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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect slam dunk in reading for your teen? Dive into our latest roundup of Basketball Books for 13-Year-Olds that are sure to capture the excitement of the game and the trials and triumphs of young athletes. Whether your teen is a player, a fan, or just curious about the sport, these picks will keep them hooked. Keep reading to explore our diverse selections that cater to all basketball-loving teens!

Fun Basketball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Sports, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel in verse follows twelve-year-old twin basketball stars, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate challenges on and off the court.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic format makes it a quick and engaging read, perfect for capturing the attention of young teens. It beautifully combines themes of family, sportsmanship, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and readers looking for a dynamic, emotionally resonant story.

• Rebound by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Sports, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, this prequel to The Crossover follows Chuck Bell, a young boy finding solace and direction in basketball after a family tragedy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s not only a fun dive into the world of basketball but also a touching story about overcoming grief and finding your footing. The rhythmic verse adds a unique twist to the reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of sports and significant life lessons.

• Boy21 by Matthew Quick
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around high school senior Finley and his friendship with Russ, a former basketball phenom who has lost interest in the game after a personal tragedy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at friendship and resilience, wrapped up in the engaging context of high school basketball.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers who like stories about sports that also delve into deeper emotional themes.

• True Legend by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Drew "True" Robinson, a high school basketball star who encounters a once-famous streetball player that changes his perspective on the game and life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale that explores the realities behind the glamor of sports fame and the importance of playing for the love of the game.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and anyone who appreciates a story about personal growth and integrity.

• Long Shot: Comeback Kids by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Pedro Morales loves playing basketball, but his skills are tested both on and off the court when his team's coach benches him for shooting too many three-pointers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story for any young reader about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of finding your role in a team.
  • Perfect for: Middle schoolers who are sports fans or anyone facing their own personal challenges.

• Double Dribble by W.C. Mack
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Twin brothers Owen and Russell have always shared everything, including their love for basketball, but things get competitive when they end up on different teams.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and light-hearted look at sibling rivalry and cooperation, set against a backdrop of exciting basketball action.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics and sportsmanship.

Educational Basketball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Greg "Slam" Harris, a talented high school basketball player who struggles with his grades and his transition to a predominantly white private school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of social and racial issues, personal responsibility, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of basketball with important themes like education, race, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in sports and stories that tackle real-life challenges.

• Travel Team by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Danny Walker may be shorter than the average basketball player, but his skill and determination lead him to try out for an elite travel basketball team.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Team dynamics, self-esteem, overcoming physical limitations
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring underdog story that emphasizes perseverance and the power of believing in oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and anyone who loves a good comeback story.

• Fast Break by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Jayson, a skilled basketball player, must navigate new challenges after being sent to live with a foster family following his mother's death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional resilience, adaptability, understanding foster care
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching narrative that combines the thrill of sports with a deeper look into personal hardships and recovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity, both on and off the court.

• Game by Walter Dean Myers
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Drew Lawson is fighting for recognition as a top basketball player in his Harlem neighborhood, dealing with issues on and off the court that could define his future.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Urban life understanding, ambition, dealing with pressure
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of striving for success amidst difficult circumstances and the intense world of urban basketball.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who are fans of gritty, realistic sports stories.

Challenging Basketball Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy, illustrated by Joe Morse
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
  • Synopsis: This book details the true story of how basketball was invented by James Naismith, a teacher looking to keep his gym class active during a harsh New England winter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical contexts and the origins of basketball, which requires understanding of broader historical and social changes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique look at the history of basketball, inspiring creativity and innovation in solving problems.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the history of sports and those who enjoy stories about inventive solutions to challenges.

• Swagger by Carl Deuker
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Jonas Dolan is on the rise in his high school basketball team, but his path to success is complicated by his coach's unsettling behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of ethics in sports and personal integrity, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, encouraging readers to think critically about morality and personal responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers who are looking for a more mature, thought-provoking sports story.

• Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Eighth graders Stevie and Susan Carol win a writing contest that lets them go to the Final Four, where they uncover a scandal that could throw the whole tournament into disarray.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines sports with a complex mystery plot, requiring readers to follow clues and think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting blend of suspense and sports, perfect for keeping advanced readers engaged while offering a glimpse into sports journalism.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and sports enthusiasts who enjoy a good puzzle.

• Boost by Kathy Mackel
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Savvy Christopher is a talented basketball player who moves to a new town and struggles to fit in and keep her spot on the team amidst suspicions of steroid use.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex issues like drug use in sports and personal identity, which are mature themes for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful narrative about integrity, peer pressure, and standing up for what’s right.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a strong female protagonist and stories about overcoming adversity in sports.

• The Final Four by Paul Volponi
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The book follows four players with diverse backgrounds as they converge at the NCAA basketball Final Four, each battling personal demons and their pasts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep personal and social issues through its characters, requiring readers to engage with complex emotional and ethical dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a multi-layered exploration of ambition, pressure, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of high-stakes college basketball.
  • Perfect for: Older teens interested in a realistic, character-driven sports narrative.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're a 13-year-old basketball enthusiast who loves to read or wants to start reading more about your favorite sport, I've got some fun exercises to help you develop great reading habits. These exercises are designed to make reading as exciting as a fast-paced basketball game. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many basketball books you want to read each month.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and achieve a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable number, like one book a month, and gradually increase.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading experience enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it's well-lit, quiet, and cozy. Adding a basketball poster might inspire you!

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club that focuses on sports books or start your own.
  • How it helps: Allows you to share ideas and gain new perspectives from peers.
  • Tips: Check your school, local library, or online platforms for existing clubs or guidelines on starting one.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital application to track your reading habits and discover new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps your reading list organized and easily accessible.
  • Tips: Apps like Goodreads can help you set reading goals and see what your friends are reading.

• Read Before Bedtime
  • What it is: Make it a routine to read for at least 20 minutes before going to sleep.
  • How it helps: Helps you unwind and improve your sleep quality.
  • Tips: Choose lighter reads at night if heavy basketball strategy books make it hard to sleep.

• Summarize What You Read
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter or book you finish.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of what you've read.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet; think of them as post-game analyses.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who are also basketball fans.
  • How it helps: Strengthens understanding and makes reading a shared adventure.
  • Tips: Try relating the plots or characters to real-life basketball scenarios or players.

Wrapping up, these exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your daily life, much like basketball. Give them a shot and see how much more engaging your reading sessions can be. Happy reading, and keep balling!