10+ Best Sports Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your young athlete hooked on reading? Look no further! Our curated selection of Sports Books for 11-Year-Olds is designed to captivate and inspire young minds with thrilling stories of teamwork, perseverance, and victory. Whether they're into kicking goals, shooting hoops, or running tracks, there's a book here that's sure to resonate. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also fuel their passion for sports!
Table of Contents
Fun Sports Books for 11-Year-Olds
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
- Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
- 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: Its rhythmic, poetic prose captures the excitement of basketball while dealing with themes of family and adolescence, making it a compelling read for young sports fans.
- Perfect for: Young athletes and fans of basketball who enjoy fast-paced, emotionally resonant stories.
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers on Castle "Ghost" Cranshaw, a young sprinter who joins a local track team, aiming to outrun his troubled past and current problems.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story about overcoming obstacles and finding one's passion, which can motivate readers to pursue their interests with dedication.
- Perfect for: Readers who love stories of personal growth and are interested in track and field.
- Heat by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Michael Arroyo, a young baseball prodigy from the Bronx, dreams of pitching his team to the Little League World Series, but he faces obstacles that threaten to derail his dreams.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of baseball with a touching story about family and perseverance, appealing to readers' sense of adventure and empathy.
- Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and fans of baseball who enjoy underdog stories.
- Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Nate Brodie, a 13-year-old quarterback, wins the chance to throw a pass during halftime at a New England Patriots' game for one million dollars, while also dealing with his best friend's worsening eyesight.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of suspense and emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and the pressure of high stakes.
- Perfect for: Young football fans and readers who like stories about friendship and big challenges.
- Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
- Genre(s): Sports, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: In 1957 San Francisco, Katy Gordon, a talented baseball player, is told that girls are not eligible to play Little League baseball, prompting her to challenge unfair rules.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of breaking barriers and fighting for what's right, which can inspire readers to challenge societal norms and advocate for equality.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and sports, especially those who enjoy stories about empowerment and justice.
Educational Sports Books for 11-Year-Olds
- Booked by Kwame Alexander
- Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel in verse tells the story of 12-year-old Nick, an avid soccer player and word enthusiast, who navigates challenges both on the soccer field and in his personal life.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, understanding of poetic forms, emotional resilience, and interpersonal relationships
- Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends poetry and soccer, engaging readers in a rhythmic exploration of sports and life lessons.
- Perfect for: Young soccer fans and readers who appreciate poetry and emotionally rich narratives.
- Baseball Genius by Tim Green and Derek Jeter
- Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
- Synopsis: Jalen DeLuca uses his baseball genius to help a struggling Major League player improve his game, hoping to solve his own problems in the process.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, understanding of baseball mechanics
- Why we recommend this book: Co-written by a former MLB star, it offers authentic insights into the world of professional baseball while delivering a gripping story.
- Perfect for: Aspiring baseball players and fans of sports stories with a touch of genius and strategy.
- The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Thai Neave
- Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Motivation
- Synopsis: A collection of rules, motivational quotes, and anecdotes from famous athletes, paired with striking photographs, designed to inspire and guide young people.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Motivation, life skills, personal growth, understanding of success principles
- Why we recommend this book: It’s visually engaging and filled with practical wisdom, making it a great tool for motivation and inspiration.
- Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader in need of motivation and guidance on how to succeed in sports and life.
- Soccer School Season 1: Where Soccer Explains (Rules) the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell
- Genre(s): Sports, Education, Humor
- Synopsis: This book uses soccer to explain various aspects of the world, from biology to history, making learning fun and engaging.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, understanding of soccer, interdisciplinary learning
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun, educational read that uses the universal language of soccer to explain complex subjects in an understandable way.
- Perfect for: Soccer enthusiasts and curious minds who enjoy learning through the lens of their favorite sport.
- Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
- Genre(s): Sports, Graphic Novel, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: This graphic novel follows twelve-year-old Astrid as she discovers her passion for roller derby and learns about friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery during a summer that changes her life.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of graphic novel storytelling
- Why we recommend this book: It combines dynamic illustrations with a compelling story of growth and resilience, appealing to readers’ sense of adventure and self-discovery.
- Perfect for: Readers who love graphic novels and stories about sports and personal growth.
Challenging Sports Books for 11-Year-Olds
- The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio
- Genre(s): Sports, Biography
- Synopsis: This biography details the life of NBA star Stephen Curry, focusing on his determination and journey from a young basketball player to a professional athlete.
- Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed discussions of personal and athletic challenges which require a mature understanding to fully appreciate.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that shows the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's dreams.
- Perfect for: Young basketball fans and readers who enjoy real-life success stories.
- The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers
- Genre(s): Sports, Biography
- Synopsis: This biography explores the life of Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, highlighting his achievements in the ring and his contributions to society as a cultural icon.
- Why this book is challenging: The complex narrative intertwines Ali’s sports career with his political activism, requiring readers to understand broader social and historical contexts.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive look at Ali's life, emphasizing the values of courage and conviction.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history, boxing, and stories of influential personalities.
- Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far about Love, Faith, and Living Your Dreams by Shawn Johnson, with Nancy French
- Genre(s): Sports, Autobiography, Inspirational
- Synopsis: Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson shares her experiences and the lessons she learned about balancing professional success with personal happiness.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as self-identity and the pressure of high expectations, which are advanced topics for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a rare insight into the life of an athlete while promoting a message of finding balance and staying true to oneself.
- Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and readers who appreciate stories about personal development and self-discovery.
- Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself by Jennie Finch with Ann Killion
- Genre(s): Sports, Autobiography, Motivational
- Synopsis: The book recounts the journey of Jennie Finch, a softball player who became an Olympic gold medalist, focusing on her challenges and achievements.
- Why this book is challenging: It encourages critical thinking about gender roles in sports and society, challenging young readers to think deeply about these issues.
- Why we recommend this book: It's motivational, encouraging girls to pursue sports with determination and confidence, regardless of societal expectations.
- Perfect for: Young female athletes and readers interested in stories about breaking stereotypes and achieving greatness.
- QB 1 by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel follows Jake Cullen, a freshman quarterback playing high school football in Texas, as he tries to emerge from his father's and brother's shadows.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores complex family dynamics and the pressures of sports, which require a mature understanding from the reader.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures the excitement and pressure of American football while addressing themes of personal identity and family.
- Perfect for: Young football fans and readers who like stories about sports and family legacies.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of sports books, you're in for a treat! Whether you're a soccer fanatic, a basketball enthusiast, or just curious about different sports, reading about your favorite games can be both fun and educational. Here are some great exercises to help you develop good reading habits while exploring sports books. These exercises are perfect for 11-year-olds looking to get the most out of their reading time.
- Set Specific Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make consistent progress.
- Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.
- Create a Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
- How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances concentration.
- Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.
- Use a Dictionary
- What it is: Keep a dictionary nearby to look up unfamiliar words.
- How it helps: Improves vocabulary and understanding of the text.
- Tips: Write down the new words you learn in a notebook.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
- Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to others.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and makes the reading process more engaging.
- Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the action in the story.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
- Draw Scenes from the Book
- What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
- How it helps: Encourages creative thinking and helps visualize the story.
- Tips: Don’t worry about artistic skill; focus on how the scene makes you feel.
- Summarize Each Chapter
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
- How it helps: Reinforces understanding and helps recall key events.
- Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main points.
By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your sports books more, but you'll also build strong reading habits that can last a lifetime. So, grab your next sports book, pick a cozy corner, and start your reading adventure today! Happy reading!