Children's reading lists

14 books for sports-obsessed kids

Need a little more punch from your page turners? We hear you, sports fans. These sporty books are guaranteed to win you over. From underdogs to champions; from Olympic champs to YouTubers – these reads make quite the A-Team.

Puffin team

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50 Times Football Changed the World by Gary Lineker & Ivor Baddiel (2022)

Take a trip back in time with former professional footballer Gary Lineker as he shares 50 of his favourite moments in football history. From the match that took place between soldiers on no man's land during World War I to Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal, you'll read many incredible tales that have taken place on and off the pitch. This is the ultimate gift for footie fans.

Jaz Santos vs. The World by Priscilla Mante (2021)

Whoever thinks girls can’t play football, obviously hasn’t yet met Jaz and her football team, the Bramrock Stars. Jaz is a superstar footballer and formed the team to show off all the girls’ skills. She also hopes that when her mum sees just how talented Jaz is, she’ll want to come back home... This story about family, unlikely friendships and girl power is perfect for all football fans.

Find Spot: A Sporty Day by Eric Hill (2021)

For little readers who are just discovering the world of sport, this lift-the-flap book is a great starting point. Spot and his friends are off to the sports park today. There are lots of different games for them to watch, from swimming to gymnastics. But then Spot goes missing – can you help find him?

The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams by Shelina Janmohamed & Ashley Evans (2020)

Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis champions in the world having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Despite her phenomenal success and talent, Serena faced many obstacles on her journey. Her family didn’t have the money to pay for tennis lessons or coaches, so Serena had to train in unsafe neighbourhoods with poor-quality equipment. She also faced prejudice for her skin colour. But Serena has since been the world number one eight times and has also become a businesswoman, actor, fashion icon, activist and mother. Read all about her amazing story in The Extraordinary life of Serena Williams.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson (2017)

Victoria Jamieson’s award-winning graphic novel Roller Girl follows young Astrid as she tries to stay on her skates during one seriously bumpy summer. When Astrid heads to a roller derby camp for the summer, she assumes her BFF Nicole will be there, skating right by her side – but she soon discovers that Nicole is off to a dance camp instead, and what’s worse – she’s going with Astrid’s biggest rival! Join our roller girl, Astrid, as she takes on the roller derby camp solo and figures out who she is without Nicole by her side.

Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison (2019)

Discover the extraordinary stories of some of the most famous black men in sporting history. There’s cyclist Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor who became the first African American to win the cycling World Championships in 1899. Dance choreographer Alvin Ailey helped popularise modern dance internationally. Basketball player Bill Russell who whilst playing for the Boston Celtics became their coach and the first black coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Read all about their stories and other inspirational men in this book by Vashti Harrison.

Tennis Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (1937)

Game. Set. Match. A swift serve certainly runs in the blood of the four red-headed Heath children. Following in the footsteps of their grandfather and father before them, the children are all set to become the next generation of tennis champions in their family. But as they’ll learn, to become champions will require games to be won and lessons to be learned – on and off the court. The funny, charming and timeless Tennis Shoes – part of the Noel Streatfeild’s series – is a must for tennis fans.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot (Book 16) by Jeff Kinney (2021)

Despite always harbouring fantasies of becoming a sports superstar, Greg Heffley concludes it's time to retire from his athletics career following an abysmal field day competition at school. But after some encouragement from his mum, Greg tries out for the basketball team. And he makes the cut! The season gets off to a rocky start with the team struggling to win any games. However, in sports, anything can happen! Will Greg be able to step up for his team? Or will he blow his big shot?

Thrills, Skills and Molehills by ChrisMD (2018)

To be the ultimate Sunday League footballer, you have to think, train and eat (greasy sausage rolls from the village caf, apparently) like the ultimate Sunday League footballer – YouTube star ChrisMD. In his very first book, Thrills, Skills and Molehills, YouTube phenomenon ChrisMD shares the secrets to his incredible online success and talks about his passion for the beautiful game. Look out for behind-the-scenes photos from filming his videos, embarrassing admissions, and even links to hidden YouTube content!

The Competition by Maddie Ziegler (2019)

The Competition is the third and final book in this trilogy by Dance Moms superstar Maddie Ziegler, written in collaboration with Julia DeVillers. Talented dancer Harper is part of the famous and fierce Dance Starz squad, and they’re headed to New York for the big national competition. All the greatest dance teams will be there including Harper’s old team. The pressure is on to win. Will Harper be able to blow the competition away and prove she belongs on the stage?

The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop by Clare Balding & Tony Ross (2016)

Like so many girls her age, 10-year-old Charlie LOVES ponies – so imagine her delight when she manages to buy her very own racehorse! There’s just one problem. Her ‘racehorse’ Noble Warrior won’t gallop! Actually, it’s far worse than that – he won’t even shuffle out of his stable without his bestie by his side; a pony named Percy who has a small – okay, big – farting problem. But Charlie sees a champion inside Noble Warrior and she’s determined to show it to the world! National treasure Clare Balding brings her love of horses and riding into this humorous and touching story.

Daisy and the Trouble with Sports Day by Kes Gray (2020)

Sports Day is coming up at Daisy’s school and she’s very excited. She and her best friend Gabby are determined to be champions so are training hard. They’re also following a strict diet of Mars bars, Twiglets, and string cheese – all the greatest athletes eat like this. Trouble is, the rest of their class are also determined to win...

Cycling for Gold by Owen Slot (2012)

All of our sporting heroes had to start somewhere and the same goes for Sam, the speediest boy on his paper delivery round. Before long, Sam’s boss spots his talent for cycling and soon enough, the wheels of his adventure are in motion as he prepares to go for gold in the Olympic Velodrome. But can Sam handle the bumpy road ahead? Author Owen Slot brings his years of knowledge as a top sports journalist into the pages of Cycling for Gold, tangling cycling facts and figures into Sam’s inspiring story.

Extra Time by Morris Gleitzman (2002)

It really is a funny old game, isn’t it? After making jaws drop with his incredible footie skills, 13-year-old Matt is offered the chance to join a Premiership football team! Naturally, his younger sister and manager (yep, manager!) – as well as the narrator of Matt’s adventure – Bridie, hops along for the ride and guides us through one wacky adventure on and off the pitch. A story of fun, fame, fortune, family, and friendship can be found in this hilarious book by bestselling author Morris Gleitzman.

14 books for sports-obsessed kids

12 books packed with girl power

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