Books About Sports History · 68 titles considered

The Best Sports History Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about sports history? 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.

Series

Series

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sports History

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Honus & Me

By Dan Gutman · Book #1 in the Baseball Card Adventures series

A boy discovers a baseball card that lets him time travel to meet legendary players.

144 pages· 24,005 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,252 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Joe Stoshack, a baseball enthusiast who struggles to play well, finds a rare T-206 Honus Wagner card while cleaning an attic. This discovery unlocks a time-traveling adventure, taking him back to 1909 to meet the legendary Honus Wagner. As Joe navigates the past, he hopes to learn from Wagner and improve his own game. But can a journey through time teach him the skills he lacks? Dive into a world where history and baseball collide, and discover if Joe can change his fate with the help of a baseball legend.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Legends

By Howard Bryant

Discover basketball's legends and dynasties in a thrilling journey through the sport's history.

368 pages· 54,481 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 190 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the world of basketball with legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Explore iconic moments and dynasties from the Celtics to the Spurs. This book is a treasure trove for young fans dreaming of NBA glory, featuring top lists and a timeline of pivotal events. Will you uncover the secrets behind the game's greatest champions?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2004

Promises to Keep

By Sharon Robinson

A daughter's intimate look at Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking legacy on and off the field.

64 pages· 8,356 words· Est. 56 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 363 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey through the eyes of his daughter, Sharon. As the first African American in major league baseball, Jackie shattered barriers, not just in sports but in civil rights. This intimate biography reveals his triumphs and struggles, offering a personal glimpse into his life as a devoted family man and activist. With unpublished letters and family photos, discover how his legacy impacted his family, community, and the nation. What challenges did he face, and how did he inspire change beyond the baseball diamond?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

What Is the Stanley Cup?

By Gail Herman, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The story of the Stanley Cup and its history in the National Hockey League.

112 pages· 8,570 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 196 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the thrilling world of the Stanley Cup Finals, where thirty-two teams battle for the ultimate glory in ice hockey. Discover the origins of this historic championship, the legendary curse haunting the Rangers, and the challenges faced during the Spanish flu. Who will rise to hoist the oldest sports trophy in the world? Uncover the drama, triumphs, and heartbreaks that define this epic series.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

What Is the World Series?

By Gail Herman, Who HQ, David Grayson Kenyon (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The history of the World Series is explored from its beginnings to the present day.

112 pages· 9,135 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 332 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Journey through over a century of baseball's most thrilling championship series. From the early 1900s to today, explore the evolution of the game, marked by legendary triumphs, devastating heartbreaks, and mysterious curses. Discover how America's Pastime has transformed, captivating millions each October. What secrets and stories lie behind the sport's most iconic moments?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

By Gail Herman, Who HQ, John O'Brien (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, and his journey to break the color barrier

112 pages· 7,592 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,674 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jackie Robinson, a natural athlete, joins the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, shattering baseball's color barrier. Amidst hate mail and teammate rejection, his resilience and character redefine sports history. Can he overcome the odds and change the game forever?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2016

Sports

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · My Weird School Fast Facts series

A collection of weird and interesting facts about sports.

176 pages· 12,079 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 209 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join A.J. and Andrea on a wild journey through the strangest sports facts. From golf on the moon to self-passing touchdowns, this book is packed with hilarious trivia and quirky insights. Why do Major League Baseball umpires wear black underwear? Dive into this fun-filled adventure to find out!

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 · 9,502 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

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

The Bat Boy & His Violin

By Gavin Curtis, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A violinist's music may transform a struggling baseball team's fate. Can it lead to victory?

Coretta Scott King Honor (1999)

32 pages· 1,621 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 547 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Reginald, a young violinist, finds himself as a bat boy for the Dukes, the worst team in the Negro National League. His father, the team's manager, needs help, but Reginald's heart is in his music. As classical melodies fill the dugout, the team's luck begins to change. Can Reginald's violin inspire a miraculous win against the formidable Monarchs? This tale of family, music, and unexpected triumph explores the power of harmony on and off the field.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2002

Shoeless Joe & Me

By Dan Gutman · Book #4 in the Baseball Card Adventures series

Can time travel save a baseball legend from scandal?

176 pages· 29,877 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,136 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Joe Stoshack discovers a way to travel back to 1919, aiming to stop the scandal that ruined Shoeless Joe Jackson's career. With a baseball card in hand, Joe faces the challenge of preventing a fateful bribe from reaching the star player. Can he alter history and secure Jackson's place in the Hall of Fame, or will temptation prove too strong? As the big game looms, Joe must navigate the past's uncertainties to change the future. Will his actions rewrite history, or is some fate inevitable?

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Sports History Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about sports history for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$3460

Center

Ages 9–13 · 2010

Discover the secrets of basketball's legendary centers and their path to greatness.

Sale price

$2865

The World Series

Ages 8–14 · 2014

Uncover the epic battles and legendary moments of the World Series.

Series

Sale price

$3564

Dallas Mavericks

Ages 9–11 · 2011

Discover the highs and lows of the Dallas Mavericks' journey in the NBA.

Series

Sale price

$2732

Talladega Superspeedway

Ages 8–14 · 2006

Explore the thrilling world of NASCAR racing and its iconic tracks.

Series

Sale price

$3422

Baseball

Ages 0–7 · 2015

Discover baseball's unforgettable records and legendary moments.

Series

Sale price

$3564

Detroit Lions

Ages 8–11 · 2011

Uncover the highs and lows of the Detroit Lions' storied NFL journey.

Series

Dallas Cowboys

2016

The Dallas Cowboys' journey from their founding to becoming one of the most iconic teams in NFL history is explored through key moments, players, and traditions.