If you have a child who loves to run, jump and score, then they will love reading these early chapter books with a sports theme. I was able to find plenty of books about the "big four"—soccer, baseball, basketball and football—as well as swimming, running, gymnastics and more. There is something for everyone (no curling books though, I'm afraid).
By the way, his list includes books about both girl and boy sports stars because sports books are not just for boys!
I define "early chapter books" as books appropriate for kids ages 6-10—readers who have moved passed Frog and Toad but not ready for Harry Potter. I have two dozen lists for parents looking for these types of beginning chapter books. Find them all here in my early chapter books archives.
(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)
More sports-themed books:
- Sports Chapter Books (novels great for kids ages 8-13)
- Baseball Picture Books
- Kids graphic novels about sports
Early Chapter Books with a Sports Theme
Hockey Night in Kenya by Danson Mutinda and Eric Walters, illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Set in modern day Africa, this book about boys dreaming of playing ice hockey is an inspiring read. Two boys, Kitoo and Nigosi, learn about Canadian ice hockey from a book they check out from the library. They are determined to play this intriguing sport, despite the lack of snow and ice in their home country. It's a wonderful, positive story about friendship, problem solving, and perseverance.
Lola Levine is Not Mean! (series) by Monica Brown, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Jewish-Peruvian Lola loves soccer, but when she accidentally hurts another player on the field, her classmates call her "mean!" Lola knows she has a big heart and wants others to know it too, so she uses her love of writing to change others' opinions. I love the way author Monica Brown integrates aspects of Lola's duel heritage throughout the book.
The Gold Medal Mess (MVP series) by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Scott Brundage.
This sports book series features a diverse group of five friends. In this first installment, the kids are prepping for their school's field day. Kelly also authored the Baseball Mysteries series (see below) so as you might expect, the kids bump up against a mystery to be solved: someone is trying to sabotage the events and the kids need to find out who it is. Kelly has written all kinds of sports books for kids: plug his name into the library catalog and check them all out.
Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) (series) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat
Bobby Ellis-Chan struggles with the fact that he is not interested in football even though his dad is a retired professional. "The Freezer," as his dad is known, is now a stay-at-home dad and while the siblings have their usual back-and-forths, it is a functional, loving family. Bobby's family is bi-racial and his friends come from diverse backgrounds.
Pedro's Big Goal (series) by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon
This is a good series for youngest readers, especially 1st and 2nd graders who are reading beginning chapter books. In this one, Pedro plays soccer and decides that his goal is to... well... make a goal!
Izzy Barr, Running Star by Claudia Mills, illustrated by Rob Shepperson
I've recommended The Franklin School Friends series before. Each book centers on one student and his or her special skill, from reading to math and in this case, running!
Horrid Henry and the Soccer Fiend by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross.
This British import is funny and rather charming, really, despite the name "Horrid Henry." Ever the clever troublemaker, Henry takes on Moody Margaret. Formatted as four separate stories, rather than a traditional chapter book.
Harry Miller's Run by David Almond, illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino
Find it: Amazon
There are actually no chapters in this British import. I recommend this long-short story for the upper age limits of this list because of the vocabulary (If your child likes to listen to Roald Dahl, this is an excellent choice). Young Liam is looking forward to the Junior Great North Run and while he his helping an elderly neighbor, Harry Miller, he listens to Harry's memories about his own experiences running. I love the intergenerational aspect of this book, the quirky characters and storytelling. Of all the books on this list, I recommend it most as a read aloud.
My Secret Life as a Ping Pong Wizard (Hank Zipzer series) by Henry Winkler, illustrated by Lin Oliver
Find it: Amazon
Hank takes up ping pong and discovers he really likes it. However, he worries that the other kids will tease him about it. When he gets good and hopes to participate in a competition he has to decide if he will compete even if it means all his friends will find out.
EllRay Jakes Stands Tall (series) by Sally Warner, illustrated by Brian Biggs
Ellray is the shortest kid in school, but his basketball skills are pretty good. But no one seems to notice, so Ellray comes up with a plan!
Ballpark Mysteries (series) by David A. Kelly
For kids who love baseball, these mystery books are a great choice because no one wants to put down a book with finding out who did it! There are dozens of books in the popular Ballpark Mysteries series, plenty to tempt your sports-obsessed child to spend all day reading.
Kylie Jean Gymnastics Queen (series) by Marci Peschke, illustrated by Tuesday Mourning
Find it: Amazon
The books in the Kylie Jean series all have a positive message. One of Kylie Jean's fellow gymnasts and new friend, Abby, is deaf and Kylie Jean has to decide whether sports or friends are more important.
Katie Woo Tries Something New (series) by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon
Your kids will love Katie Woo! In this funny and charming book, Katie gets the gymnastics bug after seeing the sport on TV. But she learns cartwheels are harder than they look.
Swimming with Sharks (series) by Betty Hicky, illustrated by Adam McCauley
Find it: Amazon
Rita wants to improve her swimming skills so she can compete on the same team as her friends. The Gym Shorts series also includes books about track, basketball, baseball, soccer and tennis.
Great books for other hobbies:
Leave a Reply