Sports books are emerging as an ideal choice for reluctant readers. With vibrant colors, dynamic photos, and an emphasis on current stars and teams, nonfiction is transforming into an exciting playbook that captures young readers’ attention. These titles extend beyond mainstream sports, featuring lesser-known players and activities like cheerleading and lacrosse, ensuring that every child can find a sport that resonates with them. Whether readers are looking to score big with facts or simply want to join the action, these engaging titles provide the perfect option for developing a love for reading. Get ready to cheer for these captivating sports books!

Elementary

Bowman, Chris. Bundesliga. ISBN 9798893040210.
––––. Major League Soccer. ISBN 9798893040241.
––––. Premier League. ISBN 9798893040265.
Gish, Ashley. La Liga. ISBN 9798893040227.
––––. Ligue 1. ISBN 9798893040234.
––––. National Women’s Soccer League. ISBN 9798893040258.
ea vol: 24p. (Soccer Leagues). Bellwether/Torque. Aug. 2024. Tr. $19.95.
Gr 2-5–Soccer fans will be thrilled to learn about six of the major soccer leagues from around the world. Full of facts about how the leagues are organized, when they began, and their major stars, this series will appeal to serious soccer fans who want to learn more about global soccer. The eye-popping, action photos will be a huge draw for readers, and colorful graphics, text boxes, timelines, and graphs relay additional information and data. Readers will enjoy seeing their favorite players in action while also learning about stars from the past. VERDICT A must-buy for libraries with young soccer fans.

Eberth, Krissy. Curious about Cheerleading. ISBN 9781645497080.
––––. Curious about Figure Skating. ISBN 9781645497097.
––––. Curious about Tennis. ISBN 9781645497127.
Simons, Lisa M. Bolt. Curious about Ballet. ISBN 9781645497073.
––––. Curious about Lacrosse. ISBN 9781645497103.
––––. Curious about Martial Arts. ISBN 9781645497110.
ea vol: 24p. (Curious about Sports). Amicus. Jul. 2024. Tr. $35.70.
K-Gr 2–The latest installments in this ongoing series highlight less-commonly covered sports, such as lacrosse, martial arts, cheerleading, ballet, tennis, and figure skating, making it perfect to fill holes in a library’s sports section. The titles are intended for beginners who are just getting to know the sport. The text focuses on who participates, how to get started, who the coaches are, and the very basics of gameplay. Written at a second-grade level with only a few sentences per page, the books will also appeal to younger children as read-alouds. The colorful pages and large photos perfectly complement the text. VERDICT These accessible introductions to a variety of sports will be perfect for emerging readers.

Flynn, Brendan. Cincinnati Bengals. ISBN 9798892500791.
––––. Houston Texans. ISBN 9798892500845.
––––. Jacksonville Jaguars. ISBN 9798892500852.
––––. Kansas City Chiefs. ISBN 9798892500869.
––––. Las Vegas Raiders. ISBN 9798892500876.
––––. Miami Dolphins. ISBN 9798892500883.
––––. Minnesota Vikings. ISBN 9798892500890.
––––. San Francisco 49ers. ISBN 9798892500920.
Graves, Will. Baltimore Ravens. ISBN 9798892500777.
––––. Pittsburgh Steelers. ISBN 9798892500913.
Hanlon, Luke. Dallas Cowboys. ISBN 9798892500814.
––––. Detroit Lions. ISBN 9798892500821.
Rebman, Nick. Green Bay Packers. ISBN 9798892500838.
Scheff, Matt. Buffalo Bills. ISBN 9798892500784.
––––. Cleveland Browns. ISBN 9798892500807.
––––. Philadelphia Eagles. ISBN 9798892500906.
ea vol: 64p. (NFL Teams). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2024. Tr. $35.64.
Gr 3-5–Readers will enjoy the in-depth coverage of their favorite football teams in this series. Each book spotlights one team, with chapters dedicated to its early history, star players, and recent achievements. The chronological narrative is enriched with sidebar highlights of key moments, fun facts, and player profiles. While the text follows an essay format, large photographs are used throughout to break up the content, presenting information in more manageable sections. Despite the graphic-heavy layout, these books are rich in detailed facts and insights. Each title concludes with a team record list, a timeline, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and additional resources. VERDICT A recommended, up-to-date series for young football fans.

