Books About Girls In Sports

The Best Girls In Sports Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about girls in sports? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Girls In Sports

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Year in the Middle

By Lila Quintero Weaver

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

288 pages· 51,110 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 818 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1970 Alabama, sixth-grader Lu Olivera navigates a racially divided classroom where her talent for running track sparks tension. As her old friends change and new friendships with fellow runner Belinda Gresham seem impossible due to racial barriers, Lu faces a choice. With political tensions rising, Lu must decide whether to stand up against the racial divide or remain neutral. Can she find the courage to choose friends who share her values and challenge the status quo? Discover Lu's journey as she races against more than just time.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2021

Triple Threat

By Mike Lupica

A girl battles gender bias to earn her place on the boys' football team.

272 pages· 54,653 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 166 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Alex dreams of playing football, but joining the boys' team brings unexpected challenges. Faced with hostility and sabotage from her teammates, Alex must decide if becoming quarterback is worth the fight. Can she overcome the odds and prove her talent, or will the pressure crush her spirit? Dive into a gripping tale of resilience and determination as Alex tackles gender inequality on the field.

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

May the Best Player Win

By Kyla Zhao

A young chess prodigy navigates competition, friendship, and self-doubt as she strives to prove herself in a male-dominated game.

242 pages· 47,893 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 305 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old May Li just helped her middle-school chess team win the state championship, and she earned an award as the top female player. But some teammates, including her friend Ralph, think she doesn't deserve the attention. To prove herself, May bets Ralph she can win the school's own tournament and be named team captain for nationals, if her nerves don't get in the way first.

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Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Nat a Chance

By Maria Scrivan · Book #6 in the Nat Enough series

Can she overcome self-doubt and finish the triathlon, or will fear make her quit?

240 pages· 5,911 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 525 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Nat, unsure of her athletic abilities, impulsively signs up for a triathlon with her friend Zoe. As training progresses, she faces unexpected hurdles and self-doubt. Will Nat push through her fears and finish the race, or will she let her insecurities win? Dive into this journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2007

Meet Julie

By Megan McDonald, Robert Hunt (Illustrator), Susan McAliley (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the American Girl: Julie series

A girl battles to join the boys' basketball team in 1974.

92 pages· 13,686 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 3,790 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Julie Albright faces a new life in San Francisco after her parents' divorce. Leaving her best friend and father behind, she discovers her new school lacks a girls' basketball team. Determined to play, Julie challenges the status quo, confronting gender barriers and personal upheaval. Can she change the rules and find her place in this turbulent era?

Sale price

$2085

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh

By Uma Krishnaswami

A girl dreams of softball amid war and family struggles.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2018)

276 pages· 49,887 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 229 ratings

Hardcover

Summary: In 1945 California, nine-year-old Maria Singh dreams of joining a girls' softball team inspired by the All-American Girls' League. As World War II rages, her family faces prejudice and the threat of losing their farm. With her parents fighting for India's independence, Maria must find her voice in a world stacked against her. Can she balance her love for the game with the harsh realities of her multicultural heritage and the era's discrimination? Discover Maria's journey of courage and resilience in a pivotal moment of history.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2003

Girl Wonder

By Deborah Hopkinson, Terry Widener (Illustrator)

A girl defies expectations to join a semipro baseball team. Can she prove her worth on the field?

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2004)

40 pages· 1,011 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 215 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Alta Weiss has an arm that defies her small Ohio town's expectations. At seventeen, she sets her sights on joining the semipro team, the Independents. Despite her long skirts and the coach's doubts, Alta is determined to prove that girls can play baseball. Will she overcome the barriers and show her true potential on the field? Alta's journey is a testament to breaking boundaries and challenging norms, leaving everyone wondering if she can change the game forever.

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Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Curveball

By Pablo Cartaya

Elena must rediscover herself and her love for baseball in a summer of unexpected adventures.

192 pages· 6,112 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 584 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Elena Rueda, the star player and only girl on her baseball team, faces a crisis: the game she loves no longer excites her. As she steps away from the sport, a summer with her brother's eccentric friends in a deserted sandlot beckons. Can this unexpected journey help Elena uncover her true identity and reignite her passion for the game? With new friendships and endless possibilities, Elena must navigate the challenges of self-discovery and find joy in the unexpected. Will she learn to love baseball again, or find a new path entirely?

Sale price

$1734

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

Happy Like Soccer

By Maribeth Boelts

Sierra loves soccer, but her aunt can't watch her play. Who will cheer her on?

32 pages· 958 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 364 ratings

$18.25Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Sierra's passion for soccer is unmatched, but her heart aches as her aunt can't attend her games due to work. As she dribbles across the field, Sierra longs for someone to cheer her on by name, not just her jersey number. Will she find the support she craves, or will the silence from the sidelines persist? This touching tale explores the emotional divides children face and the universal need for encouragement.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

For Soccer-Crazy Girls Only

By Erin Downing

Training tips, team strategy and fun facts for girls who live for soccer.

160 pages

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: For girls who love muddy cleats and dream about the ball soaring into the net, this book gathers everything great about soccer in one place: training techniques, formations and strategies, plus facts, history and inspiration from the game's stars. It is made for dipping into between practices and games.

Ages 7–10Junior Chapter Book Club