Best Winter Sports Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Woodsong by Gary Paulsen is a captivating nonfiction book that narrates the author's life experiences that inspired his renowned novels. The book features his incredible adventures, including flying off a dogsled and leading a team of sled dogs in the grueling 1,180-mile Iditarod race. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, making the reader feel as if they are part of the adventure. Woodsong is an excellent read for anyone interested in dog-sledding and the Alaskan wilderness. Overall, this book is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and young readers who want to learn more about the author's life and how it influenced his writing.

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.

Ski Weekend: A Novel by R.L. Stine is a coming-of-age thriller that follows six teens, a dog, and a ski trip gone wrong. After a car accident leaves them stranded in the mountains with no cell phone coverage and dwindling supplies, the group must face the harsh winter elements and make impossible choices in order to survive. With a diverse cast of characters and unexpected twists, this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, Ski Weekend is a gripping tale of survival that will appeal to fans of YA thrillers.

Tillie Walden's Spinning is a beautifully illustrated graphic memoir that tells the story of a young figure skater's coming of age, coming out, and ultimately, coming to terms with leaving behind the only life she's ever known. It's a haunting and resonant coming-of-age story that explores the intersection of identity, passion, and self-discovery. Spinning is a quiet powerhouse of a memoir that will stay with readers long after they've finished it.

Just Because I was Adopted... is an award-winning children's book by Dr. Sally Shiroma that introduces the concept of adoption to young readers. The story follows William, a little boy who learns about the meaning of adoption and the importance of family beyond biological ties. With charming chibi anime illustrations, this heartwarming tale is a recommended read for families interested in adoption or seeking to understand it better. The book is an excellent addition to the Family Life Fiction Books category.

The EPIC Brainiac Large Print Crossword Puzzle Book is an excellent choice for adults and seniors who love a good challenge. With varying difficulty levels and a range of topics, this puzzle book is designed to improve cognitive function and mental agility while providing hours of entertainment. The large print format is perfect for those with visual impairments, while the meticulously crafted clues ensure a satisfying solving experience. Additionally, the bonus mind relaxing adult activities such as mazes and word searches make this book stand out from the rest. Overall, the EPIC Brainiac Large Print Crossword Puzzle Book is a great way to exercise your brain and have fun at the same time.

Extreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl is a thrilling winter sports fiction book for teens and young adults. The story follows Jake Taylor, a teen snowboarder who becomes a spokesperson for an athletic training facility after winning silver. However, athletes start getting sabotaged mysteriously, and Jake and his girlfriend, Sophie, must figure out what is going on before he is also sabotaged. The author creates true-to-life characters with real flaws, yet who have faith and strong family example to guide them. This novel is a page-turner and a wonderful witness for young people.

Crimp! On-By!! The True Story of a Most Unlikely Iditarod Lead Dog is a heartwarming and inspiring story about Crimp, a sled dog who overcame challenges and became a lead dog in the Iditarod. The book is arranged as a compelling story for both children and adults, and it also provides detailed information on sled dogs and the Iditarod. Crimp's story demonstrates the importance of perseverance and following your dreams. The sidebars provide additional context and enhance the reading experience. Overall, Crimp! On-By!! is a must-read for anyone interested in sled dogs and the Iditarod.

The book "Real Stories from the Rink" by Brian McFarlane is a collection of hockey stories that covers players of every position, coaches, and includes statistics and records for every hockey fan. McFarlane writes in a casual, conversational style, and covers events ranging in dates from the first organized game of hockey to the Olympic gold-medal face-off between Canada and the US at the 2002 Olympics. The book is visually boring, but the sprinkling of Nease's well-drawn cartoons makes it more interesting. Overall, this book is a must-read for serious hockey fans.