ages 9–14
Who Was...? (series)
by Who HQ (various authors)
This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. Filled with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and accessible historical context, these books make history approachable and engaging, allowing children to explore real-world inspirations through fast-paced, narrative non-fiction.
- 3
Ages 9–14
Football Genius
by Tim Green
Twelve-year-old Troy White has an extraordinary talent: he can watch any football play unfold and predict exactly what the opposing team will do next. Troy longs to use his gift to help his favorite NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons, but getting adults and professional coaches to listen to a kid is nearly impossible. Young sports fans will love the thrilling, fast-paced gridiron action combined with Troy's relatable struggles with friendship, family, and proving his own worth on and off the field.
- 4
Ages 6–11
Ultimate Football Heroes: Messi
by Matt & Tom Oldfield
This engaging sports biography follows Lionel Messi from his childhood in Rosario, Argentina, to international stardom. Readers see how he overcame a growth hormone deficiency with the support of his family and FC Barcelona, gradually rising through the ranks to become a global legend. Written in an accessible, fast-paced style with an emphasis on perseverance, hard work, and thrilling match action, it appeals strongly to young football fans and encourages reluctant readers.
- 5
Ages 9–11
Matt Christopher Sports Series
by Matt Christopher
This popular collection of sports stories puts young athletes in the middle of exciting games and personal dilemmas. Covering baseball, basketball, soccer, and football, the plots follow boys and girls as they face tough rivals, learn teamwork, overcome self-doubt, and deal with the pressure to win. Packed with realistic, play-by-play action and relatable character challenges, these fast-paced novels are especially appealing to young sports fans and reluctant readers alike.
- 6
Ages 12–14
Ghost
by Jason Reynolds
Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw has been running for the wrong reasons ever since a terrifying night with his father. When an Olympic medallist track coach spots his raw natural speed, Ghost earns a place on an elite youth running team. To stay on track, he must learn to control his fiery temper and face the traumatic memories he has been trying to outrun. Readers are drawn to Ghost's humorous, honest voice, the high-energy sports action, and the genuine warmth of teammates who support one another through tough times.
- 7
Ages 9–14
Travel Team
by Mike Lupica
Danny Walker loves basketball more than anything and has natural talent, but he gets cut from the travel team simply because he is too short. Devastated, Danny gets an unexpected second chance when his estranged father—a former local basketball star—forms a new squad for the kids who were left behind. Readers who love sports will be hooked by the fast-paced, authentic court action, the spirit of a true underdog team, and the moving story of a boy reconnecting with his dad.
- 8
Ages 9–14
Heat
by Mike Lupica
Twelve-year-old Michael Arroyo is an incredible Little League pitcher with a fastball that seems impossible for his age. Living in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, Michael and his older brother are secretly surviving on their own after the sudden death of their father, terrified of being separated by social services. When rival coaches demand proof of his age, Michael faces losing the sport he loves. It is an engaging, fast-paced sports drama filled with tense baseball action, loyalty, and heart that resonates strongly with young sports enthusiasts.
- 9
Ages 9–11
Roller Girl
by Victoria Jamieson
Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole, but when summer arrives, she signs up for roller derby camp while Nicole chooses dance camp instead. Finding herself completely out of her depth on skates and drifting apart from her closest friend, Astrid faces tough practices, scrapes, and self-doubt. With vibrant graphic novel artwork and plenty of heart, this relatable coming-of-age story captures the bumpy reality of growing up, learning new skills, and discovering who you are.
- 10
Ages 9–14
Measuring Up
by Lily LaMotte
Having recently moved from Taiwan to Seattle, twelve-year-old Cici misses her beloved grandmother A-má terribly. Desperate to buy A-má a plane ticket for her seventieth birthday, Cici enters a local kids' cooking competition with a grand cash prize. The catch: she only knows traditional Taiwanese recipes, but the judges want creative fusion and American-style dishes. Readers will cheer for Cici as she navigates cultural identity, middle school friendships, and delicious recipes in this warm and relatable graphic novel.
- 11
Ages 6–11
Cricket for the Crocodile
by Ruskin Bond
Ranji and his friends love playing cricket on the riverbank, but Nakoo the grumpy crocodile is not pleased when their games disturb his sunbathing. When an errant cricket ball strikes Nakoo, a hilarious chase ensues, causing chaos for players, bank clerks, and spectators alike. Ruskin Bond blends gentle humor with the warmth of small-town Indian life in this charming tale. Young readers will enjoy the lively, comical standoff between determined boys and an equally stubborn reptile.
- 12
Ages 5–9
Andiswa Soccer Star
by Eden Daniels
Andiswa loves soccer and dreams of playing with the school team, but the coach and boys tell her the sport is only for boys. When the star player falls ill right before a crucial match, Andiswa gets an unexpected chance to step onto the field and show everyone what she can do.
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