March Madness is not just for basketball fans! Join in the mania by reading about champions on and off the court, field, or track as they learn more about themselves and their sport. Explore the list of books below to learn more about a sport, a particular athlete, or teamwork and perseverance – maybe you’ll find a new activity to try!
Sports aficionados of all kinds can get their fix by searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “sports,” “[specific sport],” “[athlete name],” etc. Nonfiction books about sports can be found in the 796 call number range.
Additionally, there are some authors who are known for their sports themed books – more than 10 each! Check them out: Mike Lupica, Matt Christopher, Tim Green, and Jake Maddox.
Buckley Jr., James
Who are Venus and Serena Williams? 2017.
As two of the most famous tennis players in the world, Venus and Serena Williams have won many tournaments and awards, including Olympic medals, but what they are most proud of is making a difference. This compelling biography tells the tale of the sisters’ dedication, rivalry, and courage as they dared to be different and dealt with hardships.
[SSHEL S-Collection SB. W72b]
Connolly, Sean
The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science. 2016.
Discover the science behind sports phenomena, like “How do you trap a soccer ball?,” “How do figure skaters spin so fast?,” and “How do long jumpers ‘walk’ in midair?” This book presents various scenarios and then explains the scientific concepts, making them come alive with try-it-at-home experiments that will have kids having fun, learning, and wanting to show off their new skills!
[SSHEL S-Collection TEXT. 796.015 WORKM2016]
Feinstein, John
Backfield Boys. 2017.
Best friends Jason Roddin and Tom Jefferson love playing football and are ecstatic to be at an elite sports-centered boarding school for freshman year. Jason, called White Lighting for his super speed, plays wide-receiver, while Tom, an African American, complements him by being a natural quarterback. The boys are surprised when they are told to switch positions at the start of the season and they come to suspect that there is an underlying racial issue. This intense story about friendship and equality includes epic play-by-play football and intelligent investigative reporting.
[SSHEL S-Collection S. F327b]
Freitas, Donna
Gold Medal Summer. 2012.
Joey Jordan loves gymnastics, but she’s fourteen and has to decide if she wants to keep pursuing her gold medal dream. To make things even more complicated, she’s trying to live up to her national champion older sister Julie, her best friend Trish wants to quit, and Joey has a crush on Tanner, a cute boy at school. A normal life is sounding better and better until her coach creates some new and exciting routines that highlight Joey’s strengths, and Joey begins to think that a gold medal might actually be in her future.
[SSHEL S-Collection S. F884g]
Lester, Helen
Tacky and the Winter Games. 2005.
It’s time for the Winter Games! Join Tacky and his teammates Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect as they compete in bobsled-less racing, ski jumping, and speed skating, hoping to win a medal. A cute introduction to some winter sports, readers will laugh out loud at the seemingly hopeless Tacky and are reminded that it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. L567t]
Norwich, Grace
I am LeBron James. 2014.
LeBron James is a basketball superstar, but his story is not all fun and games. This biography goes into detail about the hard work it took to get to where he is today, sharing his amazing accomplishments both on and off the court. Photos, a timeline, and a list of 10 important things to know help readers gain a wide view of this popular athlete’s life.
Raczka, Bob
Joy in Mudville. 2014.
The day after Mighty Casey struck out, the score is 1-0 with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. With the Mudville team getting desperate, rookie Joy Armstrong is sent in as the relief pitcher, and readers watch in suspense as she borrows moves from other sports in an attempt to strike out the batter and win the game. Told in rhyme, this quirky and inspiring story shows that girls can play any sport just as well as boys can.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SE. R1152j]
Reynolds, Jason
Ghost. 2016.
All Castle Cranshaw, aka Ghost, knows how to do is run. His dad chased him and his mom out in a rampage three years ago and he’s been running ever since. Ghost has only ever run for himself, but an Olympic medalist track coach sees his talent and encourages him to join the team. This book follows Ghost as he learns that are more ways to run than away. Book 1 in the series Track.
[SSHEL S-Collection S. R33515gh]
Wallace, Paula S.
The World of Sports. 2003.
This accessible information book takes readers on a journey to learn about the popular sports of countries around the world. It includes how to play various games like kabaddi from India or queimada from Brazil with colorful pictures and diagrams to bring them to life. “Did You Know?” facts are sprinkled throughout the book, making this an interactive experience that encourages curiosity and activity.
[SSHEL S-Collection S. 796 W1552w]
Whamond, Dave
Oddrey Joins the Team. 2014.
Oddrey likes to make up new and exciting sports to play, so when her friend Maybelline asks her to join the school soccer team, she decides to give it a whirl. Her teammates soon realize that Oddrey plays the game a little differently than everyone else… but it is Oddrey who encourages the Piccadilla Bees to work together as a team using their unique skills and have fun playing the game!
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. W554oj]