10+ Best Baseball Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to spark a love of the game in your young slugger? Look no further! Our specially curated list of Baseball Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to hit a home run with your little reader. From stories that capture the spirit of teamwork to tales that inspire perseverance, we've got all the bases covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also instill a passion for baseball in your child.
Table of Contents
Fun Baseball Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Berenstain Bears Play Ball by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Brother Bear and Sister Bear play on the Bear Country Cub League baseball team, learning about teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to baseball through a fun and familiar family of bears, emphasizing the importance of playing fair and doing your best.
- Perfect for: Young baseball lovers and fans of the Berenstain Bears series.
- Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Christina Forshay
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: A sweet story that captures the excitement of a young boy's day at the baseball game, ending with a goodnight wish.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of a baseball game with a soothing bedtime story, perfect for reading after a day of play.
- Perfect for: Kids who love baseball and need a calming story at bedtime.
- Zach and Zoe Mysteries: The Missing Baseball by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Mystery, Sports, Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Eight-year-old twins Zach and Zoe solve a mystery involving a missing autographed baseball.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the mystery genre with a sports twist, engaging their problem-solving skills and curiosity.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and sports enthusiasts alike.
- Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: A young boy discovers the importance of baseball in helping him cope with life in a World War II Japanese American internment camp.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at a difficult time in history, with baseball serving as a powerful metaphor for survival and resilience.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and sports, and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.
- My First Book of Baseball by Sports Illustrated Kids
- Genre(s): Sports, Educational
- Synopsis: This beginner's guide explains the basics of baseball with simple text and vibrant illustrations, designed to mimic a real game's progression.
- Why we recommend this book: It's educational and engaging, perfect for introducing the rules and joy of baseball to young readers.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young players and new fans of the sport looking to learn more about the game's fundamentals.
Educational Baseball Books for 7-Year-Olds
- A Baseball for Frankie by Rachel Isadora
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Frankie loves baseball more than anything and dreams of getting his own baseball to play with. His journey shows the challenges and joys of saving money to buy his dream baseball.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Financial literacy, goal setting, perseverance
- Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful story that teaches children about the value of money and the importance of working towards a goal.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to understand the concept of money and those who have a passion for baseball.
- The Everything Kids' Baseball Book by Greg Jacobs
- Genre(s): Sports, Educational, Reference
- Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers the rules of baseball, famous players, and tips on playing the game, along with fun facts and puzzles.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Sports knowledge, reading comprehension, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It's packed with a wealth of information that will deepen any young fan's love and understanding of the game.
- Perfect for: Kids who want to dive deeper into the details of baseball and learn about its rich history.
- Baseball Ballerina by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Abby Carter
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Shelly, a young girl who loves baseball, struggles with the idea that ballet might improve her baseball skills, leading to a humorous and heartwarming discovery.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Coordination, flexibility, breaking gender stereotypes
- Why we recommend this book: It combines sports and dance in a story that encourages kids to try new things and embrace diverse interests.
- Perfect for: Young athletes and dancers, especially those looking to see how different skills can complement each other.
- Hit the Ball Duck by Jez Alborough
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
- Synopsis: Duck and his friends embark on a fun and chaotic game of baseball where things don’t go exactly as planned.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, motor skills
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging story that teaches the importance of teamwork and persistence in a light-hearted way.
- Perfect for: Children who enjoy humorous stories and learning about sportsmanship and teamwork.
Challenging Baseball Books for 7-Year-Olds
- Heat by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers around 12-year-old Michael Arroyo, a gifted baseball pitcher from Cuba, who dreams of playing in the Little League World Series, but faces obstacles that threaten to derail his dreams.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes such as immigration, loss, and survival, presenting them in a way that is accessible yet thought-provoking for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, heartfelt story that also educates about resilience and the pursuit of dreams despite difficult circumstances.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are looking for a more mature story within the sports genre and those interested in stories of perseverance and overcoming adversity.
- The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
- Genre(s): Sports, Fantasy
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Tom Gallagher, a young boy who finds himself in a position to save his small town's legendary baseball field by winning a crucial game.
- Why this book is challenging: It incorporates a blend of realistic and fantastical elements, challenging readers to differentiate and appreciate nuanced storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: The book is a thrilling mix of sports action and a deeper message about community and heritage, providing both entertainment and a meaningful narrative.
- Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy and reality, and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
- Choosing Up Sides by John H. Ritter
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Set in 1921, the story follows 13-year-old Luke Bledsoe, who discovers his talent for pitching. Luke must navigate his preacher father's disapproval of baseball and find his own path.
- Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes such as religious beliefs conflicting with personal interests and the cultural context of the 1920s.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique historical perspective combined with a personal growth story, encouraging readers to think critically about individuality and family expectations.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate stories about self-discovery and challenging societal norms.
- We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical, Sports
- Synopsis: This book tells the history of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947.
- Why this book is challenging: It features advanced vocabulary and complex historical content that requires higher-level reading comprehension skills.
- Why we recommend this book: The detailed illustrations and compelling narrative provide a powerful insight into a significant part of American history not often covered in children's books.
- Perfect for: Young historians and any reader looking to deepen their understanding of American sports history and the civil rights movement.
- Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: In 1957 San Francisco, Katy Gordon, a skilled baseball player, is told that girls cannot play Little League. She fights for her right to play, uncovering the forgotten history of women in baseball.
- Why this book is challenging: The plot intertwines historical facts with the fictional story, requiring readers to distinguish between the two while absorbing complex ideas about gender equality.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that promotes gender equality and perseverance, encouraging readers to question and challenge unfair norms.
- Perfect for: Young readers passionate about history, equality, and sports, especially those who enjoy stories of empowerment and justice.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to get your 7-year-old into the swing of reading, especially with some fun baseball-themed books, then you're in the right place. Here are some exercises designed to help young readers develop great reading habits while enjoying their favorite sport. Let's hit a home run with reading!
- Create a Reading Lineup
- What it is: Make a list of baseball books to read each week.
- How it helps: Keeps reading organized and exciting, like planning innings of a game.
- Tips: Let your child pick the books to add to the lineup, giving them control over their reading choices.
- Read and Play
- What it is: Combine reading time with playing baseball.
- How it helps: Links the joy of baseball with reading, enhancing engagement.
- Tips: After reading a chapter, have a quick game or catch to discuss the book's events.
- Baseball Book Club
- What it is: Start a book club with friends who also enjoy baseball.
- How it helps: Encourages social interaction and discussion about the books.
- Tips: Host a monthly meeting where kids can talk about the book and play baseball.
- Illustrate the Story
- What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the baseball books after reading.
- How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
- Tips: Provide colored pencils and paper, and occasionally display the artwork to boost confidence.
- Storyteller’s Mound
- What it is: Take turns reading aloud from the baseball book.
- How it helps: Improves reading fluency and confidence in public speaking.
- Tips: Make it fun by pretending to be an announcer at a baseball game.
These exercises are not only fun but also a fantastic way to build a strong foundation in reading while indulging in the love for baseball. So, grab those books, and let's play ball and read!