10+ Best Sports Books for 10-Year-Old Boy w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to keep your young athlete hooked on reading? Dive into our exciting selection of sports books for 10-year-old boys that are sure to capture their imagination and inspire their athletic spirit. From thrilling game-day tales to inspiring stories of teamwork and perseverance, we've rounded up a variety of reads that are perfect for any sports-loving kid. Keep reading to discover our top picks for sports books that will score big with your young reader!

Fun Sports Books for 10-Year-Old Boy

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, 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: It combines rhythmic poetry with exciting basketball action, making it a captivating read that enhances both literary skills and sports enthusiasm.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and budding poets who enjoy fast-paced, emotionally resonant stories.

• Heat by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Michael Arroyo, a talented pitcher from Cuba, faces challenges in the Little League of the Bronx while dealing with family secrets and the threat of being unable to play the sport he loves.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story of perseverance and passion for sports, encouraging readers to overcome obstacles and follow their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and fans of baseball stories filled with heart and determination.

• Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nate Brodie, a 13-year-old with a golden arm, wins the chance to throw a football through a target at a Patriots game for one million dollars, all while dealing with his family’s financial troubles and his best friend’s worsening eyesight.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling blend of sports action and personal challenges, highlighting the importance of friendship, courage, and hope.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love football and stories about overcoming life's challenges with bravery and sportsmanship.

• Baseball Great by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Josh LeBlanc has moved to a new school and is trying to join their baseball team, but he soon discovers the dark side of competitive sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a look into the pressures of youth sports, promoting integrity and the right way to play the game.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and fans of baseball who are interested in stories about fairness and sports ethics.

• The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Thai Neave
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Motivational
  • Synopsis: A collection of rules accompanied by stories from the author's life and quotes from famous athletes, designed to inspire and guide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s not just about sports; it’s a manual for life, offering wisdom and practical advice that can help young readers make positive choices.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate sports and need guidance and motivation both on and off the field.

Educational Sports Books for 10-Year-Old Boy

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This inspiring book, written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, tells the story of a young girl who learns the importance of perseverance and teamwork in soccer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: Authored by a real-life sports hero, this book encourages young readers to stay in the game and keep trying, even when things get tough.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans and any child learning about the value of not giving up.

• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the motivational story of Michael Jordan's early years and how his family helped him overcome self-doubt and physical obstacles to become a basketball superstar.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, determination, understanding growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt story that shows even the greatest athletes face challenges and need support to reach their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of Michael Jordan, or any child needing a boost of confidence.

• Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #29: Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, History
  • Synopsis: This companion to the Magic Tree House series provides a detailed look into the history and rules of soccer, with fun facts and engaging stories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of sports rules, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the adventure and magic of the Magic Tree House with real-world facts about soccer, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of the Magic Tree House series and want to learn more about soccer.

• Weird but True Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Trivia
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with 300 odd and fascinating facts about a wide range of sports, from well-known games like soccer and basketball to more obscure activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, trivia skills, reading for information
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and light-hearted way to learn quirky facts about sports, which can spark a deeper interest in various athletic activities.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love collecting fun facts and learning about different sports in an entertaining way.

• Who Was Babe Ruth? by Joan Holub, illustrated by Ted Hammond
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This accessible biography explores the life and career of Babe Ruth, one of baseball's greatest legends, detailing his childhood, rise to fame, and lasting impact on the sport.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, biographical reading, sports history
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a clear, engaging narrative that makes it easy for young readers to understand the importance of Babe Ruth in sports and American culture.
  • Perfect for: Young baseball enthusiasts and any reader interested in the lives of legendary sports figures.

Challenging Sports Books for 10-Year-Old Boy

• Ghost by Jason Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Ghost, a naturally talented runner with a troubled past, who joins an elite track team. He struggles with his emotions and past traumas while trying to fit in with his new teammates.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like poverty, theft, and domestic violence, providing a deeper, more nuanced narrative than typical middle-grade sports books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful combination of sports and personal growth, encouraging readers to overcome personal obstacles through discipline and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a sports story that also tackles serious social issues.

• Booked by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel in verse follows 12-year-old soccer enthusiast Nick as he navigates challenges both on and off the field, including his parents’ looming divorce and bullying at school.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's verse format and sophisticated language, along with its portrayal of complex family dynamics, make it a thought-provoking read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines poetry and soccer to explore themes of resilience and personal struggle, making it both educational and emotionally engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy soccer and poetry, and are ready to explore deeper emotional and familial issues.

• Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Sports, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1957, this book tells the story of Katy Gordon, a girl who loves baseball but is barred from Little League because she is a girl. She fights for her right to play, challenging gender norms and societal expectations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses gender discrimination and historical perspectives on women in sports, presenting these issues in a context that is accessible yet thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at overcoming adversity and fighting for equality, inspiring readers to challenge unfair norms and advocate for themselves.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, gender equality, and baseball.

• The Only Game by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jack Callahan is a star baseball player in his town, but he decides to quit baseball after a family tragedy. Over the course of the season, he learns about coping with loss and finding the courage to return to the sport he loves.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of grief and recovery, which are complex and emotionally challenging topics for any age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story not only entertains with its sports action but also teaches important lessons about dealing with personal loss and healing.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader dealing with personal challenges or loss.

• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel follows twelve-year-old Astrid as she discovers her passion for roller derby and learns about friendship and self-identity during a summer of change.
  • Why this book is challenging: The graphic novel format combined with themes of growing up and changing friendships provides a multifaceted reading experience that challenges young readers to think visually and contextually.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s visually engaging and emotionally resonant, providing a fun and relatable story about perseverance and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy graphic novels and stories about sports and personal development.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a 10-year-old boy at home who's just starting to dive into the world of sports books, encouraging good reading habits can transform this interest into a lifelong love for reading. Here are some fun and simple exercises designed to enhance their reading experience and keep them engaged.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times during the week dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Regularly scheduled reading times help develop a routine and make reading a habit.
  • Tips: Align reading time with quieter periods of the day, like after dinner or before sports practice.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud during family time.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by changing your voice for different characters or situations in the story.

• Book-Themed Activities
  • What it is: Create activities related to the themes or settings of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes connections between the book and the real world.
  • Tips: Try reenacting a favorite scene or drawing a favorite character.

• Discussion Groups
  • What it is: Form a small group to discuss the book once everyone has finished reading.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Prepare questions in advance to guide the discussion and keep it engaging.

• Book Review Challenge
  • What it is: Write a short review of each book read, either for a blog or a family newsletter.
  • How it helps: Encourages reflective thinking and helps retain information.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book.

• Reading Reward System
  • What it is: Implement a system where each book read earns points towards a reward.
  • How it helps: Motivates continued reading, especially for more reluctant readers.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and reading-focused, like a new book or a visit to a favorite place.

By integrating these exercises into your 10-year-old's reading routine, not only will reading become more of a joy, but it will also enhance their comprehension and enjoyment of sports books. Remember, the goal is to keep the process fun and engaging, so feel free to adapt these ideas to what best suits your young reader's interests and schedule. Happy reading!