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. A lively choice for readers who enjoy movement, teamwork, and determination.
- 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. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Invites conversations about effort, courage, and learning through practice.
- 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. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 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. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 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. A lively choice for readers who enjoy movement, teamwork, and determination.
- 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. Makes everyday food and family moments fun to talk about together.
- 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. A lively choice for readers who enjoy movement, teamwork, and determination.
- 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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
More book lists for kids
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