10 Must-Read Sports Books for Middle Schoolers: From Basketball to Soccer

BBC Arts - The Novels That Shaped Our World - Spine-tingling tales: 10 of the best adventure stories ever told

Image Source- Google

Sports have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. For middle schoolers who love sports, reading books about their favorite games and athletes can be a great way to immerse themselves in the world of sports while also improving their reading skills. Whether your child is a basketball enthusiast or a soccer fan, there are numerous sports books that cater to their interests. You may find the perfect sports-themed reads for middle schoolers by browsing through this website's selection.

Here are 10 must-read sports books for middle schoolers that cover a range of sports from basketball to soccer.

Basketball Books

1. "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander

  • A novel in verse that tells the story of twin brothers who are basketball stars.
  • Explores themes of family, friendship, and basketball.
  • Winner of the Newbery Medal.

2. "Travel Team" by Mike Lupica

  • A story about a young basketball player who forms his own team after being cut from his school team.
  • Teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork.
  • Written by a popular sports author.

Soccer Books

3. "Soccer School Season 1: Where Soccer Explains (Rules) the World" by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton

  • An entertaining and informative book that explains soccer rules and tactics in a fun way.
  • Includes illustrations and diagrams to help young readers understand the game better.
  • Great for both soccer fans and beginners.

4. "The Kicks Series" by Alex Morgan

  • A series of books about a girls' soccer team and their journey to success.
  • Written by Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Alex Morgan.
  • Empowering and inspiring for young female athletes.

Multi-Sports Books

5. "Heat" by Mike Lupica

  • A story about a young boy who dreams of playing basketball like his NBA hero.
  • Touches on themes of friendship, determination, and overcoming obstacles.
  • Engaging for readers who enjoy basketball and other sports.

6. "The Underdogs" by Mike Lupica

  • A novel about a group of friends who form an underdog soccer team in their neighborhood.
  • Emphasizes the power of teamwork and perseverance.
  • Written by a bestselling sports author.

Biographies

7. "Who Is Michael Jordan?" by Kirsten Anderson

  • A biography of basketball legend Michael Jordan written for young readers.
  • Explore Jordan's journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
  • Includes illustrations and photos of Jordan's career.

8. "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

  • A memoir of William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian who built a windmill to bring electricity to his village.
  • Highlights the power of determination, innovation, and resourcefulness.
  • Inspiring for young readers interested in sports and social issues.

Inspirational Stories

9. "Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias" by Don Van Natta Jr.

  • A biography of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, a multi-sport athlete who overcame incredible odds to become a champion.
  • Inspiring story of resilience, talent, and determination.
  • Showcases the importance of hard work and perseverance in sports.

10. "Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams" by Lesa Cline-Ransome

  • A biography of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams and their journey to success.
  • Illustrates the sisters' dedication, talent, and impact on the world of tennis.
  • Inspiring for young athletes, especially girls, who dream of achieving greatness in sports.

Reading sports books can not only provide entertainment but also teach valuable life lessons about teamwork, perseverance, determination, and overcoming challenges. Whether your child is a fan of basketball, soccer, or any other sport, there is a book on this list that is sure to capture their interest and inspire them to reach for their own athletic dreams.