Best Sports Journalism Books of 2026

"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer is a gripping account of the disastrous storm on the summit of Mt. Everest that claimed five lives, including the author's. Krakauer provides a balanced picture of the events and people involved, giving credit to the tireless Sherpas and avoiding easy targets. However, he also delves deeply into his own perceived failures and haunting guilt. The updated trade paperback edition includes a postscript that sheds light on the acrimonious debate between Krakauer and Everest guide Anatoli Boukreev. Overall, "Into Thin Air" is a harrowing and insightful read that offers a unique perspective on the perils of high-altitude climbing."

Welcome to the Circus of Baseball is a charming memoir of Ryan McGee's summer as a fresh-out-of-college intern for a minor league baseball team. McGee's hilarious account of his time with the Asheville Tourists in North Carolina is steeped in sweat, fertilizer, nacho cheese sauce, and pure, unadulterated joy. The book is a delightful reminder that it's not just the game itself that draws us to baseball but also the people. It's a sweet and funny book that's worth a read for anyone who loves baseball or just wants to be transported to a simpler time.

100 Slopes of a Lifetime is the ultimate guide for skiers and snowboarders looking for their next adrenaline-fueled adventure. With 100 experiences for all levels, from beginner to expert, readers will discover the world's most breathtaking and challenging slopes. The book includes stunning National Geographic photography, expert advice, and insider travel tips, making it a must-have for any winter sports enthusiast. Gordy Megroz, a correspondent and former editor for Outside magazine, has done an excellent job compiling a comprehensive and innovative guide that showcases the world's best ski and snowboarding destinations. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the greatest snow-play adventures the world has to offer.

Mia Tang is back in the latest installment of the Front Desk series, "Key Player". With the Women's World Cup in Southern California, soccer-crazy Mia finally feels like her two identities are coming together. However, her P.E. teacher wants her off the field, which could jeopardize her spot at journalism camp. Mia's plan to write an A-grade article for P.E. by interviewing the two women's teams proves more challenging than she anticipated. As always, Mia faces prejudice, discrimination, and her own fears, but her determination shines through. Kelly Yang presents these issues in an accessible and engaging manner in this much-needed book for young readers.

Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A. is a captivating biographical fiction book that takes readers on a journey through a bygone Southern California. Eve Babitz's writing style, filled with sharp observations and roving, conversational essays, perfectly captures the essence of Los Angeles in the 1960s and '70s. Babitz's portrayal of movie stars, socialites, soap-opera actors, and Italian femmes fatales is both fun and smart. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the glamour, bohemian lifestyle, and sensuality of Southern California during that era.

The New York Mets' 60-year history is celebrated in Sports Illustrated's book, The New York Mets at 60. This commemorative book features classic stories and photographs from the pages of SI, showcasing the championship glory, Hall of Fame personalities, and passionate fans that make the Mets one of the most historic franchises in baseball. From the World Series teams of 1969 and 1972 to legendary stars like Casey Stengel, Tom Seaver, Keith Hernandez, Mike Piazza, and David Wright, fans will enjoy reliving countless gems from the Mets' past on each page. Overall, this book is a must-have for any Mets fan and a great addition to any baseball book collection.

What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan is a heart-wrenching account of the life and death of college athlete Madison Holleran. The book portrays the struggles of young people suffering from mental illness, particularly college athletes, and how the mounting pressures of social media and connectivity can push them to the brink. Fagan did an exceptional job of weaving Maddy's story with those of other college athletes, creating a gripping and universal narrative. This #1 New York Times Sports and Fitness bestseller is a poignant study of the converging pressures of mental illness, college athletics, and social media.

The anthology of Surfer Magazine from 1960-2020 is a must-have for surf enthusiasts and those interested in the history and culture of the sport. The book features a carefully curated collection of the magazine's best covers and interior pages, showcasing the progression of surfing, gear, style, and top surfers throughout the decades. Written by award-winning journalists and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, the book offers insight into the world of surfing through the lens of the longest continuously published surf magazine. This book is a unique and valuable reference guide to modern-day surfing and its highly influential subculture.

This book of underwater photography by Brian Skerry offers stunning insights into the lives of whales, showcasing their complex societies and cultural elements. The book features arresting images of these majestic creatures and documents their unique dialects, matrilineal societies, and organized social customs like singing contests. Skerry's work is an eye-opener and will make readers appreciate the intelligence and beauty of these creatures. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the world's largest mammals and their importance to our planet.

The Japanese for Busy People Book 1: Romanized: Revised 4th Edition is a concise course that teaches natural, spoken Japanese for effective communication. The book is ideal for busy students who want to learn as efficiently as possible in a limited amount of time. The 4th revised edition of this popular Japanese language textbook series comes in three volumes: Book I, Book II, and Book III. The Romanized Version uses romanized Japanese throughout, with kana in the Target Dialogues of each lesson. The book is perfect for people who wish to communicate effectively in Japanese.