10+ Best Cricket Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect cricket books for 12-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding cricketer or just curious about the game, finding the right book can spark their enthusiasm and deepen their understanding of this exciting sport. Keep reading to discover a handpicked selection of cricket books tailored specifically for 12-year-olds, each promising to deliver both entertainment and insights into the game of cricket.
Table of Contents
Fun Cricket Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Out of the Park by Jonty Rhodes
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Follow the journey of young Josh as he dreams of becoming a professional cricketer. His adventure begins when he's selected for a junior cricket league, where he learns the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling read that captures the excitement of cricket and the challenges of growing up. It encourages readers to pursue their dreams and teaches important life lessons through sports.
- Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and aspiring cricketers.
- The Victory Boys: Team Spirit by Jamal Orme
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Religious, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: Junayd and his friends at the Victory Boys' school cricket team must balance their sports commitments with their religious duties during the month of Ramadan.
- Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique blend of sports excitement and cultural education. It helps readers understand the importance of faith, friendship, and fair play.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in stories that combine sports with cultural and religious themes.
- Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Billy, an extraordinary boy whose dreams of playing for Chelsea are interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Despite the war's impact, Billy's love for football (and cricket) shines through.
- Why we recommend this book: It's not only a book about sports but also a poignant look at history through the eyes of a young protagonist. It's engaging and provides historical insights while maintaining a light and inspirational tone.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and are curious about history.
- Playing It Straight by Steven Jacobs
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Jack is a talented cricketer, but he struggles with the pressure of his father's expectations and the dynamics of school friendships. The cricket pitch becomes both his challenge and his refuge.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling read that deals with real-life issues like parental pressure and personal integrity, all wrapped up in the context of school cricket.
- Perfect for: Kids dealing with school pressures or those who enjoy stories where sports play a crucial role in personal development.
- Spin by Venkat Prabhu
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Arjun discovers he has a magical ability to spin the cricket ball in impossible ways. He must learn to control his powers to help his team win the championship.
- Why we recommend this book: This book combines the thrill of cricket with elements of fantasy, making it a fun and engaging read that sparks the imagination.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy sports stories and anyone looking for a fun twist on traditional sports tales.
Educational Cricket Books for 12-Year-Olds
- A Stroke of Genius by Barry Richards
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports
- Synopsis: This book explores the life of Barry Richards, a cricket legend whose career was curtailed by the apartheid boycott. Despite his short international career, Richards' achievements on the cricket field remain legendary.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of sports, reading comprehension, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed look into the challenges and triumphs of a cricketing hero, offering lessons on resilience and integrity.
- Perfect for: Young cricket fans and readers interested in sports history.
- The Art of Spin Bowling by Shane Warne
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Instructional, Sports
- Synopsis: Penned by one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history, this book offers insights into the techniques and strategies of spin bowling.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Technical skills in cricket, strategic thinking, sports analysis
- Why we recommend this book: It's an invaluable resource for budding cricketers, providing expert advice from a legendary player.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young cricketers who want to master the art of spin bowling.
- Cricket at the Crossroads by Guy Fraser-Sampson
- Genre(s): History, Sports
- Synopsis: The book covers the period of the 1960s and 70s in cricket, a pivotal time when the sport underwent significant changes both on and off the field.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical and cultural impacts on sports, critical thinking, comprehension
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thorough exploration of cricket's evolution and the socio-political factors that influenced the game.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy history and want to understand the broader context of cricket's development.
- Young Cricketer's Tutor by John Stern
- Genre(s): Instructional, Sports
- Synopsis: A comprehensive guide for young players, this book breaks down the basics of batting, bowling, and fielding, along with tips on cricket etiquette and sportsmanship.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cricket techniques, sportsmanship, teamwork
- Why we recommend this book: It's a great starter book for any young player looking to improve their game and learn the values associated with cricket.
- Perfect for: Novice cricketers and those new to the sport.
