Books About Running Races

The Best Running Races Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about running races? 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.

#1 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Running Races

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 54,132 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2015

Go, Pea, Go!

By Joe Moshier, Chris Sonnenburg

Pea Junior races to the Pea Bowl with support from family and friends.

32 pages

5.9/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 15 ratings

$14.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Pea Junior faces the ultimate challenge: reaching the Pea Bowl. With the finish line feeling distant, his family and friends rally behind him, offering encouragement and support. Will Pea Junior succeed in this important race? This delightful tale includes a potty chart, stickers, and a catchy song to help parents guide their little ones through this milestone. Join Pea Junior on his journey and discover if he can go number one!

Sale price

$1139

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1996

Wilma Unlimited

By Kathleen Krull, David Diaz (Illustrator)

A runner defies polio to win Olympic gold.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1997)

44 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,251 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Wilma Rudolph, once paralyzed by polio, defies all odds to become a trailblazing Olympic champion. Her journey from a determined child to a record-breaking athlete raises the question: How far can sheer willpower take you?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Thea Stilton and the Race for the Gold

By Thea Stilton · Book #31 in the Thea Stilton series

Can the Thea Sisters solve a mystery before the Summer Olympics begin?

176 pages· 13,355 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 281 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters are on a thrilling mission to support their friend Beatrice as she gears up for the Summer Olympics. But when a puzzling mystery threatens to derail the event, the sisters must use their wits and teamwork to uncover the truth. With the clock ticking and the stakes high, can they unravel the secrets in time to save the games? Dive into a world of friendship, suspense, and adventure as the Thea Sisters race against time to ensure the Olympics go off without a hitch.

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2011

Boris for the Win

By Andrew Joyner · Boris series

Boris races to win but must choose between victory and friendship.

80 pages· 773 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 172 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Boris the warthog is determined to win Field Day and finally beat Eddie, the perennial champion. But when his friend Frederick struggles to avoid last place, Boris faces a tough choice: chase glory or lend a helping hand. As the finish line looms, Boris must decide what truly matters. Will he seize victory or show the true spirit of friendship? Ready, set, go on an adventure where the heart of the race is more than just winning.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2019

Jasper & Ollie

By Alex Willan · Jasper & Ollie series

A sloth and a fox take different paths to the pool, revealing the beauty of their differences.

40 pages· 282 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 539 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jasper, the impatient fox, and Ollie, the leisurely sloth, embark on a journey to the pool. As Jasper races ahead, crashing and speeding through obstacles, Ollie takes his time, savoring every moment. Their contrasting approaches highlight the charm of their friendship and the joy in embracing differences. Will they both make it to the pool, and what will they learn along the way? This delightful tale invites readers to ponder whether they are more like the hurried Jasper or the relaxed Ollie, celebrating the art of taking time to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2014

The Fastest Boy in the World

By Elizabeth Laird

A young runner races against time to save his grandfather's life.

192 pages· 25,396 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 707 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eleven-year-old Solomon dreams of athletic glory, but when his grandfather collapses in Addis Ababa, his true test begins. With twenty miles to cover and his grandfather's life at stake, can Solomon's determination and love carry him home in time? Discover the heart-pounding journey of a boy whose spirit outpaces his bare feet.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Dixie Wins the Race

By Grace Gilman, Jacqueline Rogers (Illustrator) · Dixie series

A race mishap leaves Emma relying on Dixie to save the day.

32 pages· 360 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Emma's relay race takes an unexpected turn when she trips near the finish line. With victory slipping away, her loyal companion Dixie must step in to turn the tide. Can Dixie save the day and help Emma cross the finish line? Discover the heartwarming bond and unexpected heroics in this tale of friendship and perseverance.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Go! Go! Dino!

By Kaz Windness

Dinosaurs race to the finish line. Who will win?

32 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 55 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes line up for an exhilarating race. As the whistle blows, the competition heats up. Who will dash to victory in this delightful rhyming adventure? With each page turn, the excitement builds, leaving readers guessing which dino will claim the top spot. Perfect for young readers, this charming tale combines humor and vibrant illustrations, making it a must-read for dino enthusiasts.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Second Shot

By Jake Maddox, Jesus Salvador Aburto Martinez (Illustrator) · Jake Maddox Sports Stories series

An accident sidelines a runner, forcing him to tackle new challenges for a comeback.

72 pages· 5,491 words· Est. 46 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 7 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: LaGrande "Leggie" Peters, a promising runner, faces a life-altering accident that shatters his dreams. Now, he must navigate the unfamiliar world of field events, confronting unexpected hurdles. Can Leggie reclaim his passion and find a new path to success, or will the obstacles prove insurmountable? Discover the journey of resilience and determination as Leggie fights for his second chance.

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Ages 3–7 · 2017

Join Sesame Street friends in a thrilling Easter race full of surprises. Who will win: the steady turtle or the speedy, distracted bunny?

View all running races picture books

Browse by age

Ages 7–9 · 2019

A young boy tries out for the school football team but is rejected due to his age, so he joins the school's running club instead.

View all running races chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about reaching your potential (self-actualization)Books about running Books about track and field

The Best Running Races Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Running Races

Ghost

Go, Pea, Go!

Wilma Unlimited

Thea Stilton and the Race for the Gold

Boris for the Win

Jasper & Ollie

The Fastest Boy in the World

Dixie Wins the Race

Go! Go! Dino!

Second Shot

Great books, picked for their age.

Running Races Picture Books

Curious George Race Day

Arthur and the Race to Read

The Great Pancake Race

The Great Easter Race!

Running Races Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Running Scared

Relay Race Breakdown

Running Rivals

Turkey Trot Plot

The Big Race Lace Case

Sadiq and the Fun Run

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