Are you searching for the perfect summer reading books for your sports-loving middle-schooler? Look no further. We have created a list of 15 highly-rated, age-appropriate books for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who can’t get enough of the game, whether it’s on the court, the field, or the rink.
6th Grade
“Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2017):
Summary:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an all-time basketball superstar, shares his journey of becoming the legend he is today. It’s an inspiring tale about dreaming big and working hard.
“Roller Girl” by Victoria Jamieson (2015):
Summary:
A graphic novel filled with excitement, showing the thrill and challenges of roller derby. It’s all about friendship, team spirit, and courage.
“The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander (2019):
Summary:
This fast-paced, rhythmic novel tells the story of twin brothers navigating basketball, school, and family.
“The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life” by Kwame Alexander (2017):
Summary:
A unique blend of wisdom, motivational advice, and sports, this book is a slam dunk for young readers.
“Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars” by Gregory Zuckerman (2016):
Summary:
True stories of famous athletes who faced hardships in their childhood. It’s motivational and empowering.
7th Grade
“Ghost” by Jason Reynolds (2016):
Summary:
A gripping story about Ghost, a young boy who joins a citywide track team and discovers that running is not just about winning.
“Heat” by Mike Lupica (2016):
Summary:
A baseball-centric tale filled with emotion and suspense about a boy who dreams of pitching in the Little League World Series.
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (2016):
Summary:
An inspiring story of a boy in Malawi who brings electricity and water to his village through wind power. This book combines science, resilience, and soccer in a unique way.
“Booked” by Kwame Alexander (2016):
Summary:
This free-verse novel mixes soccer, school, and family drama into a compelling story.
“The Fenway Foul-up” by David A. Kelly (2017):
Summary:
This baseball mystery will keep your young sports fan engaged while improving their detective skills.
8th Grade
“Refugee” by Alan Gratz (2017):
Summary:
Although not a sports book, the themes of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork in this critically acclaimed novel resonate well with sports fans.
“Gutless” by Carl Deuker (2016):
Summary:
A compelling book about friendship, courage, and football. This story addresses bullying in a way that’s meaningful to young readers.
“Losers Bracket” by Chris Crutcher (2018):
Summary:
A young girl navigates her love for basketball and her challenging family life in this gripping tale.
“After the Shot Drops” by Randy Ribay (2018):
Summary:
A story of friendship, basketball, and the cost of loyalty in the face of adversity.
“Lu” by Jason Reynolds (2018):
Summary:
The final book in Reynolds’ track series, “Lu” tells the story of a boy who must overcome his own challenges to shine on the track team.
So there you have it. Fifteen superb books for your young athlete to dive into this summer. Encourage them to get lost in these pages, exploring both the thrilling world of sports and the rewarding journey of personal growth. Remember, a good book is like a training session for the mind, so let’s get reading!
Disclaimer: Always make sure to check the content of each book to ensure it aligns with your child’s reading level and personal experiences.
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