Books About Track And Field · 60 titles considered

The Best Track And Field Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

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Looking for excellent children's books about track and field? 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 Track And Field

Ghost
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 · 54,524 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.
My Year in the Middle
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Year in the Middle

By Lila Quintero Weaver

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

288 pages· 51,110 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 818 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1970 Alabama, sixth-grader Lu Olivera navigates a racially divided classroom where her talent for running track sparks tension. As her old friends change and new friendships with fellow runner Belinda Gresham seem impossible due to racial barriers, Lu faces a choice. With political tensions rising, Lu must decide whether to stand up against the racial divide or remain neutral. Can she find the courage to choose friends who share her values and challenge the status quo? Discover Lu's journey as she races against more than just time.
This Little Trailblazer
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2017

This Little Trailblazer

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator) · This Little Primer series

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

26 pages
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 463 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Meet ten remarkable women who reshaped history with their courage and intelligence. This vibrant board book introduces young readers to empowering female trailblazers who paved the way for a brighter future. Through engaging facts and bold illustrations, children will explore the stories of these influential leaders, sparking inspiration and curiosity. Who were these women, and how did they change the world? Dive into this girl power primer to find out!
What Are the Summer Olympics?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

What Are the Summer Olympics?

By Gail Herman, Who HQ, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The Summer Olympics are a global sporting event where athletes from around the world compete in various events.

112 pages· 8,253 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 399 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Journey from 775 BC to the present as athletes from around the world compete for glory in the Olympic Games. Explore how this ancient tradition was revived in 1896 and has grown into a global spectacle, uniting nations and inspiring billions. What drives these athletes to push beyond limits, and how do the Games continue to evolve? Dive into the rich history and thrilling present of the world's greatest sporting event.
Thea Stilton and the Race for the Gold
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 Goodreads · 284 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.
Lu
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2018

Lu

By Jason Reynolds · Book #4 in the Track series

Lu faces unexpected hurdles on and off the track to discover what true victory means.

240 pages· 43,551 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 7,474 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Lu, born to lead the Defenders, must confront unexpected challenges as he guides his team to the championships. With swagger and talent, he faces literal and metaphorical hurdles, questioning what true victory entails. Can Lu overcome his ego and connect with his teammates, or will his ambitions trip him up? In this thrilling conclusion to the Track series, the stakes are high, and the finish line is just the beginning of Lu's journey.
Patina
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

Patina

By Jason Reynolds · Book #2 in the Track series

Can Patty outrun her fears and learn to trust her team?

256 pages· 48,219 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 14,859 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Patina, a new track star, races to escape her fears and the pain of her mother's illness. As she joins an elite team, Patty must confront her attitude and learn to trust others in a relay race that could change everything. Can she prove herself and find strength in unity, or will her personal demons hold her back?
Her Fearless Run
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

Her Fearless Run

By Kim Chaffee, Ellen Rooney (Illustrator)

A woman defies the odds to run the Boston Marathon, changing the sport forever.

40 pages· 1,233 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 404 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1967, Kathrine Switzer dared to challenge the status quo by becoming the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. From backyard laps to breaking barriers, her journey is a testament to courage and determination. As she faces societal norms and race officials, Kathrine's story inspires anyone willing to defy the rules. Will her bold steps pave the way for future generations? This gripping biography, enriched with dynamic collage art, captures the heart and tension of a trailblazer's quest, inviting readers to join her in the race for equality and change.
Jesse Owens
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Jesse Owens

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Anna Katharina Jansen (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

A young athlete defies racism and sets world records at the 1936 Olympics.

32 pages· 504 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 261 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Jesse Owens, born in Alabama, discovers his passion for running after moving to Ohio. Rising to fame in high school, he faces the ultimate challenge at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Amidst global tension, Jesse's incredible performance not only earns him four gold medals but also challenges the era's racial prejudices. This inspiring tale of determination and triumph is beautifully illustrated, offering young readers a glimpse into the life of a true sports legend. Will Jesse's achievements inspire future generations to dream big and break barriers?
Girl Running
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

Girl Running

By Annette Bay Pimentel, Micha Archer (Illustrator)

A woman defies the odds to run the Boston Marathon.

Golden Kite Honor (2019)
32 pages· 1,030 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 589 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1966, Bobbi Gibb faces a world that tells her women can't run marathons. Denied entry to the Boston Marathon, she defies expectations, determined to prove her strength and challenge societal norms. As she runs, Bobbi's journey becomes a powerful statement of courage and resilience, inspiring others to question what limits truly exist. Will she succeed in changing perceptions and making history?
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Track And Field Picture Books

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

Touch the Sky
Sale price
$1699

Touch the Sky

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A young girl defies odds to become an Olympic champion.

Unbeatable Betty
Sale price
$1799

Unbeatable Betty

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A plane crash can't stop her Olympic dreams. Will she run again?

The Wildest Race Ever
Sale price
$1899

The Wildest Race Ever

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A chaotic 1904 Olympic marathon with unexpected twists and unlikely competitors.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Sale price
$1799

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A centenarian defies odds to become the first 100-year-old marathon runner.

I am Jesse Owens
Series
Sale price
$1699

I am Jesse Owens

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A young runner defies odds and prejudice to become an Olympic legend.

Just Like Jesse Owens
Sale price
$1799

Just Like Jesse Owens

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A boy learns a powerful lesson on racism and resilience in 1930s New Orleans.

The Big Cheese
#7 in Series
Sale price
$1999

The Big Cheese

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A charismatic cheese learns to cope with losing and finds new meaning in life.

The Fastest Tortoise in Town
Sale price
$1899

The Fastest Tortoise in Town

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A tortoise races against unlikely competitors, discovering the power of perseverance and self-love.

View all track and field picture books
Browse by age

Track And Field Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about track and field for developing and independent readers.

Who Was Jesse Owens?
Series
Sale price
$699

Who Was Jesse Owens?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A sharecropper's son defies odds, challenging racial supremacy at the 1936 Olympics.

Sidetracked
Sale price
$899

Sidetracked

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A misfit joins the track team, facing bullies and fears, discovering unexpected possibilities.

Sunny
#3 in Series
Sale price
$899

Sunny

Ages 10–13 · 2018

Sunny must find his place on the track team without running. Can he redefine his path and heal his past?

Auma's Long Run
Sale price
$1099

Auma's Long Run

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Auma's dreams clash with family duty as AIDS ravages her village.

The Million Dollar Race
Sale price
$799

The Million Dollar Race

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A boy must invent a country to compete in a race and face his best friend.

Way Off Track
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1699

Way Off Track

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A race lost, a shoe obsession, and a $338 challenge. Can she win it all?

Nothing But the Truth
Sale price
$1880

Nothing But the Truth

Ages 12–15 · 1984

A student's anthem singing spirals into a national scandal, challenging truth and patriotism.

Run Home
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Run Home

Ages 10–14 · 2026

A teen faces high school, running, and family illness. Can she find hope?

View all track and field chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about female role modelsBooks about historical figuresBooks about race relationsBooks about reaching your potential (self-actualization)Books about runningBooks about segregationBooks about standing up for others