10+ Best Sports Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your little athlete? Look no further! Our roundup of sports books for 9-year-olds is packed with exciting reads that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Whether your child dreams of scoring goals, hitting home runs, or crossing finish lines, there’s something in this list for every budding sports enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Sports Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Soccer Book by Deborah W. Crisfield
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers everything a young soccer enthusiast needs to know about the game, from rules and techniques to famous players and major tournaments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and informative introduction to soccer that will help young readers develop a love for the sport while improving their knowledge and skills.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans eager to learn more about soccer and those looking to get started in playing the game.

• Weird but True Sports by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Trivia
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with strange facts and bizarre happenings in the world of sports, offering a fun and quirky look at games around the globe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes fun facts with sports, keeping readers entertained while they learn something new and unusual about various sports.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love trivia and those who enjoy discovering the odd and unexpected sides of sports.

• Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #29: Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Sports, History, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This companion to the popular Magic Tree House series explores the history and rules of soccer, providing context and background for the stories in the main series.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps deepen understanding of soccer through historical facts and engaging storytelling, enhancing both reading skills and sports knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Magic Tree House series and young readers interested in both history and sports.

• Baseball Great by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Josh, a young baseball star, as he navigates the pressures of youth sports while trying to keep his team together and uncover the truth behind a dangerous supplement scheme.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling story that also teaches important lessons about teamwork, integrity, and the dangers of cheating.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader who loves a good mystery mixed with sports action.

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, this book tells the story of Mia, a young girl who learns the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship after initially struggling in soccer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story from a real-life sports icon, encouraging kids to never give up, regardless of the challenges they face.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and anyone who needs a motivational boost in facing their challenges.

Educational Sports Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Basketball Breakdown by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows young Nathan as he learns about the fundamentals of basketball through a series of challenging practices and games.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, strategic thinking, basketball techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about persistence and teamwork through an engaging and action-packed narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young basketball enthusiasts and readers looking for a story about overcoming obstacles and improving skills.

• The Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sylvester loves baseball, but he struggles at bat until a mysterious figure teaches him the secrets to hitting home runs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, sportsmanship, baseball knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that combines mystery and sports while promoting confidence and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young baseball players and readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and mysterious mentors.

• Swimming with Faith: The Missy Franklin Story by Natalie Davis Miller
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This biography explores the life of Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin, focusing on her faith, career, and the challenges she faced.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biographical knowledge, inspiration, understanding of professional sports
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a real-life example of how perseverance and faith can lead to achieving big dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring swimmers and any young reader interested in true stories of athletic success.

• Race the Wild: Rain Forest Relay by Kristin Earhart, illustrated by Eda Kaban
  • Genre(s): Sports, Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A group of friends competes in an adventurous race through the rainforest, learning about different animals and ecosystems along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, teamwork, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with educational content about wildlife and conservation.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers who love both sports and nature.

• Kickoff! by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twins Tiki and Ronde face their first year of junior high football, tackling challenges on and off the field.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Team dynamics, resilience, football strategy
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by NFL stars, it offers authentic insights into the world of football along with life lessons about growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young football fans and readers who appreciate stories about sibling bonds and sportsmanship.

Challenging Sports Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Science of Hockey by Matt Chandler
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the physics and science behind the game of hockey, explaining concepts like friction, momentum, and energy in the context of this fast-paced sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific concepts and applies them to real-world scenarios in hockey, making it a challenging yet fascinating read for young sports enthusiasts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It bridges the gap between sports and science, providing a deeper understanding of the game and encouraging critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young hockey fans and budding scientists interested in understanding the mechanics behind the sport.

• The Math of Basketball by Rajiv Maheswaran
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book explores how mathematics is used in basketball, from analyzing players' stats to improving game strategies through mathematical models.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates advanced mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistics, making it an intellectually stimulating read for kids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows the practical application of math in sports, enhancing both mathematical skills and sports knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Students who love basketball and have an interest in math, or those looking to see how their school subjects apply to real life.

• Ultimate Football Heroes: Lionel Messi by Matt & Tom Oldfield
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This biography focuses on Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, tracing his journey from his early life in Argentina to his success at Barcelona.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a detailed account of Messi's career, requiring readers to engage with a narrative that is both comprehensive and complex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers inspiration through the story of Messi's dedication and success, motivating readers to pursue their own goals with similar passion.
  • Perfect for: Soccer enthusiasts and young readers looking for real-life role models in sports.

• Skateboarding Skills: The Rider's Guide by Ben Powell
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This guide offers step-by-step instructions on skateboarding techniques, from basic skills to more advanced maneuvers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to understand and visualize complex physical movements, enhancing both their reading comprehension and physical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical handbook that encourages physical activity and skill development, tailored for readers who are ready to take their skateboarding to the next level.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring skateboarders and young readers interested in action sports.

• Climbing Strong: Stories of Triumph on the Rock by Mark Ferguson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories from various climbers offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of rock climbing, highlighting both physical and mental aspects of the sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of perseverance, risk management, and the psychological pressures of climbing, providing a mature and reflective look at the sport.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires resilience and mental toughness, showing how overcoming physical challenges can lead to personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young climbers or any reader interested in stories of adventure and overcoming obstacles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 9-year-old into sports books, cultivating good reading habits is key. Here’s a list of fun exercises that can help make reading about sports as engaging as playing them. These exercises are designed to be simple yet effective, ensuring that reading becomes a favorite activity for your young sports enthusiast.

• 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 reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with sports posters or their favorite team’s colors.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where your child and their friends read the same sports book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and allows for sharing and discussion.
  • Tips: Coordinate with other parents to set a regular meetup schedule.

• Match Reading with Playing
  • What it is: Encourage reading a book related to the current sport your child is playing.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and appreciation of the sport.
  • Tips: Choose books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level to keep them motivated.

• Sports Star Biography Week
  • What it is: Dedicate a week to reading about different sports personalities.
  • How it helps: Inspires and educates about the challenges and successes of famous athletes.
  • Tips: Help your child pick a variety of athletes to learn about different sports and life stories.

• Reading Rewards Program
  • What it is: Implement a reward system for finishing books.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading habits through positive reinforcement.
  • Tips: Rewards can be sports-related, like new gear or a game ticket.

• Interactive Reading Apps
  • What it is: Use educational apps that feature sports stories or biographies.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more engaging with interactive elements.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and offer a variety of reading levels.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Set aside time when you read sports books aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a family activity.
  • Tips: Use expressive voices for different characters to make the stories come alive.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s routine can turn reading from a chore into a delightful and enriching part of their day. Not only will these activities help improve their reading skills, but they’ll also deepen their love for sports. Happy reading!