Books About Sportsmanship · 64 titles considered

The Best Sportsmanship Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about sportsmanship? 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.

Bird & Squirrel All or Nothing
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sportsmanship

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$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Bird & Squirrel All or Nothing

By James Burks · Book #6 in the Bird & Squirrel series

A young bird is forced to participate in a treacherous desert adventure race to save his family's legacy

128 pages· 3,376 words· Est. 38 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 470 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Rivals

By Tim Green · Book #2 in the Baseball Great series

A young athlete uncovers a dangerous secret at a high-stakes baseball tournament.

272 pages· 48,902 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,061 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Play Ball!

Cousins face rivals and unexpected challenges on their path to the Little League World Series.

224 pages· 33,920 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 269 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Paintball Invasion

Mysterious attacks threaten Josh and Chad's paintball haven. Can they uncover the truth?

72 pages· 5,027 words· Est. 42 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 216 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2012

Gymnastics Jitters

Gymnasts face unfair rivals, testing their sportsmanship.

72 pages· 4,879 words· Est. 41 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 331 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Quarterback Sneak

A young football player must navigate the challenges of teamwork and personal ambition when his quarterback's uncle, a famous pro football player, starts giving him advice that puts the team's success at risk.

72 pages· 4,611 words· Est. 39 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 199 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2006

Free Throw

A young basketball player struggles to prove himself on the court and overcome his rival's jealousy and criticism.

72 pages· 4,543 words· Est. 38 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 266 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

Ready, Set, Snow!

Can Freddy win the Snowshoe Race against a bully in the Winter Olympics?

96 pages· 7,034 words· Est. 55 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 304 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Lucy's "Perfect" Summer

A summer of soccer and struggles tests Lucy's resilience and beliefs after family tragedy.

192 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 131 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Benchwarmers

Two benched players fight for their place on the soccer field amidst media chaos.

336 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 224 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
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Sportsmanship Picture Books

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

Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A reluctant runner faces a mean teammate on Field Day. Can she overcome her fears?

Go, Pete, Go!

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Pete the Cat competes in a bike race against Turtle's new race car.

Ella McKeen, Kickball Queen

Ages 5–9 · 2019

A kickball queen faces a new rival. Can she handle losing?

The Golden Acorn

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Squirrel races for the Golden Nut but must learn teamwork to win.

Every Cowgirl Loves a Rodeo

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A cowgirl faces a choice: win the Bike Rodeo or save a friend's ride.

Franklin Plays the Game

Ages 3–8 · 1995

A young turtle learns teamwork to improve his soccer skills.

The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team

Ages 2–8 · 2018

A father joins his child's soccer team and learns to be a good sport.

I Want to Win!

Ages 3–6 · 2011

A young girl learns the true joy of earning her victories.

You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Rainbow Fish learns to accept loss without losing his sparkle.

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game
Sale price
$499

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A soccer game turns chaotic, testing the Bears' sportsmanship.

OLIVIA Plays Soccer
Sale price
$399

OLIVIA Plays Soccer

Ages 4–6 · 2013

Can she find a way to wear red without being the goalie?

Austin Plays Fair

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Will Austin choose fairness over victory when his team cheats to win a game?

View all sportsmanship picture books
Browse by age

Sportsmanship Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about sportsmanship for developing and independent readers.

Shoot-Out

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A star player must choose between quitting or transforming his losing team.

Full Court Pressure

Ages 8–14 · 2010

A player caught between rival teams must prove his loyalty on the field.

Skateboard Save

Ages 8–11 · 2008

Riley faces a tough choice: help his rival or seize victory.

Ice Clash

Ages 8–11 · 2021

A girl fights to reclaim her spot on the hockey team from a biased coach.

Lacrosse Face-Off

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A lacrosse team bully targets two brothers, testing their bond.

Dugout Hero

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Injured Little Rhino must find a way to support his team from the sidelines.

Dream Team
Sale price
$599

Dream Team

Ages 7–10 · 2023

Can magical pups teach a lone basketball star the power of teamwork?

Aven Green Soccer Machine

Ages 6–8 · 2023

Can Aven learn to share the spotlight when a new teammate arrives?

Touchdown Trouble

Ages 7–11 · 2009

A football team's perfect season is threatened by an illegal play discovery.

The Perfect Pitch

Ages 7–10 · 2023

Annabella must juggle softball and acting, but can she be in two places at once?

Basketball Disasters

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A reluctant fourth grader must lead a misfit basketball team against a school bully.

Fuzzy Baseball

Ages 7–12 · 2022

Can the Fuzzies outplay ninjas and robots on the baseball field?

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