Best Children's & Youth Sports Books of 2025

'Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life' is a book that identifies the key principles applied by some of the world's most elite basketball players to help readers navigate through life, accomplish goals, and realize dreams. Vernon Brundage Jr., a former standout basketball player, provides an entertaining and unique reading experience while equipping readers with proven tools for success. This book is suitable for everyone regardless of age, gender, background, or standing in life. Overall, 'Shoot Your Shot' is an excellent read, and its unique approach to success principles makes it stand out from other books in the same category.

The Ninja Life Hacks Growth Mindset 8 Book Box Set (Books 9-16) is a fun and educational series that helps children learn valuable life skills. Geared towards kids aged 3-11+, the comedic books are easy enough for young readers yet witty enough for adults. The series includes books on emotions and feelings, leadership, self-awareness, decision making, and more. The Gritty Ninja book, in particular, is praised for its message of "stick-to-it-tiv-ity." Overall, the Ninja Life Hacks series is an excellent resource for parents, educators, and teachers who want to promote a growth mindset and problem-solving skills in children.

This book, "Win the Next Pitch! Essential Mental Game Skills for Young Baseball Players," is a valuable tool for parents looking to help their 8-12-year-old baseball players improve their skills on the field. Written by sport psychologist Dr. Curt Ickes, this book teaches young players how to develop concentration and confidence, and how to apply these skills to any performance situation. The story follows Jack, a new player on the Oak Groves Owls team, as he learns to overcome anxiety, reset after failure, and improve his mental game. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for young baseball players looking to elevate their game and enjoy playing even more.

You Got This! Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players is a book written by Dr. Curt Ickes, a sport psychologist, to help 8-14-year-old softball players develop a great mental game. The book introduces the players to sport psychology techniques that are usually reserved for older, more advanced athletes. The lessons are taught using concise and easy-to-understand language, through a fun, relatable, engaging story. It teaches proven, easy-to-learn mental game skills that help players develop the mindset to play in the present and win the next pitch rather than worrying about failure. At the end of the book, there is a review section, and specific drills that improve mental game skills are included. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for young softball players, coaches, and parents.

The Buzzer Beater is a children's chapter book about T.D. Lake, a talented basketball player who is on the verge of breaking the school record for the highest scorer. However, his arrogance and unexpected events in his life teach him a valuable lesson about teamwork. The book is a great read for children who love sports and teaches them about the importance of humility and working together. The story is engaging, and the characters are relatable. Overall, The Buzzer Beater is a unique and enjoyable book that will leave a lasting impression on young readers.

Local Legends: The High Cheese is a children's chapter book about a young baseball player named Billy Kramer who must navigate a difficult decision when his family moves to a new town. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sportsmanship in a relatable way for young readers. The story is well-written and engaging, with a clear message that is easy for children to understand. Overall, The High Cheese is a great addition to any young reader's bookshelf and a perfect summer read for any baseball fan.

Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science, and Philosophy is a must-read for any baseball or softball player looking to improve their hitting skills. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the psychological, emotional, and strategic aspects of hitting, providing invaluable advice from some of the best hitting coaches and players in the world. Hitters of all ages will learn how to deal with slumps, develop better focus, become a better situational hitter, customize their swing, and be more confident in their approach. Written by former DI collegiate baseball player Michael McCree, this book is a unique and insightful addition to any baseball book collection.

The Storm Blitz is a thrilling children's Christian sports fiction book that tells a story of two rival teams, their star players, and the ultimate showdown in the last game of the season. The book captures the excitement of the game and the tension between the two teams as they battle it out for the bragging rights. The main character's determination to stop the opposing team's star quarterback adds to the excitement of the game. Overall, this book is a great read for children who love sports and action-packed stories with a Christian theme.

The book "Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Volume 2 Grit - How To Use The Secret Mindset Hack" by Moses and Troy Horne is a must-read for parents and coaches looking to help their young athletes overcome in-game stress and sports performance anxiety. This book is the second volume of the best-selling "Mental Toughness For Young Athletes" book, which provides a foundation for the mindset exercises discussed in this book. What sets this book apart is that it is written by a young athlete from an actual young athlete's perspective, making it relatable for young athletes in COMPETITIVE sports. This book is a game-changer for young athletes seeking to improve their mental fortitude and stand out in their sport.

I've Got This! is the first book in the Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series, aimed at 7-11-year-old girls. Trista, a talented tumbler, enrolls in gymnastics for the first time and sets her sights on making the Level 3 team. Along the way, she learns about hard work, dedication, and believing in herself. The book teaches girls about being kind, flexible, courageous, strong, and, most importantly, confident. This 2nd/3rd grade reading level book is relatable and explores a major life lesson that empowers girls to understand their inner strengths. Melisa, the author, is a former gymnast who brings her experience to the book.