Books About Athletes · 179 titles considered

The Best Athletes Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about athletes? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Athletes

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Furia

By Yamile Saied Méndez

A young soccer star must defy family expectations to chase her dreams and navigate a complicated love.

368 pages· 74,369 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 15,602 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan leads a double life. At home, she's a dutiful daughter under her father's strict rule. On the soccer field, she's La Furia, a rising star. When her team qualifies for a major tournament, Camila faces a dilemma: pursue her dreams or adhere to her family's expectations. Complicating matters, her former love, now an international soccer sensation, returns. As Camila battles for her future, she must confront secrets and decide if love or ambition will guide her path. Will she break free and claim her destiny, or will her dreams remain out of reach?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2017

The Playbook

By Kwame Alexander, Thai Neave (Illustrator)

Discover life's rules through inspiring stories and wisdom from iconic figures.

176 pages· 8,478 words· Est. 57 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,099 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In 'The Playbook,' explore life's game with Kwame Alexander's poetic guidance. Dive into stories of triumph and wisdom from icons like Serena Williams and Nelson Mandela. What if you could create your own rules to achieve your dreams? This motivational journey offers inspiration for anyone seeking encouragement, featuring insights from athletes and leaders who have overcome obstacles. Will you take the shot and soar?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Honus & Me

By Dan Gutman · Book #1 in the Baseball Card Adventures series

A boy discovers a baseball card that lets him time travel to meet legendary players.

144 pages· 24,005 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,246 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Joe Stoshack, a baseball enthusiast who struggles to play well, finds a rare T-206 Honus Wagner card while cleaning an attic. This discovery unlocks a time-traveling adventure, taking him back to 1909 to meet the legendary Honus Wagner. As Joe navigates the past, he hopes to learn from Wagner and improve his own game. But can a journey through time teach him the skills he lacks? Dive into a world where history and baseball collide, and discover if Joe can change his fate with the help of a baseball legend.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

Rising Above

By Gregory Zuckerman, Elijah Zuckerman, Gabriel Zuckerman

Athletes defy odds, proving perseverance and passion lead to greatness.

256 pages· 45,258 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 419 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Meet athletes like Tim Howard, who overcame Tourette Syndrome to shine in the World Cup, and Stephen Curry, who defied doubters to become an NBA MVP. Jim Abbott, born without a right hand, pitched a Major League no-hitter. These stories reveal how discipline and hope can transform challenges into triumphs. Discover how these sports icons rose above adversity, inspiring fans of all ages to believe in the power of perseverance. What drives them to succeed against all odds? Find out in this collection of real-life tales of determination and success.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Slugfest

By Gordon Korman

A top athlete must navigate summer school with misfit classmates to uncover a scandal threatening their future.

304 pages· 56,965 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,677 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Yash, a star athlete, faces an unexpected challenge: summer school for failing PE. Joined by a quirky group of classmates, including a brainy non-athlete, feuding twins, and a rebellious protester, Yash must navigate the chaos of 'Slugfest.' When a scandal threatens to make their efforts meaningless, Yash and his unlikely team must act fast. Can they uncover the truth and save their summer? And what secrets is their teacher hiding? Dive into a story of unexpected alliances and surprising revelations.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The United States v. Jackie Robinson

By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

A soldier defies segregation, facing trial for standing up for justice.

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 209 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Before Jackie Robinson became a baseball legend, he was a soldier challenging segregation. During World War II, Jackie refused to move to the back of a military bus, defying unjust orders. This act of courage led to a court martial trial, testing his resolve to fight prejudice. Discover this pivotal moment in his life, where standing up for what's right meant risking everything. How did this trial shape his future and the civil rights movement?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2014

Quarterback Rush

By Carl Bowen · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Why can't the Otters win when their quarterback throws perfectly?

72 pages· 1,463 words· Est. 14 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 220 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Summary: The Otters excel in practice, but on game day, they falter. Receiver Steve Michaels suspects quarterback Aaron Corbin's fear of getting hit is the issue. As Steve and his teammates work to toughen Aaron up, they uncover a deeper problem. Can they solve it before the season slips away? Discover the true challenge behind the Otters' struggle and whether they can unite to turn their potential into victory.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Rebel Girls Champions (Graphic Novel)

By Rebel Girls, Ibtihaj Muhammad · Rebel Girls: 25 Tales series

Discover 25 inspiring tales of unstoppable female athletes who defy limits and redefine sportsmanship.

64 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 150 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Dive into the world of Rebel Girls Champions, where 25 extraordinary women athletes take center stage. From Megan Rapinoe's World Cup triumphs to Simone Biles' gravity-defying flips, and Chloe Kim's snowboarding feats, each story unfolds like a fairy tale. These tales of resilience and determination, set against the backdrop of the Tokyo Olympics, promise to inspire young readers. With vibrant illustrations by female artists, this collection celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and the power of dreams. Will these champions inspire the next generation to reach for the stars?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2004

Promises to Keep

By Sharon Robinson

A daughter's intimate look at Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking legacy on and off the field.