Flynn, Brendan. The History of Baseball. ISBN 9798892130714.
––––. The History of Basketball. ISBN 9798892130745.
––––. The History of Football. ISBN 9798892130776.
––––. The History of Gymnastics. ISBN 9798892130806.
––––. The History of Hockey. ISBN 9798892130837.
––––. The History of Swimming. ISBN 9798892130868.
ea vol: 24p. (History of Sports). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2024. Tr. $18.95.
Gr 2-4–This series offers an engaging and visually captivating introduction to various sports, including baseball, football, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, and hockey. Each book begins with a concise overview of the sport, followed by sections on how the game is played, notable leagues and stars, and a detailed history. The graphics beautifully blend background colors, large photographs, and text boxes with clear, concise writing. Features like speech bubbles, quick facts, and timelines enhance the reader’s experience, while the glossary and index provide valuable reference tools. The modern-day insights and “learn more” sections cater to both budding enthusiasts and seasoned players, making it a comprehensive resource. VERDICT This is a recommended, eye-catching, entry-level book series about popular sports.

Gigliotti, Jim. Joe Burrow vs. Dan Marino: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625880.
––––. Justin Jefferson vs. Randy Moss: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625897.
Kelley, K.C. Connor McDavid vs. Mario Lemieux: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625866.
––––. Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Tim Duncan: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625873.
––––. Sunisa Lee vs. Mary Lou Retton: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625903.
––––. Tiger Woods vs. Jack Nicklaus: Who Would Win?ISBN 9798765625910.
ea vol: 32p. (All-Star Smackdown (Lerner ™ Sports)). Lerner. Aug. 2024. Tr. $30.65.
Gr 2-4–Building on the popularity of animal showdown series, these exciting sports matchups are bound to captivate young readers. Each title includes an introduction and four engaging chapters packed with fascinating details about each athlete’s early life, their journey to becoming a professional, career highlights, and notable statistics. A thrilling conclusion determining who would win in a head-to-head competition is sure to spark controversy and discussion between young sports fans. Vibrant pages are brimming with colorful graphics, dynamic photos, and exciting facts that showcase the athletes’ exceptional skills and accomplishments. VERDICT This series is an essential addition to any collection and is sure to fly off the shelves, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Adamson, Thomas K. Justin Jefferson. ISBN 9798893040340.
––––. Mookie Betts. ISBN 9798893040364.
––––. Nikola Jokić. ISBN 9798893040371.
Golkar, Golriz. Alexia Putellas. ISBN 9798893040333.
––––. Katie Ledecky. ISBN 9798893040357.
––––. Sunisa Lee. ISBN 9798893040388.
ea vol: 24p. (Sports Superstars). Bellwether/Torque. Aug. 2024. Tr. $19.95.
Gr 2-4–This season’s additions to the ongoing “Sports Superstar” series are just as great as the previous releases. Readers are introduced to stars from various sports, including gymnastics, swimming, football, and more. Each title provides an overview of the athlete’s life story and career highlights. The writing remains concise for early or reluctant readers but is still full of fascinating facts that will draw them in. Even more captivating are the visual elements: each page is filled with vibrant colors, background graphics, and exciting photos of the athletes in action. VERDICT This series is a must-buy for all libraries with young sports fans.

Banks, Anita. Cheer Careers. ISBN 9781098293482.
––––. Cheer Tryouts and Training. ISBN 9781098293512.
James, India. Cheer Skills and Drills. ISBN 9781098293499.
––––. Spirit-Raising Cheers and Chants. ISBN 9781098293536.
Mooney, Carla. Cheer Tools and Gear. ISBN 9781098293505.
––––. Competitive Cheerleading. ISBN 9781098293529.
ea vol: 32p. (Cheerleading). ABDO/SportsZone. Sept. 2024. Tr. $34.22.
Gr 3-6–Cheerleaders will be thrilled to find their sport represented on library shelves, and this series won’t disappoint. Each book focuses on a different aspect of cheerleading, from tryouts and professional careers to crafting cheers. While the books offer a general overview, their real strength lies in the practical tips and detailed instruction. For example, Cheer Tryouts and Training provides essential tools to help readers prepare for tryouts, while Spirit-Raising Cheers and Chants explains how to write effective cheers, along with examples of popular chants used in the field. Written in clear, page-long sections, the series delivers engaging and informative content that will appeal to serious cheerleaders. Colorful photos bring the pages to life, making these books a likely hit with readers. Each title includes an index and glossary for easy reference. VERDICT A great option for older readers looking to deepen their knowledge of cheerleading and for libraries building a well-rounded sports collection.

Markovics, Joyce. Ballet. ISBN 9781668946909.
––––. Ballroom. ISBN 9781668946916.
––––. Hip-Hop. ISBN 9781668946923.
––––. Latin Dance. ISBN 9781668946930.
––––. Modern and Contemporary. ISBN 9781668946947.
––––. Tap. ISBN 9781668946954.
ea vol: 32p. (Let’s Dance!). Cherry Lake. Aug. 2024. Tr. $32.07.
Gr 3-5–”Let’s Dance” expands children’s knowledge of the history of various dance styles, and the dancers who became famous performing them. Each title follows the same formula: an introduction to the dance style, followed by its history and a spotlight on renowned dancers. The final chapter teaches readers one of the most popular dance moves from that genre. Vibrant photographs enhance the text and engage readers, while colored text boxes and background splashes make the visuals more appealing. The writing is clear, easy to follow, and thorough enough for readers who want to explore the genre. VERDICT Buy these titles where dance is popular or where replacement copies are needed.

