10+ Best Baseball Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect baseball books for 13-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a die-hard fan of the sport or just loves a good story set on the diamond, we've got a lineup that's sure to hit a home run. Keep reading to discover our top picks of baseball books tailored specifically for 13-year-olds, each one packed with excitement, inspiration, and the love of the game!

Fun Baseball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Heat by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Michael Arroyo, a young baseball prodigy from the Bronx, dreams of pitching in the Little League World Series. However, challenges arise when suspicions about his age and background surface, threatening his dream.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that mixes the excitement of baseball with heartfelt themes of perseverance and family. It's both motivational and touching, perfect for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and anyone who loves an underdog story.

• The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The fate of a small town’s baseball field hangs in the balance, and it’s up to Tom Gallagher and his friends to win a crucial game to save it. This story combines baseball with a tale of community and heroism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun and inspiring look at how determination and teamwork can lead to unbelievable outcomes. The narrative is engaging and perfect for keeping readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about sportsmanship and saving the day.

• Baseball Great by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Josh LeBlanc has moved to a new school and is trying to fit in. He joins the school baseball team, where he quickly becomes a star. However, he faces moral dilemmas involving steroids and corruption within the team.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles real-life issues within the context of a sports story, making it a great conversation starter about ethics in sports and personal integrity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and readers interested in a story that goes beyond just winning and losing.

• Choosing Up Sides by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1921, this book tells the story of Luke Bledsoe, a preacher’s son who discovers his extraordinary pitching talent, which conflicts with his father’s disdain for baseball.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into conflicts between personal desires and family expectations, set against the backdrop of America's favorite pastime. It’s thought-provoking and offers a different perspective on baseball history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and exploring the personal growth of a character.

• Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Katy Gordon is a talented pitcher who learns that girls are not allowed to play Little League baseball in 1957. She fights for her right to play, challenging gender norms and societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is empowering, highlighting the fight for equality in sports and beyond. It’s an inspiring read that shows how determination can change the rules.
  • Perfect for: Young feminists and anyone interested in stories about breaking barriers and challenging unfair rules.

Educational Baseball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Contract by Derek Jeter with Paul Mantell
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Biographical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Derek Jeter dreams of playing for the New York Yankees. This book follows his journey and the challenges he faces along the way, including his parents' strict rules and the pressure of sports.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Goal setting, perseverance, family values
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that shows the importance of hard work and dedication, both on and off the field. Plus, it's written by a baseball legend!
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and aspiring athletes who dream big.

• Soar by Joan Bauer
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: After a heart transplant, Jeremiah is unable to play sports but finds a new role as a coach and motivator for a struggling middle school baseball team.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, resilience, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines themes of overcoming personal adversity with the joy of helping others succeed.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming obstacles and inspiring others.

• Lu by Jason Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lu, a talented athlete and the track team co-captain, faces challenges both on and off the track as he deals with his impending vision loss and the high expectations he sets for himself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, dealing with change, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and relatable story about growing up and facing life's hurdles head-on.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story that combines sports with deep personal challenges.

• Baseball Genius by Tim Green and Derek Jeter
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Jalen DeLuca uses his baseball genius to help his favorite player get out of a slump, but his methods could cost him everything if he's caught.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, ethics, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of sports action and moral dilemmas, making for a gripping read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of baseball and stories that involve clever plans and high stakes.

Challenging Baseball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: At Westish College, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league stardom. But when a routine throw goes disastrously off course, the fates of five people are upended.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel intertwines complex themes of ambition, failure, and the pressures of perfection, which are explored through sophisticated prose and deep character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that transcends baseball, offering insights into human frailties and resilience. This book teaches important life lessons through the lens of sports.
  • Perfect for: Teen readers looking for a more profound, character-driven story that still centers around sports.

• Calico Joe by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Joe Castle, a promising young baseball player, and the impact of his career on his life and the lives of others, including the pitcher who ended his career prematurely.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the long-term consequences of one's actions, presented through a dual narrative that spans several decades.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a touching story that combines the love of baseball with a powerful moral lesson, ideal for young readers beginning to understand the complexities of human relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in stories that reflect on past mistakes and the roads to redemption.

• The Natural by Bernard Malamud
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Roy Hobbs, an unknown middle-aged batter with a mysterious past, appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with symbolism and themes that delve into the American Dream and tragic heroism, wrapped in a story that critiques the very nature of fame and success.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic piece of American literature that uses baseball as a backdrop for exploring larger, timeless themes. It's both enchanting and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and themes woven through their sports stories.

• Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of magical realism with sports fiction offers a unique reading experience that challenges the reader's perception of reality and fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and deeply moving tale about chasing your dreams and the redemptive power of baseball.
  • Perfect for: Those who love a good mix of magic and sports, and stories that inspire and uplift.

• Summerland by Michael Chabon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ethan Feld is recruited for a baseball team that plays on a mystical island, where the fate of the world is at stake. He and his friends embark on an epic journey to save the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines dense and intricate storytelling with a fantastical plot that includes a wide array of characters from different mythologies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of fantasy and baseball, providing an adventurous and imaginative take on the sport.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy adventures as much as they enjoy baseball.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of baseball books and you're around 13 years old, developing good reading habits is just as important as enjoying the stories. Here are some exercises to help you get the most out of your reading experience. These exercises are simple, fun, and designed to enhance your reading skills and enjoyment!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family who are interested in baseball too.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the book and what you didn’t.

• Visualize the Game
  • What it is: Imagine the game scenes from the book in your mind.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the game and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Pay attention to the descriptions in the book to help form vivid images.

• Read Out Loud
  • What it is: Read passages or chapters out loud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you remember the content better.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and pace to match different scenes or dialogues.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Mix It Up
  • What it is: Alternate between different types of baseball books, like biographies, fiction, and history.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and broadens your understanding of the sport.
  • Ways to practice: Plan your reading list with a variety of book types.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your life. By setting goals, creating a cozy reading space, and engaging with the content, you're on your way to becoming a more skilled and enthusiastic reader. Grab your next baseball book and start swinging at these practices!