Books About High School Sports

The Best High School Sports Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about high school 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.

Dragon Hoops
Graphic Nov.
Shot Clock Slam
Graphic Nov.
Wild Pitch
Graphic Nov.
Kickoff Blitz
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About High School Sports

Dragon Hoops
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3134
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Dragon Hoops

By Gene Luen Yang

A teacher discovers the thrill of basketball as his school's team chases a historic championship.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2021)
446 pages· 23,617 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,494 ratings
$32.99Save 5%
Summary: Gene, a comic book enthusiast and teacher, never understood sports. But when his school's basketball team, the Dragons, embarks on a historic season, he finds himself drawn into their journey. As the team inches closer to the California State Championships, Gene realizes their story rivals any comic book epic. This season promises not only to transform the players' lives but also to redefine Gene's own understanding of victory and passion. Will the Dragons achieve their ultimate goal, and how will this journey change Gene forever?
The Big Field
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

The Big Field

By Mike Lupica

A shortstop's loyalty is tested when betrayal strikes before the championship.

272 pages· 55,519 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,559 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Hutch dreams of playing shortstop like his hero, Derek Jeter, and his father, a former pro. But when Darryl "D-Will" Williams, a top prospect, joins the team, Hutch is pushed to second base. As the league championship looms, Hutch faces unexpected betrayal from those he trusts most. Will he sacrifice his dreams to remain a team player, or fight for his rightful place? The stakes are high, and Hutch must decide how far he's willing to go for the game he loves.
Pop
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2000

Pop

By Gordon Korman

New town, new challenges: Marcus befriends a football legend with secrets.

272 pages· 52,791 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,356 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Marcus, new in town and eager to make the football team, befriends Charlie, a legendary ex-NFL player with a penchant for pranks. As Marcus navigates school politics and his parents' split, he discovers Charlie's hidden struggles. With the quarterback's hostility and Charlie's unpredictable antics, Marcus must find his place on and off the field. Can he balance friendship, family, and football, or will the secrets of the past tackle him first?
Some Kind of Hate
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2022

Some Kind of Hate

By Sarah Darer Littman

A young pitcher faces a choice between rage and redemption as he battles rising hate.

Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2023)
336 pages· 82,459 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,091 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Declan Taylor's dreams shatter after an injury, leaving him angry and isolated. Online, he finds a friend in Finn, who shares his frustrations. As they bond, Declan is drawn into a world of rising white nationalism, where he must decide how far he'll go to fight back. With friendships and futures on the line, Declan's journey explores the destructive power of hate and the hope for redemption. Will he channel his rage for good, or will it consume him?
Tangerine
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1997

Tangerine

By Edward Bloor

A boy uncovers family secrets and strange phenomena in a mysterious town.

312 pages· 89,797 words· Est. 10 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 33,829 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Paul Fisher, a visually impaired boy, moves to Tangerine County, where sinkholes, underground fires, and daily lightning strikes are the norm. Harassed by his football-star brother, Paul finds solace in joining the school soccer team. As he bonds with his teammates, he begins to unravel the town's mysteries and confront long-hidden family secrets. Can Paul find his place in this bizarre new world and face the truth about his past? In Tangerine, anything is possible, and Paul must navigate the chaos to discover his true strength.
Double Reverse
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2014

Double Reverse

By Fred Bowen · All-Star Sports Stories series

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?
Shot Clock Slam
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2010

Shot Clock Slam

By Chris Kreie, Jesus Salvador Aburto Martinez (Illustrator), Andres Esparza (Illustrator) · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Can Perry overcome his ego to lead the Tigers to victory with Jason's help?

56 pages· 1,493 words· Est. 14 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 83 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Perry, the Tigers' star player, faces a new challenge when Jason, a towering talent, joins the team. As Perry struggles with sharing the spotlight, his selfish play threatens the Tigers' championship dreams. Can Perry and Jason find a way to unite their skills, or will their rivalry cost the team everything? Discover if teamwork can triumph over ego in this high-stakes basketball showdown.
Wild Pitch
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2011

Wild Pitch

By Eric Fein, Gerardo Sandoval (Illustrator) · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

A past rivalry reignites when a former foe joins the team.

56 pages· 1,962 words· Est. 18 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 93 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Kyle Walker is ready for a fresh start after a devastating injury from last year's championship game. But his resolve is tested when Ryan Rogan, the pitcher who sidelined him, joins his team. As tensions rise, Kyle must confront his suspicions and decide if he can trust Ryan or if their rivalry will destroy the team's chances. Can they overcome the past, or will old wounds sabotage their future?
Soccer Step-Up
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Soccer Step-Up

By Jake Maddox · Jake Maddox JV series

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.
Kickoff Blitz
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$683
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2010

Kickoff Blitz

By Blake A. Hoena, Jose Alfonso Ocampo Ruiz (Illustrator) · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Can Tou outplay a dirty rival or be sidelined by his bully?

56 pages· 1,090 words· Est. 10 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 98 ratings
$7.19Save 5%
Summary: Tou Yang, the smallest player on his football team, faces a fierce challenge when the Bandits arrive. His old nemesis, Darren, plays dirty, determined to bring Tou down. As Tou dashes down the field, smashing ball carriers, he must confront his past and prove his strength. Will he overcome Darren's underhanded tactics, or will his rival's bullying send him to the sidelines? The stakes are high, and Tou's grit will be tested in this thrilling gridiron showdown.
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