10+ Best Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the thrill of sports to your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of sports books for 8-year-olds is packed with exciting stories that capture the essence of teamwork, perseverance, and fun. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves a good story, these books are sure to ignite their passion for the game. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also inspire your little sports enthusiast.

Fun Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds

• 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 how she learned that winning isn't everything and that quitting would keep her from doing something she loves: playing soccer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship in a relatable way for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and soccer enthusiasts who are learning about teamwork and dedication.

• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book tells the motivational story of Michael Jordan's early years and how his family helped him work through his worries and discouragements about his height to become a basketball legend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and family support.
  • Perfect for: Young basketball fans and any child needing encouragement to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrated by Mark Pett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story follows Beatrice Bottomwell, a girl who never makes mistakes, until one day she does, and learns that life goes on and can even improve when you allow room for error.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to try new things without fear of failure, promoting a healthy mindset towards challenges.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist kids or those who are afraid to try sports or other activities because they're afraid to fail.

• Dino-Basketball by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Dinosaurs playing basketball! This fun and energetic book combines sports and prehistoric creatures to create an engaging and humorous story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the excitement of a sports game while fueling the imagination with its creative premise.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dinosaurs and sports, offering a creative twist to typical sports stories.

• Shootout: The Magic of Soccer by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Jake, a young soccer player who faces challenges on and off the field, learning important lessons about teamwork and leadership.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, engaging story that highlights the importance of sportsmanship and leadership.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young soccer players and fans of fast-paced sports stories.

Educational Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Magic Hockey Stick by Peter Maloney, illustrated by Felicia Zekauskas
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows a young girl who receives Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at an auction, only to discover that it makes her an incredible hockey player.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, self-confidence, and understanding the value of hard work.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a magical story with real-life sports inspiration, encouraging kids to believe in themselves and their abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young hockey fans and any child who loves stories where magic meets everyday life.

• Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women's Hoops on the Map by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins
  • Genre(s): Sports, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1896, this book tells the story of Agnes Morley, who led her Stanford basketball team to a challenging match against Berkeley, marking a pivotal moment in women's basketball.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, gender equality in sports, and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights a significant, yet often overlooked, moment in sports history, emphasizing the role of women in shaping basketball.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and pioneering women in sports.

• Swim, Swam, Swum by Marjorie Priceman
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Laney as she joins a swim team and learns the ins and outs of competitive swimming, from strokes to teamwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of swimming techniques, sportsmanship, and the importance of practice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and educational look into the world of swimming, perfect for beginners and those curious about the sport.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to swimming or thinking of starting, as well as young sports enthusiasts.

• Karate Kick by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cooper, a young karate enthusiast, struggles with confidence until he learns an important lesson from his karate teacher that helps him face his fears.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discipline, confidence building, and understanding of martial arts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through the discipline of karate, making it relatable and inspiring for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in martial arts and those looking to learn about overcoming personal obstacles through sports.

• Fast Break by Derek Jeter, illustrated by Paul Mantell
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on Derek Jeter's own experiences, this book explores his life as a young basketball player and the lessons he learned on and off the court.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a personal glimpse into the early life of a sports icon, encouraging perseverance and dedication.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans, especially those who admire basketball and stories of successful athletes.

Challenging Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Science of Soccer by John Taylor
  • Genre(s): Sports, Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the scientific principles behind soccer, explaining concepts like physics and biology through the lens of the sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific concepts and applies them to soccer, providing a deeper understanding of the game from a scientific viewpoint.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enriches the reader's understanding of soccer by linking it to academic subjects, fostering a love for learning both sports and science.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans who are curious about science and how it applies to their favorite sport.

• Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion by Heather Lang, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports, History
  • Synopsis: The story of Alice Coachman, the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal, focusing on her journey against the odds to become a high-jump champion in the 1948 Olympics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses historical and racial challenges, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspirational, highlighting perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity, and it educates about an important historical figure in sports.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, inspiring stories of overcoming barriers, and fans of athletics.

• The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry, focusing on his determination, hard work, and how he overcame being overlooked by many coaches due to his size.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of perseverance and self-belief in the face of skepticism and professional sports' rigorous demands.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivating story that shows even world-class athletes face challenges, emphasizing the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and anyone who needs a boost of motivation to keep pursuing their goals.

• Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy, illustrated by Joe Morse
  • Genre(s): Sports, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the fascinating story of how basketball was invented by James Naismith, a teacher looking to keep his gym class active during the winter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical facts with a narrative style that requires comprehension of historical context and appreciation for the sport's origins.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique look at the invention of basketball, teaching history and innovation in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in basketball and history, and those curious about how ideas can change the world.

• Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen by Marissa Moss, illustrated by C.F. Payne
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Jackie Mitchell, a female pitcher who famously struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, challenging gender norms in baseball.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses gender issues and historical sports events that require understanding beyond just the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that promotes gender equality and perseverance, inspiring readers to challenge societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in baseball, history, and stories about breaking stereotypes and achieving the unexpected.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you looking for ways to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some awesome sports books? Well, you're in the right place! Below, I’ve outlined a few fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place at home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite sports posters or figures.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club where your child and their friends discuss a sports book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking through discussion.
  • Tips: Rotate who gets to pick the book to keep the club exciting and inclusive.

• Sports Star Biography Week
  • What it is: Dedicate a week to reading different biographies of sports stars.
  • How it helps: Inspires and motivates young readers through real-life success stories.
  • Tips: Choose a variety of athletes from different sports to broaden understanding and interest.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer for a fixed amount of reading time each day.
  • How it helps: Helps build a daily reading habit and teaches time management.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding of the story and boosts creativity.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family members to celebrate and discuss the book.

• Match the Quote
  • What it is: Write down quotes from the book and have your child match them to characters or contexts.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by turning it into a game with small rewards for correct matches.

Wrapping up, incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make reading sports books not just educational but a whole lot of fun. These activities not only improve literacy skills but also build a lifelong love for books. So, grab some books and get started—happy reading!