Books About High School Sports

The Best High School Sports Books for Kids

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About High School Sports

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The DH

By John Feinstein · Book #3 in the The Triple Threat series

A pitcher's rival returns after a doping scandal, on the field and off it.

304 pages· 65,748 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 355 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After controversy in football and basketball season, Alex Myers just wants to work on his fastball and spend time with Christine. Then Matt Gordon, suspended for taking performance-enhancing drugs, is let back on the baseball team, and he becomes Alex's rival for both. Alex has to decide what fair play really means.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2012

True Legend

By Mike Lupica

A young basketball star's ego leads to trouble until a mentor steps in.

320 pages· 63,354 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 2,421 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Drew Robinson, a basketball prodigy known as 'True,' faces the pitfalls of fame and ego. As his talent skyrockets, so do the challenges, straining his relationship with his mother. Just as trouble looms, a forgotten playground legend returns, offering guidance and a chance for redemption. Can Drew navigate the pressures of his gift and find his true path on and off the court?

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 Goodreads · 9,589 ratings

$32.99Save 5%

Hardcover

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?

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 Goodreads · 6,581 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

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.

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 Goodreads · 4,367 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

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?

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 Goodreads · 1,116 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

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?

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 Goodreads · 33,988 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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.

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 Goodreads · 62 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

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?

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 Goodreads · 86 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

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.

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

4.4 Goodreads · 97 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

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?

The Bookroo Book Club