Books About Sports Rivalry

The Best Sports Rivalry Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about sports rivalry? 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 Big Field
Power Play
The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About Sports Rivalry

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 · 6,557 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1972

Look Who's Playing First Base

Can Mike balance friendship and team loyalty when a new player struggles?

131 pages· 14,189 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 164 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Mike Hagin faces a tough choice when his friend Yuri joins the Checkmates as first baseman but struggles on the field. With the team's star player threatening to quit, Mike must decide between standing by Yuri or siding with his teammates. As tensions rise, Mike wonders if there's a way to keep both his friendship and the team intact. Can he find a solution that satisfies everyone, or will he be forced to choose sides?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Power Play

A young hockey player battles rivals and personal turmoil to earn a varsity spot mid-season.

96 pages· 10,293 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 11 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Summary: Kyla Woodson's freshman year is a whirlwind of challenges. Stuck on JV, she must impress the coach to join varsity mid-season. But an old rival, her parents' divorce, and her mom's new boyfriend complicate her life. Can Kyla keep her cool on and off the rink to achieve her dreams? As tensions rise, her journey becomes a test of skill and resilience. Will she skate to victory or crumble under pressure? Dive into this gripping sports tale filled with personal battles and high-stakes competition.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

Linebacker Block

Can Logan stay loyal to his new team without betraying old friends?

72 pages· 4,716 words· Est. 40 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 91 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Logan faces a dilemma as he prepares to compete against his former teammates. Now a member of the Westfield Wildcats, he must navigate the tension of playing against the River City Cyclones, his old friends. Will they see him as a traitor, or can he balance loyalty to his new team without losing his past connections? As the game approaches, Logan must decide where his true allegiance lies, testing friendships and his own sense of identity. Can he find a way to win on the field and in his heart?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo