Empowering Stories That Celebrate Teamwork, Confidence, and the Power of Play
Whether it’s scoring a goal, making a basket, or just playing catch in the backyard, sports bring excitement, challenge, and growth to children of all ages. Sports-themed books inspire kids to dream big, try hard, and learn what it means to be part of a team—win or lose.
In this post, I’m sharing my top sports books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and reflection questions to help young readers connect with their favorite games and personal goals. Let me know which story earns a spot on your all-star shelf!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Sports?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Sports
- 11 Sports Books For Children
- What Sports Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Sports?
Sports books teach kids how to face challenges with courage, believe in themselves, and value the journey just as much as the win.
These stories build confidence and emotional resilience while introducing important life skills like discipline, perseverance, and communication. Whether the sport is baseball, gymnastics, soccer, or skateboarding, kids learn that practice, teamwork, and a positive attitude go a long way.
Reading about sports also helps children explore identity, teamwork, and how to handle both victories and setbacks.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Sports
Sports stories are about more than just the game—they’re about growth, grit, and giving it your all.
Characters often work through fear, self-doubt, or setbacks, learning how to rise again with determination. Many sports books also feature diverse athletes and inclusive teams, helping kids see that sports belong to everyone.
These stories support SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), physical awareness, and leadership development in fun and relatable ways.
How to Use Books about Sports with Children
Here are a few fun and active ways to connect stories to real-world lessons:
- 🏅 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: How did the character stay focused or bounce back from a tough moment? or What did they learn about teamwork? Use Turn and Talk to discuss personal goals and team memories.
- 🏀 Engage in Sports-Themed Activities: Create your own jersey design, act out a slow-motion replay of a book scene, invent a new sport with silly rules, or make an “MVP” certificate for a character who showed heart.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons about effort, confidence, or kindness, link back to sports stories. Say: Remember how the player encouraged their teammate even when things got hard? That’s true leadership.
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Suggest reading a sports story followed by a backyard game, a trip to a local sports field, or a watch party for a favorite event. Families can share stories of sports they loved as kids, too.
11 Sports Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Baby Loves Sports by duopress labs
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A delightful board book that introduces babies to a wide range of sports using bold, simple illustrations.
Activity Suggestion: Use soft toys or balls to act out different sports mentioned in the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What sport did you see first?
- Which sport looks the most fun?
- Can you show me how to play one of the sports?
#2 Our Big Book of Sports by Tabitha Paige
đź”— View on Amazon
A beautifully illustrated guide to over 20 sports, with easy-to-understand descriptions and visuals.
Activity Suggestion: Create a mini sports journal with drawings of sports you want to try.
Discussion Questions:
- What sport would you like to try first?
- Did you learn something new about a sport?
- Which one looked the most challenging?
#3 The Berenstain Bears Play T-Ball by Stan and Jan Berenstain
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Sister and Brother Bear learn teamwork and sportsmanship while playing their first T-Ball game.
Activity Suggestion: Practice throwing and catching a ball in the backyard or park.
Discussion Questions:
- What was the lesson in this story?
- How did the bears work as a team?
- What’s one way to be a good sport?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Billie Jean Peet, Athlete by Andrea Beaty
đź”— View on Amazon
From the Questioneers series, Billie Jean explores what it means to be an athlete—learning balance, fun, and focus along the way.
Activity Suggestion: Try a new movement activity—like yoga poses or jumping jacks!
Discussion Questions:
- What makes someone an athlete?
- What did Billie Jean try in the book?
- How can you be active in your own way?
#5 Football With Dad by Frank Berrios
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A sweet Little Golden Book about bonding through backyard football fun.
Activity Suggestion: Set up a mini flag football game with soft socks or streamers.
Discussion Questions:
- What made playing football special for them?
- What games do you like to play with family?
- How can you be active together?
#6 The Totally Awesome World of Caitlin Clark by Sara Weiss
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A biography of college basketball phenom Caitlin Clark, showing how her passion and determination led to greatness.
Activity Suggestion: Shoot hoops or toss rolled-up socks into a bin “like Caitlin Clark!”
Discussion Questions:
- What helped Caitlin become great?
- What challenges did she face?
- What do you want to be amazing at?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Stephen Curry by Anthony Curcio
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Follow Steph Curry’s story from underdog to basketball legend, with inspiring lessons in hard work and belief.
Activity Suggestion: Set a “practice goal” and track your progress—like dribbling or jumping.
Discussion Questions:
- What made Steph stand out?
- How did he keep going even when it was hard?
- What’s something you’re working on?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Inspiring Baseball Stories for Kids by Ben Byde
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Real stories of baseball legends and their inspiring paths to success.
Activity Suggestion: Create a “baseball card” for your favorite player or yourself!
Discussion Questions:
- Which story was your favorite?
- What do all the players have in common?
- How do these stories inspire you?
#9 Weird But True Sports by National Geographic Kids
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Wild and fun sports trivia you won’t believe is real—perfect for curious readers!
Activity Suggestion: Make your own “weird sport” and explain the rules.
Discussion Questions:
- What was the weirdest sport?
- Would you want to try one of them?
- What’s your idea for a brand-new sport?
#10 Football GOATs by Bruce Berglund
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Profiles of the greatest football players of all time—past and present—highlighting what makes them legendary.
Activity Suggestion: Make a GOAT medal for your personal hero.
Discussion Questions:
- Who do you think is the greatest player?
- What makes someone a GOAT?
- How can you become great at something?
#11 Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels Box Set by Chris Kreie
đź”— View on Amazon
Exciting sports stories told through dynamic graphic novel format—featuring teamwork, action, and perseverance.
Activity Suggestion: Create your own comic strip about a sport you love.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story was the most exciting?
- What problem did the characters solve?
- How did the pictures help tell the story?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Sports Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Sports books for kids combine movement, meaning, and motivation. Whether your child dreams of becoming a star athlete or just loves to play for fun, these stories help them build confidence, character, and community.
Which sports story will you cheer for next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, active games, or victory dance moments!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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