Streeter, Anthony. College Football Championship All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948616.
––––. NBA Finals All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948623.
––––. Stanley Cup All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948630.
––––. Summer Olympics All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948647.
––––. Super Bowl All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948654.
––––. Winter Olympics All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948661.
––––. World Cup All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948678.
––––. World Series All-Time Greats. ISBN 9781634948685.
ea vol: 24p. (All-Time Greats of Sports Championships). North Star/Press Box. Aug. 2024. Tr. $28.50.
Gr 3-5–This series is designed for readers seeking detailed information, rather than those primarily interested in visuals. Each title offers a comprehensive overview of a specific sport’s championships, tracing its evolution from the early days to the present. Key athletes and teams are explored in depth, with a focus on the skills and qualities that propelled them to prominence. While a few photographs are included to complement the text, the primary focus of these books is on delivering rich, well-researched content. The final pages include a timeline, intriguing facts, a glossary, and an index for easy reference. VERDICT This series is an excellent choice for readers who want in-depth knowledge of their favorite sport but may not appeal to a casual browser.

Whiting, Jim. The Story of the Arizona Cardinals. ISBN 9781640268746.
––––. The Story of the Atlanta Falcons. ISBN 9781640268753.
––––. The Story of the Baltimore Ravens. ISBN 9781640268760.
––––. The Story of the Buffalo Bills. ISBN 9781640268777.
––––. The Story of the Carolina Panthers. ISBN 9781640268784.
––––. The Story of the Chicago Bears. ISBN 9781640268791.
––––. The Story of the Cincinnati Bengals. ISBN 9781640268807.
––––. The Story of the Cleveland Browns. ISBN 9781640268814.
––––. The Story of the Dallas Cowboys. ISBN 9781640268821.
––––. The Story of the Denver Broncos. ISBN 9781640268838.
––––. The Story of the Detroit Lions. ISBN 9781640268845.
––––. The Story of the Green Bay Packers. ISBN 9781640268852.
––––. The Story of the Houston Texans. ISBN 9781640268869.
––––. The Story of the Indianapolis Colts. ISBN 9781640268876.
––––. The Story of the Jacksonville Jaguars. ISBN 9781640268883.
––––. The Story of the Kansas City Chiefs. ISBN 9781640268890.
––––. The Story of the Las Vegas Raiders. ISBN 9781640268982.
––––. The Story of the Los Angeles Chargers. ISBN 9781640268906.
––––. The Story of the Los Angeles Rams. ISBN 9781640268913.
––––. The Story of the Miami Dolphins. ISBN 9781640268920.
––––. The Story of the Minnesota Vikings. ISBN 9781640268937.
––––. The Story of the New England Patriots. ISBN 9781640268944.
––––. The Story of the New Orleans Saints. ISBN 9781640268951.
––––. The Story of the New York Giants. ISBN 9781640268968.
––––. The Story of the New York Jets. ISBN 9781640268975.
––––. The Story of the Philadelphia Eagles. ISBN 9781640268999.
––––. The Story of the Pittsburgh Steelers. ISBN 9781640269002.
––––. The Story of the San Francisco 49ers. ISBN 9781640269019.
––––. The Story of the Seattle Seahawks. ISBN 9781640269026.
––––. The Story of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ISBN 9781640269033.
––––. The Story of the Tennessee Titans. ISBN 9781640269040.
––––. The Story of the Washington Commanders. ISBN 9781640269057.
ea vol: 32p. (Creative Sports: NFL Today). The Creative Company. Jul. 2024. Tr. $26.95.
Gr 4-6–A fun and informative dive into the world of NFL football, perfect for middle-grade fans. Told in chronological narratives, each book captures the excitement of key plays, star players, and memorable seasons from popular teams. Readers will enjoy learning about the early days of their favorite teams while also reliving the exciting contemporary moments and players that drew them to the sport. The mix of engaging text, vibrant photos, and thoughtful design holds readers’ attention, and the sidebars provide interesting facts about important moments in each team’s history. VERDICT This series will score big with middle grade football fans. A highly recommended purchase.

In conclusion, “Sports Superstars” (Bellwether/Torque) and “All-Star Smackdown” (Lerner) are standout series and must-haves for any library collection. Their engaging content and vibrant visuals make them particularly appealing to young readers. While these two series shine the brightest, all the titles reviewed here are valuable additions that will enhance the sports sections of any library. With their focus on current stars and a wide range of sports, these books are sure to inspire a love for reading and are a slam dunk for any collection!