Books About Girls In Sports

The Best Girls In Sports Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
Curveball
Graphic Nov.
Basketball Breakdown
Soccer Step-Up
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Girls In Sports

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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
4.0/5 Goodreads · 817 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
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.
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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 484 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh

A girl dreams of softball amid war and family struggles.

276 pages· 49,887 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 228 ratings
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.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2003

Girl Wonder

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

40 pages· 1,011 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 214 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Curveball

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

192 pages· 6,112 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 511 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
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?
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

Happy Like Soccer

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 364 ratings
$18.25Save 5%
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2014

Double Reverse

A high school freshman steps into the role of quarterback after his brother's departure and leads his team to find strength in unexpected places.

144 pages· 17,191 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Freshman Jesse Wagner feels too small to be quarterback, but with his brother Jay facing a position change in college, they strike a deal to swap roles. As Jesse steps up to lead the Franklin High Panthers, they recruit Savannah, a soccer goalie, as their kicker. Can Jesse prove size doesn't matter and lead his team to victory? Meanwhile, Jay must adapt to his new position, testing his skills and determination. Will the brothers overcome their doubts and redefine what it means to be a player?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Basketball Breakdown

Benched by a concussion, Shaena fears losing her place on the team. Can she find her way back?

96 pages· 10,262 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 10 ratings
$26.65Save 5%
Summary: Eighth-grader Shaena's basketball dreams are halted by a concussion just before the big game. As she watches her teammates improve without her, Shaena fears being left behind. Can she reclaim her spot and prove her worth, or will she be sidelined for good? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young athlete navigating setbacks and self-doubt in this gripping sports tale.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Soccer Step-Up

A young soccer star faces high school challenges and self-doubt. Can she prove her skills?

96 pages· 10,314 words· Est. 1 hour read
5.0/5 Goodreads · 5 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Summary: Melina Stern's middle school soccer dreams are dashed when the team is cut. Now, she must face high school JV tryouts, where older players' teasing shakes her confidence. As Melina battles self-doubt, she must rediscover her passion for the game and prove her worth on the field. Will she rise to the challenge and unite the team, or will the pressure be too much? Dive into this gripping tale of resilience and teamwork.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Maya and the Beast

By Maya Gabeira, Ramona Kaulitzki (Illustrator)

A young girl faces a giant wave, defying fear and stereotypes.

40 pages· 1,023 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In a seaside village, young Maya feels fragile due to her asthma, except when she's in the water. While others fear the monstrous wave known as 'the Beast,' Maya finds solace in its roar. With her pink surfboard and unwavering spirit, she aims to conquer the wave and reveal its hidden beauty. Can Maya, inspired by real-life surfer Maya Gabeira, defy expectations and tame the Beast? This tale of courage and resilience challenges gender norms and celebrates the power of determination.
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