Sports books continue to be a great option for reluctant readers, offering bold colors, action-packed photos, and a focus on today’s top athletes and competitions. This season, alongside popular sports like basketball, and soccer, there are also books highlighting activities such as rodeo, motocross, martial arts, and sports video gaming. Readers can explore a variety of formats, from books that compare the stats of two players to see who would win, to introductions that help young fans learn about a sport for the first time. Advanced reads dive deep into the details for die-hard fans, while others showcase stunning photos of athletes in action. Whether kids are looking for quick facts, in-depth analysis, or exciting visuals, this season’s sports books offer something for every kind of reader.

Elementary

Barry, James. Houston Rockets. ISBN 9798889892571.
––––. Los Angeles Lakers. ISBN 9798889892588.
––––. Miami Heat. ISBN 9798889892595.
––––. Milwaukee Bucks. ISBN 9798889892601.
––––. New York Knicks. ISBN 9798889892618.
––––. Oklahoma City Thunder. ISBN 9798889892625.
Bulcao, Denny, Jr. Detroit Pistons. ISBN 9798889892557.
––––. Philadelphia 76ers. ISBN 9798889892632.
––––. Portland Trail Blazers. ISBN 9798889892649.
––––. Sacramento Kings. ISBN 9798889892656.
––––. San Antonio Spurs. ISBN 9798889892663.
––––. Washington Wizards. ISBN 9798889892687.
Tischler, Joe. Atlanta Hawks. ISBN 9798889892496.
––––. Boston Celtics. ISBN 9798889892502.
––––. Chicago Bulls. ISBN 9798889892519.
––––. Cleveland Cavaliers. ISBN 9798889892526.
––––. Dallas Mavericks. ISBN 9798889892533.
––––. Denver Nuggets. ISBN 9798889892540.
––––. Golden State Warriors. ISBN 9798889892564.
––––. Toronto Raptors. ISBN 9798889892670.
ea vol: 24p. (Creative Sports: NBA Champions). The Creative Company/Creative Education. Jan. 2025. Tr $35.70.
Gr 1-4–This series introduces young readers to their favorite NBA teams. Each book begins with an overview of the team’s city and stadium, then covers the team’s history, championship games, and key players. The simple writing and clear layout are designed for elementary readers and new sports fans, with each spread featuring a full-page photo and one or two paragraphs of information. Older readers may find the content too basic, but the full coverage of NBA teams provides a wide range of options for young fans. Each book includes key team facts, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A recommended purchase for libraries updating their juvenile readers’ basketball collections.

Braun, Eric. Goal. ISBN 9781669091929.
––––. Home Run. ISBN 9781669091936.
Morey, Allan. Swish. ISBN 9781669091905.
––––. Touchdown. ISBN 9781669091912.
ea vol: 32p. (Sports Illustrated Kids: Science Behind the Plays). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.32.
Gr 2-5–With thrilling play-by-play action explained through science, these books are sure to score big with readers. Each title focuses on a single sport, breaking down the physics behind the game’s most dynamic moves. Chapters spotlight the greatest plays in sports history, narrated with the excitement of a sportscaster, delivering lines like, “Only three seconds left on the clock!” Readers will be hooked from start to finish. The science is seamlessly woven into the action, making it an integral part of the narrative rather than an afterthought. Readers will absorb key physics concepts effortlessly, as the explanations enhance the drama rather than detract from it. The balance is perfect—enough science to intrigue without overwhelming. Action-packed color photos, graphics, and illustrations immerse readers in the game, bringing the described plays to life. An index, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading provide opportunities for deeper exploration. VERDICT A must-have for all sports collections!

Clarke, David J. Barcelona. ISBN 9781634949569.
––––. Liverpool. ISBN 9781634949590.
––––. Manchester City. ISBN 9781634949606.
––––. Manchester United. ISBN 9781634949613.
Hewson, Anthony K. Bayern Munich. ISBN 9781634949576.
Moon, Derek. AC Milan. ISBN 9781634949552.
––––. Juventus. ISBN 9781634949583.
––––. Real Madrid. ISBN 9781634949620.
ea vol: 32p. (World Soccer Clubs). North Star/Press Box. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 3-5–Highlighting eight of the world’s top soccer clubs, this series is sure to thrill dedicated fans. The titles focus on elite European teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United. Each book kicks off with an exciting game moment that introduces the team, followed by three chapters detailing the team’s history, iconic players, memorable plays, and championship victories. The final chapter spotlights one of the club’s greatest superstars. The writing is packed with statistics, player information, and play-by-play accounts that bring the action to life. The solid amount of text and in-depth focus make these books suited for serious soccer fans who already have some knowledge of the sport and its top teams. Large, vibrant photos add to the appeal, while a glossary, index, quick stats, and further reading provide additional resources for research. VERDICT A great selection for any library with avid soccer enthusiasts.

