Inspiring Stories That Celebrate Teamwork, Perseverance, and the Joy of the Game
There’s something magical about the crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn at the ballpark, and the thrill of sliding into home plate. Baseball books for kids capture the heart of the game—its challenges, its triumphs, and the friendships it builds along the way.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite baseball books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included ballpark-themed activities and conversation starters to help children connect with the spirit of the game. Let me know which story earns a spot in your starting lineup!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Baseball?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Baseball
- 11 Baseball Books For Children
- What Baseball Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Baseball?
Baseball books are full of energy, emotion, and exciting lessons that kids can carry off the field.
These stories teach sportsmanship, perseverance, courage, and how to handle both wins and losses with heart. From backyard games to big-league dreams, baseball books help children believe in themselves and work as part of a team.
Reading about baseball also introduces kids to history, diversity, and the role of sports in building community.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Baseball
Books about baseball offer more than home runs—they teach character, confidence, and community.
Characters often face setbacks, train hard, and learn what it means to support their teammates. Many baseball books also highlight important historical figures like Jackie Robinson, introducing themes of equity, justice, and standing up for what’s right.
Baseball stories show kids that effort, focus, and heart matter more than just the score.
How to Use Books about Baseball with Children
Here are some winning ways to engage kids in baseball-themed reading:
- ⚾ Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What challenge did the player face, and how did they handle it? or What does being a good teammate look like? Try Turn and Talk to discuss favorite moments on or off the field.
- 🎨 Engage in Baseball-Themed Activities: Design your own team logo, make trading cards for book characters, write a play-by-play for a made-up game, or host a mini “read-aloud ballgame” in class.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons on history, goal-setting, or teamwork, use baseball stories as examples. Say: Remember how the player kept practicing after striking out? That’s just like what we’re doing with our goals!
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Suggest a family game of catch, a local baseball game, or a baseball movie night after reading a favorite book. Families can share stories about their own baseball memories or teams they love.
11 Baseball Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 My First Book of Baseball by Sports Illustrated Kids
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A colorful, engaging introduction to the game of baseball—perfect for young rookies.
Activity Suggestion: Set up bases around the yard and play a mini game!
Discussion Questions:
- What position would you like to play?
- What equipment do you need to play?
- What’s your favorite part of the game?
#2 Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl
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A soothing bedtime story for little fans, saying goodnight to every part of the ballpark.
Activity Suggestion: Draw your own baseball stadium under the stars.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens at a baseball game?
- Why do we say goodnight to each thing?
- What’s your dream baseball team?
#3 Let’s Play Baseball! by Ginger Swift
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A sturdy board book introducing baseball basics to toddlers through fun rhymes and flaps.
Activity Suggestion: Act out the baseball moves in the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you wear to play baseball?
- What was your favorite flap to lift?
- What sport do you want to try?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Pete the Cat: Play Ball! by James Dean
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Pete the Cat shows how to stay cool and positive, even when you strike out.
Activity Suggestion: Make Pete a baseball jersey with paper or felt.
Discussion Questions:
- What does Pete do when things don’t go well?
- Why is it important to try your best?
- How do you stay positive when learning something new?
#5 Baseball’s Greatest Hitters by S. A. Kramer
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Meet some of baseball’s legendary sluggers in this engaging early reader book.
Activity Suggestion: Pretend to be your favorite hitter in a backyard game.
Discussion Questions:
- Who was your favorite hitter?
- What made them great?
- Would you want to play in the major leagues?
#6 Baseball for Kids by Adam C. MacKinnon
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A complete beginner’s guide with tips, positions, rules, and terminology made simple for kids.
Activity Suggestion: Make flashcards for each baseball position and what they do.
Discussion Questions:
- What did you learn that you didn’t know before?
- What’s your favorite part of the game?
- Would you like to be on a team?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 A Big Day for Baseball by Mary Pope Osborne
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Join Jack and Annie on a magical trip to the past—watching Jackie Robinson’s historic game.
Activity Suggestion: Research Jackie Robinson and draw a tribute poster.
Discussion Questions:
- What made this game special?
- Why is Jackie Robinson an important figure?
- Would you like to travel back in time?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 It’s a Numbers Game! Baseball by Jr. James Buckley
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Explore the stats, math, and numbers behind the sport in this fun Sports Illustrated Kids guide.
Activity Suggestion: Keep your own scoreboard during a game.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s an interesting number you learned?
- Why are stats important in sports?
- Do you like math in games?
#9 The Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher
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A mysterious mentor helps Sylvester shine at baseball—but is it skill or something else?
Activity Suggestion: Write your own “sports mystery” story.
Discussion Questions:
- What made Sylvester’s season so surprising?
- Do you think he had help, or was it talent?
- What lesson did he learn?
#10 The Lucky Baseball Bat by Matt Christopher
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Martin loves baseball—but struggles until he gets a “lucky” bat. Can luck really help?
Activity Suggestion: Decorate your own “lucky bat” (real or cardboard).
Discussion Questions:
- Was the bat really magical?
- How did Martin grow throughout the story?
- What helps you feel confident?
#11 Inspirational Baseball Stories for Young Readers by Mike Johnson
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Uplifting tales of real athletes who overcame challenges and followed their dreams.
Activity Suggestion: Choose one story and create a comic strip about it.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story inspired you most?
- What challenge did that player face?
- What’s something you want to work hard at?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Baseball Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Baseball books for kids bring energy, heart, and inspiration to every reader—whether they’re new to the game or lifelong fans. These stories remind us that teamwork, determination, and joy are always worth cheering for.
Which baseball story is your next big hit? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, crafts, or ballpark adventures!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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