10+ Best Baseball Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the excitement and drama of America's favorite pastime? Look no further! Our curated selection of baseball books for 12-year-olds is packed with stories that will keep young readers glued to the pages as they follow thrilling games and inspiring journeys. Whether your young reader is a seasoned little leaguer or just discovering their love for the game, these books are sure to hit a home run. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of baseball books tailored just for 12-year-olds!

Fun Baseball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Heat by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story follows 12-year-old Michael Arroyo, an aspiring baseball pitcher from the Bronx, who dreams of playing in the Little League World Series. However, his ambitions face challenges due to family secrets and eligibility questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of baseball with a touching story of perseverance and family. This book is great for fostering a love for reading through engaging sports action and relatable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles.

• The Batboy by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Brian, a 14-year-old baseball fan, gets the summer job of his dreams as a batboy for his hometown Major League team. He learns invaluable lessons when he meets his idol, a struggling star player.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for inspiring young readers with themes of heroism, disappointment, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of America's favorite pastime.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and fans of heartwarming sports stories.

• Baseball Great by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Josh LeBlanc, a talented young baseball player, moves to a new school and joins a travel team with high expectations. He soon uncovers dangerous secrets about the team that lead him to a critical decision about his future in baseball.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping read that combines sports action with suspense and ethical dilemmas, making it a page-turner that also imparts important life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery mixed with sports excitement.

• Soar by Joan Bauer
  • Genre(s): Sports, Family, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Jeremiah is not able to play sports because of his weak heart, but he doesn't let that stop him from influencing a struggling middle school baseball team in a new town.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an uplifting story that shows how someone can make a significant impact, regardless of the challenges they face. It promotes resilience and the importance of a positive attitude.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for motivation and those who enjoy stories of triumph against the odds.

• Choosing Up Sides by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Set in 1921, this novel follows 13-year-old Luke Bledsoe, a preacher's son who discovers his extraordinary pitching talent, which challenges his father's disdain for baseball.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling look at personal and family conflicts through the lens of baseball, set during a fascinating historical period.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical settings and stories that explore deep personal and familial relationships through sports.

Educational Baseball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around Tom Gallagher and his small town's struggle to save their historic baseball field from being turned into a shopping mall. The fate of the field hinges on one last all-or-nothing game, which becomes a metaphor for the survival of the community itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, community involvement, strategic thinking, and appreciation for local history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that blends the love of baseball with the importance of community and heritage, making it more than just a sports story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about community spirit and baseball.

• Out of the Ballpark by Alex Rodriguez, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This picture book, authored by baseball star Alex Rodriguez, tells the story of his own life, focusing on how he overcame challenges to become one of baseball's stars. It's an inspiring story that also gives insights into the hard work needed to succeed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biographical knowledge, understanding of perseverance and dedication, motivational reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring look at how determination and hard work can lead to achieving big dreams, all through the lens of a beloved baseball icon.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of baseball who appreciate real-life success stories.

• The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
  • Genre(s): Sports, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Eighth-grader Molly Williams is not only coping with the recent loss of her father but is also trying to make her mark in the male-dominated sport of baseball by mastering the knuckleball—a pitch that is as unpredictable as her life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional resilience, gender roles in sports, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles themes of grief and perseverance with a unique twist on gender expectations in sports, providing a compelling narrative for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories of personal challenge and those looking to see a strong female lead in a traditionally male sport.

• New Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Tommy Rust is a star baseball player, but being the new kid in town means facing not just new teammates but also the challenges of fitting in and dealing with bullying.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, adaptability, conflict resolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable story for any young reader who has ever felt like an outsider, combined with the exciting backdrop of sports competition.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning to new schools or social circles and sports lovers who appreciate stories about teamwork and fairness.

Challenging Baseball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi
  • Genre(s): Sports, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the 1940s, a baseball team manager discovers Mickey Tussler, an autistic teenager with a phenomenal pitching arm. Mickey faces immense challenges due to his condition and the era's lack of understanding.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel addresses complex themes of disability, acceptance, and the harsh realities of the 1940s, providing a deeper historical and emotional context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on baseball's history and the triumphs over personal and societal challenges, encouraging empathy and historical awareness.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical sports fiction and stories of overcoming adversity.

• Plunked by Michael Northrop
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When sixth-grader Jack Mogens gets hit by a pitch, his fear of the ball threatens to end his baseball career. The story explores his struggle to overcome his fear and regain his confidence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the psychological impacts of sports injuries on young athletes, presenting a nuanced look at fear and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling narrative that combines the love of the game with the very real challenges athletes face, promoting courage and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader dealing with overcoming personal fears.

• High Heat by Carl Deuker
  • Genre(s): Sports, Drama
  • Synopsis: Shane Hunter's life is perfect until his father is arrested for money laundering, and Shane's world collapses. He must cope with his family's downfall while trying to maintain his status as a star pitcher.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book tackles serious issues like crime, family breakdown, and personal crisis, all while maintaining a high-stakes sports narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look at how external pressures can impact sports performance, teaching resilience and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of intense drama and sports action.

• Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
  • Genre(s): Sports, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: After a serious elbow injury ruins his pitching career, Peter Friedman must reinvent himself in high school and discovers a new passion in photography, which helps him see the world in a new light.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of loss, identity, and reinvention, providing a mature exploration of adapting to unexpected life changes.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for readers dealing with their own transitions and changes, offering inspiration and hope through relatable experiences.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating the complex waters of high school and personal growth.

• Six Innings by James Preller
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: A championship Little League game between two rival teams becomes the backdrop for a deeper story about friendship, rivalry, and the pressures young athletes face.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure intertwines multiple perspectives, offering a complex view of the characters' inner lives and the dynamics of team sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the intensity and excitement of youth baseball while addressing deeper themes of camaraderie and competition.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and stories that explore the emotional and social aspects of being part of a team.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of baseball books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books packed with action and excitement, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps to turn reading into a regular habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to yourself or to a family member.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters while reading to make it more fun.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the characters and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of the characters and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and add to it as you read more about each character.

• Question Corners
  • What it is: Write down questions that you have while reading and find the answers as you go along.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Review these questions at the end of each chapter or book to ensure you understand everything.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and gives you a quick way to review what you’ve read.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main events.

• Connect to Real Life
  • What it is: Try to find connections between the events in the book and real-life baseball scenarios or your own experiences.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more relatable and memorable.
  • Tips: Discuss these connections with friends or family who share your interest in baseball.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading more enjoyable and connected to your passions. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just getting into the sport, these books and exercises will definitely score a home run in your reading game! So, grab your favorite baseball book, pick one or two of these exercises, and swing into action! Happy reading!