Enthralling Sports Biographies for Children

Muhammad Ali overcame many obstacles to become “The Greatest” boxer in history and a notable activist for racial justice. This series does a fantastic job sharing childhood details to help readers connect with the subject. Kids also love the first-person narration, comic-book-style illustrations, and speech bubbles.

Ages 5 – 9

Jeremy Lin knew he loved basketball, but he worried that his smaller size and Asian American background would prevent him from making it as a pro. He proved those who doubted him wrong when he achieved a rapid rise to greatness in the NBA, dubbed “Linsanity.” This picture book biography has a conversational tone for young readers, urging them to believe in themselves and all that is possible.

Ages 7 – 10

Written by a sports journalist, this riveting story introduces an iconic pair of tennis stars to the next generation. It especially moves kids to imagine what it would be like for your sister and best friend to be your number-one competition, too.

Ages 4 – 8

Soccer-loving kids everywhere proudly wear their Messi jerseys. With the perfect balance of soccer talk, childhood memories, and family details to engage younger readers, this title shares insider info about how this Argentinian “GOAT” came to be.

Ages 4 – 8

The text in this book balances information for readers about Roberto Clemente’s drive to succeed and the discrimination he faced as a Black and Puerto Rican major league baseball player in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The Spanish text woven throughout honors Clemente’s cultural heritage, and the vibrant illustrations add energy to his story.

Ages 7 – 10

Stretch children’s perception of who can be an athlete with this inspiring picture book about Fauja Singh, who ran his first marathon at age 81 after experiencing mobility challenges as a young person. The foreword from Fauja himself, written at age 113, is especially moving.

Ages 4 – 8

Each spread in this anthology profiles a different influential figure in women’ s sports. From swimmers, tennis players, and gymnasts to skateboarders, surfers, and a dog musher, there’s an athlete to impress and encourage any reader. With background information and visuals, the author helps children understand the challenges and triumphs of women athletes throughout history.

Ages 10+

Young baseball fans adore Matt Taveres’s talent for bringing players’ stories to life. This gorgeously-illustrated early chapter book invites readers to envision scenes from Pedro Martinez’s rise to baseball success: Throwing rocks at fruit hanging from mango trees in his Dominican hometown, playing with and against his brother Ramón, and eventually, walking onto the field at Fenway Park to adoring chants of “Pay-DRO! Pay-DRO!”

Ages 8 – 12

It’s easy to see why so many young people are devoted supporters of gymnast Simone Biles: Her athleticism is unprecedented, and her public advocacy is courageous. Each chapter in this reliable early chapter book tells one piece of her story as she grew from a child gymnast to an Olympic athlete and public figure.

Ages 8 – 12

This chapter book series introduces readers to athletes who are also admirable changemakers. Besides being a member of the Lakota Nation and an accomplished college and professional runner, Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone is an influential voice for Indigenous people. Her emotional story sheds light on many important issues, demonstrating how one person can make a significant impact.

Ages 6 – 9

Megan Rapinoe is both a soccer phenom and a notable champion of social justice causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. This young readers edition of her adult memoir begins in her childhood hometown in California and spans many soccer successes and setbacks. Her reflections on her experiences as an activist serve as a call to action for middle grade readers to stand up for what’s right in their communities.

Ages 8 – 12