10+ Best Baseball Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to capture the imagination of a young baseball fan? Look no further! Our roundup of Baseball Books for 9-Year-Olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to hit a home run with your little slugger. Whether they're just starting to learn about the game or they're already seasoned little leaguers, these books will keep them turning the pages faster than a fastball. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Baseball Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a young boy named Tom Gallagher in the small town of Dillontown, where he becomes involved in a crucial baseball game that could determine the future of his town.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling story that mixes suspense and sports, encouraging readers to believe in the impossible and understand the impact of teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and any reader who loves an underdog story.

• Heat by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Michael Arroyo, a Cuban immigrant and pitching prodigy, faces challenges off and on the baseball field, including the threat of being banned from playing due to questions about his age and background.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look at overcoming adversity and the love of the game, which can inspire young readers to face their own challenges with determination.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and kids interested in stories of perseverance and sportsmanship.

• Baseball Great by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Josh LeBlanc, a talented young baseball player, must navigate new challenges after moving to a new school and joining a travel team with high stakes and intense competition.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a mix of thrilling sports action and the challenges of fitting in, making it a great read for those who appreciate both sports and stories about personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and stories about overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.

• The Batboy by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Brian Dudley, a batboy for a major league team, meets his idol, but learns that his hero is not quite the person he expected him to be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of hero worship and personal integrity, wrapped up in the exciting world of professional baseball.
  • Perfect for: Fans of baseball and young readers dealing with the realities of heroes and role models.

• Winning Season: The Roar of the Crowd by Rich Wallace
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Manny Ramos is the fastest pitcher on his baseball team, but his knack for talking trash often lands him in trouble. Through the season, he learns about the power of words and the importance of being a team player.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging story that teaches important lessons about sportsmanship and communication.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any kid learning the value of teamwork and the impact of their words.

Educational Baseball Books for 9-Year-Olds

• A Strong Right Arm by Michelle Y. Green, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This inspiring biography tells the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, one of only three women to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. It chronicles her journey from playing catch with makeshift equipment to pitching professionally against men.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of racial and gender equality, inspiration through real-life role models
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only a tale of sports achievement but also a powerful story of breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, sports, and stories of exceptional courage and determination.

• The Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sylvester Coddmyer III meets a mysterious figure who offers him tips to improve his baseball game, leading to an unbelievable hitting streak.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of sportsmanship, self-confidence, and the magic of believing in oneself
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a magical element with the realistic challenges of sports, making it both entertaining and motivational.
  • Perfect for: Children who love a mix of mystery and sports, and those who need a boost in confidence.

• Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Lupe Wong, a baseball enthusiast and aspiring first female pitcher in the Major Leagues, faces an unexpected challenge when her school introduces square dancing in gym class.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, gender equality, and advocacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and poignant exploration of cultural identity and challenging traditional roles, all set against a backdrop of a young girl's love for baseball.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy contemporary stories with strong, relatable protagonists and those interested in social justice.

• Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream by Crystal Hubbard, illustrated by Randy DuBurke
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book is based on the true story of Marcenia Lyle, a girl who dreams of playing professional baseball, navigating the challenges posed by her gender and economic status during the 1930s.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, perseverance, and gender equality
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling narrative of overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams, no matter the barriers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical stories and those looking for female role models in sports.

• Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1957 San Francisco, Katy Gordon proves she's a great pitcher, only to be barred from Little League because she's a girl. She fights back by researching women who played baseball, challenging the league's boys-only rule.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Research skills, historical awareness, and advocacy for equality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of resilience and determination that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in sports.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical fiction and stories about justice and equality.

Challenging Baseball Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Summerland by Michael Chabon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Ethan Feld, one of the worst baseball players ever, is recruited for an epic baseball game on Summerland, where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of mythology, folklore, and existential questions within a fantasy sports framework, challenging younger readers with its depth and narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of baseball with a rich, fantastical story, encouraging imagination and a deeper understanding of mythological themes.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy fantasy sports stories and exploring complex themes.

• Choosing Up Sides by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1921, this story follows Luke Bledsoe, a left-handed boy who discovers his passion for baseball despite his preacher father's vehement disapproval.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with themes of religious intolerance, personal freedom, and the moral dilemmas of following one's passion against familial expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling look at historical attitudes towards sports and left-handedness, providing a platform for discussions about personal and religious beliefs.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, sports, and stories about personal struggles and triumphs.

• The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Eighth-grader Molly Williams uses knuckleball pitching to cope with her father's death and to carve a place for herself on the boys' baseball team.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles tough issues like grief and gender roles in sports, presenting complex emotional dynamics and social themes in a way that is accessible yet thought-provoking for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only highlights resilience and determination but also introduces readers to the unique pitching style of knuckleball, inspiring both personal and athletic growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers dealing with personal loss or those interested in stories of breaking gender barriers in sports.

• King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paige by Wes Tooke
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1935, Nick joins the Bismarck baseball team and meets Satchel Paige, learning about life and baseball from one of the legends of the sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book provides a historical view of racial segregation in sports through the eyes of a young protagonist, blending complex historical realities with the lighter aspects of a summer baseball experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an educational and inspiring story that highlights the achievements of Satchel Paige, encouraging readers to learn about baseball history and the importance of mentorship.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and history buffs looking to understand the impact of racism in sports and the legends who overcame it.

• Plunked by Michael Northrop
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When sixth-grader Jack Mogens gets hit by a pitch, he faces his fear of the ball while trying to keep his spot on the team and navigate his life off the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the psychological impact of sports injuries and fear, offering a deep dive into emotional resilience and recovery, which can be a complex concept for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a realistic portrayal of overcoming fears and the importance of perseverance both in sports and in life.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader who appreciates stories about overcoming personal challenges and growing stronger.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a young baseball enthusiast who's also diving into reading, blending their love for the sport with some engaging books can be a home run. Here are a few exercises to help your 9-year-old develop strong reading habits while enjoying some fantastic baseball books. These simple activities are designed to make reading more interactive and fun.

• Create a Reading Lineup
  • What it is: List baseball books in the order they will be read.
  • How it helps: Organizes reading sessions and builds anticipation for each book.
  • Tips: Let your child choose the order based on their interest in the book covers or topics.

• Illustrate a Play
  • What it is: Draw a scene or a play described in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retains interest in the story.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to bring the scenes to life, discussing the game's rules and strategies as you draw.

• Book Club Bench
  • What it is: Form a small book club with friends who also enjoy baseball.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deepens understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Meet once a week to discuss a chapter or two, and include some baseball play to mix fun with learning.

• Summarize the Score
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter like a game score recap.
  • How it helps: Helps with remembering key events and improves summarization skills.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries short and exciting, like a sports commentator might.

• Vocabulary Base Stealing
  • What it is: Identify and learn new words found in the baseball books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the game and its terminology.
  • Tips: Create flashcards of new words and go over them before reading sessions.

These exercises aren't just about improving reading skills; they're about making the process enjoyable and relevant to your child's interests. By integrating the theme of baseball, your 9-year-old will be more likely to engage with the books and look forward to each reading session. So, let's get the ball rolling and help them hit their reading out of the park!