Goldstein, Margaret J. Kevin Durant vs. Larry Bird. ISBN 9798765648247.
Hill, Anne E. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Diego Maradona. ISBN 9798765648230.
––––. Sophia Smith vs. Abby Wambach. ISBN 99798765648278.
Kaiser, Brianna. Ronald Acuña Jr. vs. Rickey Henderson. ISBN 9798765648254.
Ridge, Yolanda. Coco Gauff vs. Serena Williams. ISBN 9798765648223.
––––. Sauce Gardner vs. Deion Sanders. ISBN 9798765648261.
ea vol: 32p. (All-Star Smackdown). Lerner/Lerner Sports. Jan. 2025. Tr $30.65.
Gr 2-4–The latest additions to the All-Star Smackdown series are sure to impress. Featuring top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin Durant, and Serena Williams, each book compares the careers of two stars to determine who’s the better athlete. Chapters introduce each player, cover their early life, highlight their major achievements, and showcase key statistics. Both male and female athletes are highlighted from various sports, such as tennis, basketball, and soccer, making these books appealing to a wide audience. The writing is straightforward and packed with facts that will keep kids hooked. Full-page graphics and vibrant photos make these books perfect for reluctant readers and fans eager to learn more about their favorite players. VERDICT A must-have for sports fans and reluctant readers.

Grack, Rachel. Curious About Bareback Riding. ISBN 9798892000833.
––––. Curious About Barrel Racing. ISBN 9798892000840.
––––. Curious About Breakaway Roping. ISBN 9798892000857.
––––. Curious About Bull Riding. ISBN 9798892000864.
––––. Curious About Saddle Bronc Riding. ISBN 9798892000871.
––––. Curious About Steer Wrestling. ISBN 9798892000888.
––––. Curious About Team Roping. ISBN 9798892000895.
––––. Curious About Tie-Down Roping. ISBN 9798892000901.
ea vol: 24p. (Curious About Rodeo). Amicus. Jan. 2025. Tr $35.70.
Gr 2-4–These titles introduce readers to eight key rodeo events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. Each title explains how the event is performed, the training required, the age and gender of participants, the necessary gear, and key highlights of the sport. Information is presented clearly through a few sentences of large text per page, complemented by sidebars and information bubbles. Colorful photos with detailed captions further enhance understanding and bring the excitement of the rodeo to life. VERDICT This series provides a wealth of information and engaging visuals, making it a strong choice for young readers interested in this unique and less-covered sport.

Krenn, Cara. A Look at Judo. ISBN 9798765647967.
––––. A Look at Karate. ISBN 9798765647974.
––––. A Look at Tae Kwon Do. ISBN 9798765647981.
––––. A Look at Wrestling. ISBN 9798765647998.
ea vol: 24p. (Martial Arts for Kids). Lerner/Lerner Sports Rookie. Jan. 2025. Tr $29.32.
PreS-Gr 1–This introductory series about martial arts is ideal for young readers curious about learning karate, judo, tae kwon do, and wrestling. It offers a clear, age-appropriate overview of what children can expect from their lessons, including how to prepare, what to wear, and the basic moves they’ll learn. The books also provide a glimpse into competitions, giving children a sense of how their skills will be judged as they progress. Every two-page spread features one to two sentences of simple information, paired with colorful photos of young and adult athletes demonstrating the sport. These titles will help alleviate nerves and build excitement for beginners while introducing martial arts to young learners. VERDICT Purchase for collections that are lacking books on martial arts for the preschool and early elementary audiences.

Leatherland, Noah. Baseball. ISBN 9781499448931.
––––. Basketball. ISBN 9781499448962.
––––. Football. ISBN 9781499448993.
––––. Soccer. ISBN 9781499449020.
ea vol: 24p. (World of Sports). Rosen/PowerKids. Jan. 2025. Tr $25.27.
K-Gr 2–This series provides young readers with all the basics needed to understand and play various sports. Each book covers team positions, game rules, strategies for success, and the layout of the playing field. While much of the content will already be familiar to beginners, there are a few details that may still be new to young readers. The text is simple and straightforward, with just one or two large-font sentences per page. Bright color photos feature young athletes and some professionals, though not the big-name stars that might captivate sports fans. These books are geared more toward beginners or early elementary students working on research projects rather than sports enthusiasts looking for an exciting read. VERDICT Best suited for collections that support early elementary research on sports topics but not a must-have for general sports fans.

