Books About Sports Rivalries

The Best Sports Rivalries Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Sports Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about sports rivalries? 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 Sports Rivalries

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 · 6,563 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

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1972

Look Who's Playing First Base

By Matt Christopher · Matt Christopher Sports Classics series

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 · 165 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2014

Blake Griffin

By Jon M. Fishman · Amazing Athletes series

A basketball prodigy rises, overshadowing his brother with powerful dunks.

32 pages· 1,883 words· Est. 16 min read

3.5/5 Goodreads · 2 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Blake Griffin, a powerhouse on the basketball court, emerges from his brother Taylor's shadow to become a dunking sensation. As they play together at the University of Oklahoma, Blake's extraordinary talent becomes undeniable. Can he maintain his dominance in the NBA, or will new challenges arise? Discover the journey of a sports phenomenon and the thunderous dunks that captivate fans.

Sale price

$3292

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

The College Football Championship

By Matt Doeden · Spectacular Sports series

From chaos to glory, explore the evolution of college football's ultimate showdown.

64 pages· 12,654 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 15 ratings

$34.65Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Journey through college football's transformation from its chaotic beginnings in 1869 to the thrilling spectacle of modern playoffs. Relive iconic moments, unexpected blunders, and the quest for national glory.

Sale price

$3386

Picture Book · Ages 9–11 · 2011

Phoenix Suns

By Andres Ybarra · Inside the NBA series

Discover the highs and lows of the Phoenix Suns' quest for NBA glory.

48 pages· 6,378 words· Est. 50 min read-aloud

$35.64Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Dive into the thrilling history of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona's pioneering pro team. From their inception to their relentless pursuit of an NBA championship, explore the triumphs and trials that define them. Meet iconic players and coaches, uncover fascinating anecdotes, and experience the drama of their journey through vibrant photos and stories. Will the Suns finally bask in championship glory?

Sale price

$3292

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2014

The World Series

By Matt Doeden · Spectacular Sports series

Explore the World Series' evolution from humble beginnings to global spectacle.

64 pages· 12,300 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings

$34.65Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Explore the thrilling history of the World Series, where baseball's top teams battle for glory and legacies are forged. Dive into the century-long saga filled with unforgettable moments and the passion that captivates fans worldwide. What stories lie behind the statistics and records? Discover the drama that makes the World Series a global sensation.

Sale price

$3292

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

The NBA Playoffs

By Matt Doeden

Uncover unforgettable NBA playoff moments and shocking finishes.

64 pages· 11,303 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 12 ratings

$34.65Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Dive into the thrilling world of NBA playoffs, where legendary games and clutch performances define basketball history. Discover the secrets behind iconic moments, from buzzer-beaters to dynasty-building triumphs. What unforgettable stories await?

Sale price

$2560

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The New England Patriots Story

NFL Teams series

Discover the rise of an underdog quarterback leading a legendary football team to greatness.

32 pages· 1,125 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 12 ratings

$26.95Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Dive into the thrilling journey of the New England Patriots, where an unexpected quarterback, once a sixth-round pick, transforms the team into a powerhouse. Witness the strategic genius of their head coach and the team's historic undefeated season. What challenges did they overcome to achieve such success? This captivating tale of ambition and triumph is perfect for young sports enthusiasts eager to learn about one of football's most iconic franchises.

Sale price

$2560

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Minnesota Vikings Story

By Thomas K. Adamson · NFL Teams series

Discover the tenacity that led the Vikings to four Super Bowls.

32 pages· 1,045 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 11 ratings

$26.95Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Explore the legendary journey of the Minnesota Vikings, known as the 'Purple People Eaters.' Under the leadership of head coach Bud Grant, they charged into four Super Bowls in the 1970s. What fueled their relentless drive and iconic status? Dive into the history and spirit of this formidable team, and uncover the secrets behind their enduring legacy.

Sale price

$3275

Picture Book · Ages 10–13 · 2008

Basketball in the Big 12 Conference

By Michael Sommers · Inside Men's College Basketball series

Uncover the secrets of the Big 12's basketball legacy.

48 pages· 6,835 words· Est. 53 min read-aloud

5.0/5 Goodreads · 1 ratings

$34.47Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Dive into the thrilling world of Big 12 basketball, where fierce rivalries and legendary games define the conference's storied history. Discover the key players, iconic coaches, and unforgettable moments that have shaped one of college basketball's most successful leagues. From the North's powerhouse teams to the South's formidable contenders, explore the dynamic landscape of this central U.S. conference. What makes the Big 12 a perennial postseason presence? Unravel the mysteries behind its enduring success and the mascots that rally the spirit of competition. A must-read for any basketball enthusiast.

The Bookroo Book Club