- Legends of Cricket: Discover Your Heroes by Ralph Dellor
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports
- Synopsis: This collection features the lives and careers of some of the greatest cricketers from around the world, showcasing their achievements and impact on the sport.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Inspirational stories, historical knowledge, reading comprehension
- Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the achievements of cricket's greatest players, inspiring young readers with stories of dedication and excellence.
- Perfect for: Young readers who admire sports heroes and are motivated by success stories.
Challenging Cricket Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Beyond the Boundary by C.L.R. James
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
- Synopsis: This book delves into the intricacies of cricket as a sport and its deeper political and cultural significance, particularly in the West Indies and the colonial powers of the time.
- Why this book is challenging: It combines dense historical context with the technicalities of cricket, requiring readers to engage with complex ideas about race, class, and colonialism.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound insight into how sports can reflect and influence societal issues, providing a richer understanding of history through the lens of cricket.
- Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in the historical and cultural aspects of sports.
- The Great Tamasha: Cricket, Corruption, and the Turbulent Rise of Modern India by James Astill
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Politics
- Synopsis: The book examines how cricket has intertwined with India's political and economic transformations to become more than just a game in the country.
- Why this book is challenging: It discusses complex themes of corruption, economics, and politics, requiring readers to think critically about how sports intersect with broader societal changes.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides an eye-opening narrative of how cricket impacts and is impacted by the socio-political landscape, offering a comprehensive view of modern India.
- Perfect for: Readers curious about the interplay between sports and politics.
- Golden Boy: Kim Hughes and the Bad Old Days of Australian Cricket by Christian Ryan
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports, History
- Synopsis: This biography explores the life and career of Kim Hughes, an Australian cricket captain, set against the backdrop of the political and sporting challenges of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Why this book is challenging: It offers a detailed look at personal and professional struggles within a historical context, requiring readers to understand more mature themes of leadership and pressure.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling story of resilience and the pressures of sports leadership, providing lessons on handling adversity and making tough decisions.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in the human aspects of sports figures and leadership under pressure.
- Wounded Tiger: A History of Cricket in Pakistan by Peter Oborne
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
- Synopsis: This comprehensive history covers Pakistani cricket from its inception to its development into a national passion, intertwined with the country’s own turbulent history.
- Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding of complex historical and cultural dynamics in Pakistan, presented through the lens of cricket.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into how cricket can play a pivotal role in a nation's identity and history, providing a nuanced perspective on Pakistani society.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep historical contexts and exploring the role of sports in national development.
- A Corner of a Foreign Field: The Indian History of a British Sport by Ramachandra Guha
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Sports
- Synopsis: The book integrates the story of Indian cricket into the larger narrative of the nation’s social and political history, illustrating how cricket has been more than just a game in India.
- Why this book is challenging: It weaves together detailed historical accounts with the evolution of cricket in India, requiring readers to link sports with complex historical narratives.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides an insightful exploration of cricket’s role in shaping and reflecting social changes, offering a comprehensive understanding of Indian history through cricket.
- Perfect for: Historians and cricket enthusiasts who appreciate the interconnections between sports and societal evolution.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of cricket through books and you're around 12 years old, developing strong reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun exercises that not only boost your understanding and enjoyment of cricket but also help you become a better reader. Let's check them out!
- Set 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: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Vocabulary List
- What it is: Write down new or interesting words you find in your cricket books.
- How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the game.
- Tips: Try to use the new words in sentences or discuss them with friends or family.
- Summarize Chapters
- What it is: After reading a chapter, write a short summary of the key points.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps you remember what you've read.
- Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested in cricket.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can make reading more enjoyable.
- Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.
- Predict the Outcome
- What it is: Before finishing the book, try to predict how it will end based on what you've read so far.
- How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and keeps you invested in the storyline.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them once you finish the book.
These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they’re about making the whole experience of reading cricket books more engaging and fun. Remember, the more you read, the more you know, and the more you learn about cricket, the deeper your appreciation for the game will grow. So, grab your book, pick one of these exercises, and start swinging for a reading home run!