Vonder Brink, Tracy. BMX. ISBN 9798892136334.
––––. Motocross. ISBN 9798892136365.
––––. Skateboarding. ISBN 9798892136396.
––––. Skydiving. ISBN 9798892136426.
––––. Snowboarding. ISBN 9798892136457.
––––. Surfing. ISBN 9798892136488.
ea vol: 24p. (Extreme Sports). Jump!/Pogo. Jan. 2025. Tr $26.99.
Gr 2-4–Readers will explore the mechanics of extreme sports through the lens of physics in this series. It delves into the science behind impressive moves, such as how gravity and buoyancy work together to keep a surfboard riding a wave, or how weight shifts enable a surfer to turn. These intriguing explanations can help participants refine their skills or serve as valuable resources for young researchers studying the science of sports. However, readers seeking information about famous athletes or the history of these sports may be disappointed, as the series focuses exclusively on science. Eye-catching color photographs showcase a diverse range of athletes performing remarkable feats, though they are not images of widely recognized stars. Each book concludes with a hands-on science experiment to reinforce physics concepts, as well as a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading. VERDICT Recommended for collections where students might be interested in the intersection of science and sports.

Wilberforce, Bert. Baseball Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542495.
––––. Basketball Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542525.
––––. Football Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542556.
––––. Formula One Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542587.
––––. Hockey Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542617.
––––. Soccer Stars, Stats, and Stories. ISBN 9781978542648.
ea vol: 32p. (Sports Stars, Stats, and Stories). Enslow. Jan. 2025. Tr $26.93.
Gr 3-5–This fact-filled series explores the major players and key moments in each sport’s history. Each book begins with a brief overview of the sport and its origins, followed by highlights of its greatest players and achievements. Chapters like “Top Defenders” or “The Great Eight” feature multiple athletes, offering readers a broad perspective rather than focusing on a single star. The writing is packed with statistics, such as points per season, award counts, and Olympic gold medals. While readers will appreciate the wealth of information, the narrative style lacks the excitement of game-day storytelling. Most books primarily cover men’s sports, with women’s teams often only included in a single chapter. Bright color photos and graphics add visual appeal, while glossaries, indexes, and further reading lists make these titles useful for both research and entertainment. VERDICT A fine addition for collections needing more sport-specific titles.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Clarke, David J. The NHL Encyclopedia. ISBN 9781098296094.
Flynn,Brendan. The World Soccer Encyclopedia. ISBN 9781098296124.
Gerard,Mary. The Professional Wrestling Encyclopedia. ISBN 9781098296117.
Stathes,Corbu. The Professional Golf Encyclopedia. ISBN 9781098296100.
ea vol: 192p. (Sports Encyclopedias Set 2). ABDO/Encyclopedias. Jan. 2025. Tr $52.79.
Gr 3-7–Sports fans will find a wealth of information in these comprehensive encyclopedias. Each volume is dedicated to a specific sport, starting with a detailed history before diving into chapters on notable teams, players, and leagues. The writing draws readers in by highlighting thrilling moments and standout performances. Each page features a well-written paragraph paired with a relevant photo, including historical black-and-white images that transport readers to the sport’s origins, as well as vibrant color photos that capture iconic moments and players. Each book concludes with further reading, an index, and a glossary. VERDICT A solid purchase for all sports collections.

Hanlon, Luke. Baseball Video Games. ISBN 9781098295547.
––––. Basketball Video Games. ISBN 9781098295554.
––––. Football Video Games. ISBN 9781098295561.
––––. Hockey Video Games. ISBN 9781098295578.
––––. Racing Video Games. ISBN 9781098295585.
––––. Soccer Video Games. ISBN 9781098295592.
ea vol: 32p. (Sports Video Games). ABDO/SportsZone. Jan. 2025. Tr $34.22.
Gr 4-7–This series explores the history and development of video games for various sports, beginning with early systems like Atari and moving to today’s advanced consoles. Each book focuses on a specific sport, tracing how its games evolved from basic graphics to life-like visuals and how they incorporated real-life star players and fan input. While the information is detailed, the books strictly cover development history and lack content many young readers often seek, such as game strategies or cheat codes. Although the series includes colorful photos of games through the years and moments from real-life sports, its appeal is likely limited to hardcore gaming enthusiasts or researchers. VERDICT A niche addition better suited for specialized collections than general gaming shelves.

Several series offer exceptional appeal. “All-Star Smackdown” (Lerner) engages readers with thrilling head-to-head matchups between top athletes, while “Sports Encyclopedias Set 2” (ABDO) provides in-depth coverage with an enticing graphic layout that draws in readers. “Sports Illustrated Kids: Science Behind the Plays” (Capstone) stands out for its page-turning narration, immersing readers in the excitement of the game while explaining the science behind key moments.

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