Best Track & Field Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

This book is an excellent guide for those interested in foraging for wild edible plants and medicinal herbs in the Great Lakes region. It provides valuable insights into the indigenous people's foraging traditions, ethical and sustainable foraging practices, and how to identify, harvest, prepare, and store wild foods and healing herbs and plants. The book also includes a comprehensive list of 45 edible and medicinal herbs, their health benefits, and how to consume them. The full-color illustrations make identification a breeze. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle.

The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile (Scholastic Focus) by Neal Bascomb is a young adult adaptation of his adult book, The Perfect Mile, which tells the inspiring story of three world-class runners fighting to break the four-minute mile barrier. The book takes readers on a journey spanning three continents, following the lives of Roger Bannister, John Landy, and Wes Santee as they push their limits to achieve the impossible. Highly recommended for middle and high school students who enjoy narrative nonfiction and sports history, The Race of the Century is a compelling and riveting read that leaves a lasting impression.

Girls Running is a comprehensive guide for middle- and high-school runners that provides everything they need to know to run better and love the journey. Written by two highly accomplished cross country coaches, the book covers training, workouts, nutrition, gear, and other topics. The authors also discuss how puberty, hormones, and the menstrual cycle impact the performance of still-growing athletes, and emphasize that teens need to tune in to their bodies to figure out what foods and exercises will help them function at their best. Overall, Girls Running is a valuable toolkit for young runners that educates and empowers them to achieve their potential and love running more.

The Youth and Teen Running Encyclopedia is a comprehensive guide for middle and long distance runners aged 6 to 18, coaches, and parents. It presents the proven formula of Mick Grant, who produced multiple Footlocker Finalists and National Champions for several years in a row, including Hershey's North American Final and USATF Youth Athletics Nationals. The book provides detailed information on how young athletes can achieve higher levels of success, year after year, following Mick's training program. With a FUN FIRST approach, the program emphasizes building endurance and improving basic speed. This book is a must-read for all youth runners and a valuable resource for middle and long distance runners and coaches.

The Ultimate Fitness Guide: Health, Fitness, Nutrition and Muscle Building - Lose Weight and Build Lean Muscle is a comprehensive book that provides readers with the knowledge and motivation needed to achieve a fit and toned physique. The book covers topics such as how the body uses calories, the role of carbohydrates in weight loss, and the best exercises for a sculpted look. In addition, it includes alternative exercise options, delicious muscle-building recipes, and effective natural supplements. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their fitness and nutrition habits and achieve their ideal body.

Anxiety is a common issue among teenagers and this book provides a simple A-Z format to help them understand and cope with their anxious thoughts and feelings. Written by the author of the Amazon bestseller 'Help with Anxiety', this book offers tried and tested strategies to ease anxiety and stop panic attacks. The book breaks down complicated topics into easy activities, making it perfect for the social media generation who want information quickly and easily. This anxiety book for teens is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anxiety and can help change a young person's life.

VERIFIED: GROWING INTO YOUR GOD GIVEN IDENTITY by Marcus Lee is a must-have book for teenagers navigating the complexities of the modern world. With so many labels and voices trying to define who they are, it's important for young adults to understand their true, God-given identity. Through personal stories and humor, Lee guides readers on a journey to discover their positive identity in Jesus Christ. This Bible-based perspective is both refreshing and insightful, making it a premier read for anyone going through an identity crisis. Overall, VERIFIED is an inspiring and relatable book that offers a bright guiding light for young adults.

Right on Track: Run, Race, Believe is an empowering and inspiring book for teens and young adults who are looking to chase their dreams. Written by track and field champion Sanya Richards-Ross, this book is filled with personal anecdotes and hands-on success strategies that will help readers face wins and losses with grace, strength, and faith. Sanya's advice on setting goals, staying focused, and being true to oneself is perfect for those seeking motivation and guidance. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve the impossible and take life's ups and downs in stride.

This Daily Fitness Journal is a comprehensive guide for children to track and log their daily fitness routines. The journal also includes nutritional advice and healthy recipes sourced from the United States government nutrition website. This is a great tool for homeschooling parents to incorporate physical education and movement science into their lesson plans. The journal is designed for teenagers and provides ample space for daily writing. This prompt journal is an excellent way to encourage children to turn playing into exercise.

The Unraveling of Luna Forester is a dark fantasy book that won several awards. The story follows Matthew, who is determined to protect his best friend Luna's secret and life after she falls into a catatonic state following a house fire. As they journey through the woods to seek help from Luna's grandmother, they face deadly peril and members of their family who don't want them to continue. This book is intense, inventive, and filled with paranormal elements and psychological depth that will keep readers engaged. The author's writing style creates tension and intrigue, and the characters' relationships are well-developed. Overall, a unique and captivating read.