Olympics fever: 5 sports-themed books for kids aged 5 to 14 to enjoy this summer

 

Have you been watching the Olympic Games in Paris this summer? We’ve been glued to our screens and loving discovering new details about the amazing array of sports on show. 

With excitement about sporting achievement at fever pitch, it’s a great time to add some sports-themed chapter books to kids’ reading lists. Reluctant readers in particular may find themselves hooked into a story that relates closely to the real life dramas they’ve seen unfold on the small screen.

Books about sports can inspire young readers, instilling a love for physical activity, teamwork and the spirit of competition. They also provide valuable lessons on perseverance, discipline and overcoming obstacles.

Whether your child dreams of becoming the next Simone Biles or simply enjoys a game of football with friends, there's a sports-themed book that can capture their imagination.

We’ve picked 5 sporty stories from our bookshop shelves which would make perfect summer reading and keep the spirit of the games alive long after the final medals are awarded:

 

Bad United: Just for Kicks by Louise Forshaw

All Hoof the Unicorn wants to do is be part of a football team but his club never appreciated his talents and kicked him out. Then he spots an advert for BAD UNITED and he feels a tingling in his hooves. A chance to be part of a team again! A chance to play the game he loves! And a chance to show off his skills! This is the first book in a super and silly graphic novel series for newly independent readers aged 5 and up.

 

Mind and Me: Going to Bat by Sunita Chawdhary

Maya is excited to join Cricket Club at school, but between sports superstars, the big green monster, and her ACTUAL MUM coming to coach the team, she has a lot to handle. And on top of that, Mind thinks they’ve forgotten something important… like sending a letter to Grandad in India! Can Maya and Mind work it all out in time for their big cricket game? A delightful, laugh-out-loud chapter book for younger readers with illustrations throughout.

Storm Child by Ele Fountain

Perhaps a less traditionally sporty story, this fantastic novel heavily features surfing and sailing. After her dad's fishing boat is ravaged by a relentless storm, Maya's parents make the decision to start over by moving to a tropical island. But making a change doesn't always make a difference. Far from her friends and her quiet seaside home where she spent all her time surfing, Maya is swept away by a storm much larger than herself.

Me and Aaron Ramsey by Manon Steffan Ros

In this moving middle-grade story Sam and his dad both love football, which is always there for them however tough real life becomes. That is, until Dad's dreams of football stardom go horribly wrong. Sam's love for the footballing legend becomes tangled with his relationship for his father as things go south in their family life. A fantastic read for kids aged 8 and up.

Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam

Storm has never liked to stand out from the crowd, but ever since she started Year 7, her life has been full of people telling her she needs to speak up, make friends and be more like her popular big brother. Then Storm breaks a school record, and finds herself the new star of the athletics team. But as she's thrust into the spotlight, her home life and friendships start spiralling out of control, and it's time for Quiet Storm to show that she has something to say. A fantastic read for kids in the early years of secondary school. 

 

You can find even more sporting recommendations in our sports-themed books collection.

If you're a teacher, you may also like to check out our printable posters, arranged by school year, featuring sports-themed recommendations. Access our free downloads by subscribing to The Book Corner, our email newsletter specifically for educators.