Best Sports Biographies Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

This young adult adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s award-winning bestseller, Unbroken, recounts the gripping story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian-turned-airman who survives a plane crash in enemy territory during World War II. The book follows Zamperini’s harrowing journey through the Pacific Ocean, where he faced hunger, thirst, and enemy attacks, before being captured by the Japanese and enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. The book features over 100 photographs and an exclusive interview with Zamperini. This thrilling and inspiring survival epic is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Trust the Grind is a motivational book that reveals the habits and success stories of sixteen world-class athletes from eleven different sports. It offers valuable insights into the discipline, drive, and sacrifices required to reach the top of any profession. The book is not just for sports fans; it's for anyone looking for inspiration to achieve their goals. With interviews from athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Paige VanZant, and Jimmie Johnson, Trust the Grind is a must-read for young adults and teens looking for motivation in their lives.

The Shaken: Young Reader's Edition by Tim Tebow is a must-read for young Christians who are in the process of discovering their purpose and identity. In this book, the Heisman Trophy winner shares his life experiences, both the triumphs and disappointments, and how he navigated them with the help of his faith. Tebow encourages readers to let God define who they are and not to conform to the norms of society. The book is well-written and relatable, making it an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts and non-sports fans alike. Overall, Shaken provides an empowering message that is sure to resonate with young readers.

Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself is a book that emphasizes the importance of sports for girls' development. Written by Jennie Finch and Ann Killion, it provides scientific and anecdotal evidence to support the idea that girls who participate in athletics grow up to be healthier, more confident, and better leaders. The authors encourage young women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. This book is a must-read for parents, coaches, and young girls who want to be inspired by a strong, feminine, and accomplished athlete like Jennie Finch.

Dove is a memoir about Robin Lee Graham's solo around-the-world voyage in a 24-foot sloop when he was only 16 years old. The book is filled with extraordinary experiences and a youthful philosophy about life, love, and adventure. The author returned home after five years and 33,000 miles with a wife and daughter. The book has been described as "perfectly marvelous" and "an incredible story." It is a must-read for anyone who loves the sea or enjoys adventure.

Soul Surfer is an inspiring and uplifting memoir by Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who survived a shark attack that left her with only one arm. In this book, she shares her journey of faith, determination, and resilience as she overcomes the physical and emotional challenges of her injury and continues to pursue her passion for surfing. Hamilton's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of faith in overcoming adversity. Overall, Soul Surfer is a must-read for anyone looking for an inspiring true story of courage and perseverance.

Breakaway: Beyond the Goal is an uplifting memoir by soccer player, Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA World Cup champion Alex Morgan. The book tells the story of her path to success and shares the details that made her a role model to thousands of girls. With eight pages of full-color photos, this book is a great addition to memoir and sports collections in public and high school libraries. Morgan's positive attitude and ability to overcome challenges make her a natural role model for teens, particularly teen athletes.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring book that highlights the achievements of fifty notable women athletes. The book features trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breaking female athletes in more than forty sports, including well-known figures like Billie Jean King and Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions like Toni Stone and Patti McGee. The book also includes infographics on topics that sporty women want to know about. This book celebrates the success of the tough, bold, and fearless women who paved the way for today’s athletes.

Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod is a gripping account of Gary Paulsen's experience running the 1180-mile Iditarod dogsled race, fueled by his passion for running dogs. The book chronicles his 17-day battle against Nature's worst elements and his own frailty, enduring snowstorms, frostbite, dogfights, moose attacks, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. This book is a must-read for sports enthusiasts, young adults, and anyone who appreciates a riveting tale of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of dogs.

Straight Up by Trent Shelton is a must-read for teens and young adults looking for honest, unfiltered advice on life's biggest challenges. With his personal story and practical next steps, the former NFL player provides insightful guidance on relationships, friendships, fear, depression, and trauma. The book is written in short, easy-to-read chapters with thought-provoking questions, making it a great resource for small group use. Shelton's raw honesty and uplifting advice can help readers come out of life's storms stronger and discover the best version of themselves. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the self-esteem genre for teens and young adults.