Playing sports has many benefits for children. It helps them stay active and fit, teaches them how to be part of a team, and increases their self-esteem. Sports can also be a great way to introduce new cultures and ideas to kids.
If you’re looking for picture books that will make your child a fan of sports, look no further!
This list features 10 of the best books about sports for kids. From books about individual sports like basketball and baseball to books about the Olympics and Paralympics, there’s something for everyone.
1. Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy and illustrated by Joe Morse This book tells the story of how basketball was invented by a group of students and their teacher in 1891. It’s a great introduction to basketball and its history.
2. The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, the First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon by Frances Poletti and illustrated by Kristina Yee This book tells the true story of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1966, and her fight to be allowed to run.
3. Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome This book tells the story of Venus and Serena Williams and their journey to become two of the best tennis players in the world.
4. The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa by Phil Bildner and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. This book tells the story of two boys from different backgrounds who become friends through soccer, despite the apartheid laws in South Africa.
5. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by David Diaz This book tells the true story of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio and other obstacles to become an Olympic gold medalist in track and field.
6. The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Jez Tuya This book tells the story of William Hoy, a deaf baseball player who revolutionized how baseball was played and signaled.
7. G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Doug Bowles This alphabet book celebrates the different people, sports, and history of the Olympics, from A for Athens to Z for Ziggy.
8. The Boy Who Never Gave Up: Stephen Curry: The True Story of an American NBA superstar Stephan Curry written and illustrated by Anthony Curcio. Learn how amazing things can happen, no matter what size you are.
9. She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game, by Chelsea Clinton illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Featuring women that have excelled in sports due to persistence. .
10. Sports Biographies for Kids: Decoding Greatness With the Greatest Players from the 1960s to Today, by James H. Jordan and KC Press. Learn about how some of the top professional athletes worked hard and had the confidence to achieve great things.
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