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

Are you searching for the perfect way to ignite a passion for both reading and sports in your young athlete? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Basketball Books for 12-Year-Olds is designed to captivate, educate, and inspire budding basketball enthusiasts. Whether they're on the court or cozy in bed, these books are sure to score big points. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will have your kids dribbling through pages in no time!

Fun Basketball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel in verse follows 12-year-old twin basketball stars, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate on-court competition and off-court family challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic structure makes it a unique and engaging read that captures the rhythm and pace of basketball, offering a fresh perspective on sports and family life.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and fans of stories told in a non-traditional format.

• True Legend by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a high school basketball star, Drew "True" Robinson, who encounters a once-famous streetball player, offering him a deeper understanding of his game and life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that explores the highs and lows of sports fame and the importance of humility and hard work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and readers who enjoy character-driven sports stories.

• Rebound by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Sports, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, this graphic novel tells the story of Chuck Bell, a young basketball enthusiast who struggles with family issues and his love for the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of graphic novel elements and historical context provides a visually engaging and emotionally resonant reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy graphic novels and stories with a historical backdrop.

• Double Team by Amar'e Stoudemire, illustrated by Tim Jessell
  • Genre(s): Sports, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book, part of the "STAT: Standing Tall and Talented" series, follows young Amar'e Stoudemire as he balances school, friendships, and basketball.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that promotes the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and balancing various aspects of life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a role model in sports and life management skills.

• Basketball (or Something Like It) by Nora Raleigh Baskin
  • Genre(s): Sports, Middle Grade Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows four middle school students whose lives intersect through their involvement in a basketball league.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look at the challenges and triumphs of middle school life, both on and off the court.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating their own middle school years and looking for relatable stories.

Educational Basketball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big by Chris Paul, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This inspirational book tells the story of young Chris Paul's determination to overcome his small stature to play basketball, guided by his family's encouragement and his own perseverance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, goal setting, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that shows how determination and hard work can help overcome any obstacle, making it perfect for young readers needing a confidence boost.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any child needing inspiration to chase their dreams, regardless of their limitations.

• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book recounts the early years of Michael Jordan and focuses on the lessons he learned about patience, determination, and hard work to achieve his dream of becoming a basketball player.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Patience, understanding growth, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a relatable and encouraging story for children, emphasizing that even legends like Michael Jordan faced challenges and doubts.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and any child learning the value of persistence and hard work.

• Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women's Hoops on the Map by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Set in 1896, this book tells the story of Agnes Morley, who played in the first-ever women's basketball game at her college. It highlights the beginnings of women's basketball and the challenges faced by female athletes at the time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, gender studies, sports history
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enlightening look at the origins of women's basketball, inspiring readers with the determination and spirit of early female athletes.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in sports history and stories of pioneering women in sports.

• Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide to Living Your Best Life by Vernon Brundage Jr.
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Self-help, Sports
  • Synopsis: Using basketball analogies, this book offers life lessons on achieving personal goals, dealing with setbacks, and developing a winning mindset.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Personal development, motivation, life skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It translates the excitement and lessons of basketball into practical advice for personal growth, making complex ideas accessible and actionable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for guidance on personal development and motivation, especially through the lens of sports.

Challenging Basketball Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Boy21 by Matthew Quick
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Finley, a high school basketball player who befriends a new student, Russ, who believes he is from outer space and only responds to the name Boy21. As Finley helps Russ navigate his grief and mental health, he also confronts his own struggles and the harsh realities of their environment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes like mental health, loss, and resilience, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, emotional exploration of friendship and personal growth amidst adversity, providing young readers with insights into empathy and psychological resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in sports stories that also tackle significant life challenges.

• Game by Walter Dean Myers
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Drew Lawson, a high school basketball star who dreams of making it big. However, his life is complicated by racial issues, family pressures, and the high stakes of inner-city athletic competition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses serious social issues like racism and economic disparity, layered with the intense pressures of sports, which can provoke thought and discussion among advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a realistic portrayal that challenges readers to think critically about the intersection of sports, society, and personal ambition.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and readers who appreciate stories that reflect real-world issues.

• Travel Team by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Danny Walker may be shorter than his peers, but his basketball skills are undeniable. When he gets cut from the travel team, his father decides to coach a rival team, giving Danny and other underestimated players a shot at glory.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores themes of perseverance, underestimation, and redemption, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story that emphasizes the importance of determination and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and readers who love underdog stories.

• Fast Break by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Jayson, a talented basketball player, struggles with family instability and homelessness. He must learn to trust his new foster family and team to realize his potential on and off the court.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story tackles difficult subjects like homelessness and trust issues, which are mature and complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping narrative that shows how sports can offer stability and a sense of belonging in turbulent times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of resilience and personal growth through sports.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of basketball books, it's fantastic to pair that interest with some good reading habits. Especially for 12-year-olds, developing these habits can enhance comprehension and make reading even more enjoyable. Here are a few exercises that can help:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading pattern and helps complete books in a systematic way.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and understanding of the plot and main ideas.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and sweet; think of them as a quick recap of key events.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can introduce different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or schedule regular chats to discuss the book.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, picturing the characters and actions in your mind.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Occasionally pause your reading to fully visualize a scene or an important moment.

• Connect to Real Life
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to real-life experiences or current events.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes the content more relatable and interesting.
  • Tips: After reading a chapter, take a moment to think of any personal experiences that remind you of the story.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, not only will you enjoy your basketball books more, but you'll also develop skills that can benefit all areas of your learning. Remember, the key is consistency and finding fun in every page you turn. Happy reading!