Gear Up for Fall With These 6 Books Celebrating Kids and Sports

Ghost, by Jason Reynolds
This is the first book in a series that focuses on Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu–four of the newest members of an elite track team focused on qualifying for the Junior Olympics. But these four are far from high-fives and teamwork. Ghost has been running since he was young, and he was forced to run to survive. He’s been running from problems ever since, until he meets Coach, who wants him to put his natural talent to use–and face his problems head-on.  (Ages 10 and up)

Pedro’s Big Goal, by Fran Manushkin and Tammie Lyon
Fans of the Katie Woo series will recognize her friend Pedro, now the star of his own series of chapter books. One thing Pedro loves: soccer. In particular, he dreams of being the team goalie. But he’s not the biggest. Or the fastest. Does Pedro have what it takes to reach his goal(ie)? (Ages 6-9)

The Football Fiasco, by Mike Lupica
The Zach and Zoe Mysteries series mixes sleuthing with sports for those readers just beginning chapter books. In The Football Fiasco, the eight-year-old twins discover that the recess football has been deflated. They search the school for clues, along the way learning more about their classmates, friendship, and how simple words and actions can have both a positive and a negative effect. While they do eventually find the culprit, there are other important lessons to be learned through this recess fiasco. (Ages 6-9)

Ten: A Soccer Story, by Shamini Flint
Maya has big dreams of being a soccer star. Today, that wouldn’t be a problem. But in 1986 Malaysia, soccer is considered a boy’s sport. And because she was born to an Indian mother and a white English father, she’s already an outcast. Nevertheless, Maya is determined. She teaches her self basic soccer skills, and eventually recruits enough players from her all-girls school to form a team. When her family delivers news that tears them apart, Maya has a plan to bring them back together. A plan that involves soccer in all its international glory. (Ages 8-12)

Guys Read: The Sports Pages, edited by Jon Scieszka
Don’t be fooled by the title, this collection of middle grade short stories is for all sports enthusiasts. With authors including Gordon Korman, Chris Rylander, Anne Ursu, Jacqueline Woodson, and illustrations by Dan Santat, the collection features a wide variety of styles and perspectives from some of today’s most celebrated authors. The stories ranges from sentimental to funny to action-packed, from athletic mishaps to the love of the game to beloved traditions. There’s something here for every athlete. (Ages 8-12)

Lone Stars, by Mike Lupica
Few states celebrate football quite like Texas, the setting for this story. Clay is most at home on the football field. Not only does he enjoy the game (and is good at it), but his coach, Coach Cooper, is a mentor both on and off the field. When Clay starts to notice odd changes in Coach’s behavior, like mood swings and forgetfulness, he knows something is wrong. As the season wears on, and the truth behind the changes to Clay’s beloved mentor come to light, it becomes obvious that this season will not be just about winning on the field. (Ages 10 and up)