64 pages· 8,356 words· Est. 56 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 361 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Explore Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey through the eyes of his daughter, Sharon. As the first African American in major league baseball, Jackie shattered barriers, not just in sports but in civil rights. This intimate biography reveals his triumphs and struggles, offering a personal glimpse into his life as a devoted family man and activist. With unpublished letters and family photos, discover how his legacy impacted his family, community, and the nation. What challenges did he face, and how did he inspire change beyond the baseball diamond?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

The Story of Simone Biles

By Rachelle Burk · The Story of series

From Texas to Olympic gold, discover Simone Biles' journey.

66 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 195 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Simone Biles, once a spirited child in Texas, dreamed of gymnastics glory. Through relentless training and sacrifice, she became the most decorated gymnast in history. This inspiring tale reveals how her achievements have paved the way for female athletes worldwide. How did Simone's determination shape her legacy, and what can young readers learn from her journey?

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Browse by age

Athletes Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about athletes for the youngest readers and listeners.

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Sale price

$1099

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Ages 1–12 · 2022

Discover athletes' journeys from struggle to triumph across diverse sports.

Sale price

$1099

Never Touch a Panda!

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover the fun of sporty pandas with bumpy textures and silly rhymes.

Sale price

$899

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

Ages 2–4 · 2021

Discover Jackie Robinson's inspiring journey in a board book for young readers.

View all athletes board books

Browse by age

Athletes Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about athletes for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$899

Dad, Jackie, and Me

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A boy and his deaf father bond over baseball, rooting for Jackie Robinson's historic season.

Sale price

$1899

Testing the Ice

Ages 7–10 · 2009

A retired legend faces his fears as his children push him to test the ice on a winter lake.

How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals

Sale price

$1999

How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Discover the secrets behind winning eight Olympic golds.

Sale price

$999

I am Jackie Robinson

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A young boy grows up to become a baseball legend and a civil rights icon, breaking barriers and inspiring a nation

Sale price

$1695

A Girl Called Genghis Khan

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A girl defies threats to pursue her passion for sports.

Sale price

$1699

Jackie's Gift

Ages 3–5 · 2010

A baseball legend's gift bridges cultural divides and sparks unexpected friendship.

Sale price

$1699

Waiting for Pumpsie

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A young fan witnesses history as the Red Sox integrate in 1959.

Sale price

$1899

By My Brother's Side

Ages 6–10 · 2004

Twins face setbacks but strive to achieve their football dreams.

Sale price

$799

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

Ages 4–8 · 1992

Defy prejudice and break records at the 1936 Olympics.

Sale price

$1895

The Stone Thrower

Ages 5–+ · 2016

A quarterback defies segregation, unbeaten but barred from the pros.

Sale price

$999

Teammates

Ages 4–7 · 1990

Breaking barriers, one game at a time.

Sale price

$899

Olympig!

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A pig competes in the Animal Olympics, proving attitude trumps winning.

View all athletes picture books

Browse by age

Athletes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about athletes for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$999

Touchdown Kid

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A talented boy must prove himself in a world of privilege to change his future.

Sale price

$1699

Women in Sports

Ages 11–17 · 2017

Discover the untold stories of fifty trailblazing female athletes who broke barriers and redefined sports history.

Sale price

$1499

Kid Athletes

Ages 9–12 · 2015

Discover the childhood challenges of future sports legends.

Sale price

$1195

Catching the Moon

Ages 6–10 · 2005

A girl defies all odds to play professional baseball in a male-dominated world.

Sale price

$799

What Are the Summer Olympics?

Ages 8–11 · 2016

The Summer Olympics are a global sporting event where athletes from around the world compete in various events.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A biography of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, and his journey to break the color barrier

Sale price

$999

Jackie & Me

Ages 8–12 · 1999

Time-traveling Joe meets Jackie Robinson, altering his view on history and courage.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Jesse Owens?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A sharecropper's son defies odds, challenging racial supremacy at the 1936 Olympics.

Sale price

$2499

Courage to Soar

Ages 13–17 · 2016

A gymnast's journey from foster care to Olympic glory, fueled by faith and perseverance.

Sale price

$399

Zombie School

Ages 7–10 · 1999

A boarding school hides secrets with multiple chilling outcomes.

Sale price

$699

A Big Day for Baseball

Ages 6–9 · 2017

Two siblings travel back in time to 1947 to witness Jackie Robinson's first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers

Sale price

$799

Jim & Me

Ages 8–12 · 2008

Time travel to save a disgraced athlete's legacy. Can history be rewritten?

View all athletes chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about baseball Books about discrimination Books about encouragement Books about family life Books about obstacles and adversity Books about positive affirmations Books about time travel

Our 10 Favorite Books About Athletes

Great books, picked for their age.

Athletes Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Athletes Picture Books

Athletes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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