Sports Books for Kids Who Are Fans

I posted a great book this week on a soccer team that bucks the athletic trend at their school, and focuses on enjoying the sport and losing with humor.  My sports loving son adored it.

It made me realize that their are some wonderful books out there that deal with sports, but not actually playing the game.  They look at the traditions behind the sport, the statistics that drive the game or the mysteries and superstitions that affect players.

My son may not be the greatest athlete, so a book on team dynamics and perseverance are not quite up his alley, but a book that looks at the strategy used to win and appreciate a game are something he can't get enough of.

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Two Hot Dogs With Everything by Paul Haven 

If you have a child who is interested in baseball superstitions, and they believe that what they do and say on the couch at home watching the game will affect the outcome, then this is the book for you.  This book is for kids who love mysteries and baseball and perhaps are fans of the Cubs, because in this book the Sluggers are trying to break a curse that keeps them from winning it all.

Fantasy League by Mike Lupica 

This book really appealed to me and my son because it deals with a kid who is obsessed with his fantasy football league and picking players who others have undervalued.  My son is currently in the midst of fantasy football season so the timing couldn't have been better.  When the pros start to take his advice seriously, well things get interesting.  Great for kids obsessed with their fantasy teams or just football in general.

The Rookie Bookie by L. Jon Wertheim & Tobias J. Moskowitz 

Mitch may not play football, but he understands the game.  In an attempt to gain popularity at his sports obsessed school, he starts a betting ring, which lands him in hot water.  However, it also gives him a chance to use his knowledge of the game to help his own school team, which feels a whole lot more rewarding.

Strike Three, You're Dead by Josh Berk 

Lenny loves baseball, he just isn't particularly good at it.  However, he is an ardent Phillies fan and never misses a game.  When he wins the chance to help announce a Phillies game at the stadium, he is beside himself, that is until the pitcher keels over dead on the mound.  They say heart attack, but Lenny isn't so sure and he and his friends start investigating.

Losers Take All by David Klass

When seniors are required to play a sport at this sports obsessed school, Jack and his friends are not too pleased.  Their talents lie elsewhere and their high school doesn't seem to support their other interests.  So, they decide to start a C soccer team, enjoy each practice and lose with humor.  Their attitude catches on, much to the distaste of the school administration, but are they really ready for all the attention?