Best Children's Track & Field Books of 2026

A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature, Ghost is the first book in the Track series by Jason Reynolds. The story follows Castle Cranshaw, aka Ghost, who dreams of being the fastest runner on his middle school track team. However, his troubled past threatens to derail his future. With the help of his coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist, Ghost learns to harness his natural talent and confront his demons. This book is a captivating and inspiring read for young adults, exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.

Jason Reynolds's Track Series Paperback Collection (Boxed Set) is a thrilling collection of books that will keep young readers engaged from start to finish. The series follows a group of kids from different backgrounds who come together to compete on an elite track team. The characters have a lot to prove, not only to each other but to themselves, and readers will be rooting for them every step of the way. Jason Reynolds is a talented author, and his writing is both explosive and captivating. This boxed set is a must-have for any young reader who loves sports and stories about friendship and perseverance.

A Good Kind of Trouble is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about a 12-year-old girl named Shayla who wants to follow the rules and make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact. However, things change, and she starts questioning her best friends and her identity. Shayla's journey towards standing up for what's right and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement is inspiring and relatable. The book is well-written and has a genuine voice that stays with you even after you put it down. A must-read for young readers who want to learn about friendship, family, and standing up for what's right.

The book "Patina" by Jason Reynolds is a sequel to the National Book Award finalist "Ghost." It follows the story of Patina, a newbie to the track team, who runs to escape her personal demons and the taunts from kids at her fancy new school. She also runs for her mother who can't due to "The Sugar" disease. As the stress builds, Patty's bad attitude grows, but Coach won't tolerate it. He wants her to run relay, where she has to depend on others. This book is a heartwarming story about friendship, teamwork, and overcoming personal struggles. Reynolds' writing style is engaging, making it a great read for children and adults alike.

Sunny, the third book in the Track series by Jason Reynolds, is a compelling and emotional story about a boy named Sunny who tries to find his place in the world. Sunny's troubled past and strained relationship with his father make him feel like a murderer. However, when he discovers the discus throw, a track event that encompasses the hard beats of hip-hop, the precision of ballet, and the showmanship of dance, he finds a way to let go of everything that's been eating him up inside. Reynolds' writing is engaging, and his storytelling is powerful, making this book a must-read for young readers.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman is an award-winning true story of Wilma Rudolph, a Black Olympic runner who overcame childhood polio and eventually won three gold medals. The book is illustrated by Caldecott medal–winning artist David Diaz. This inspiring and dramatic true story is illustrated in bold watercolor and acrylic paintings. The book is a triumphant story, triumphantly relayed, as Publishers Weekly stated. It is a must-read for children and adults alike, and it shows that with determination and hard work, one can achieve anything.

Sully the Seahorse is a beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book that encourages children to believe in themselves and appreciate their unique talents and qualities. The story follows Sully as he competes in a talent contest and faces a big challenge that threatens to change his future. The book explores the issue of self-esteem in a fun and heart-warming way, teaching children the important lesson of resilience and the ability to bounce back from challenges and failure. This is a great addition to any children's marine life book collection and will be enjoyed by both kids and parents alike.

Lu is the final event in Jason Reynold's award-winning and bestselling Track series. The book follows Lu, an albino runner, as he tries to lead his team to victory at the championships. However, unexpected hurdles, both literal and figurative, make the journey more challenging than he anticipated. Reynolds seamlessly integrates Lu's story into the series, highlighting individual and collective growth of his four protagonists over one season, making it a perfect anchor leg for a well-run literary relay. This book is a pure gold and perfect for children who love friendship books.

The Great Divide: A Mathematical Marathon by Dayle Ann Dodds is an exciting cross-country race where numerical division plays a crucial role in narrowing down the field. The book features a large number of characters, including clowns, pirates, and dancers, making it fun and engaging for young readers. Dodds' use of rhyme and rhythm helps kids remember small revelations in entertaining stories. Tracy Mitchell's art style is influenced by her hometown, New Orleans, and she does an excellent job of dividing the racers into crazy groups. Overall, this book is a great tool to teach children about grouping, adding, subtracting, and multiplying, and how they form the foundation of division.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon is an inspiring children's multicultural biography book by Simran Jeet Singh and Baljinder Kaur. The book tells the true story of Fauja Singh, who, at the age of 100, broke world records by becoming the oldest person to ever run a marathon. The book emphasizes the importance of grit, determination, and positive representation of the Sikh community. With its exhilarating illustrations and engaging text, Fauja Singh Keeps Going is a must-read for children of all ages.