Chapter Books about Basketball
Whether your child is a seasoned player or a fan of the game, these chapter Books about Basketball are sure to be a slam dunk!
Through stories of teamwork, perseverance and the thrill of victory (or defeat), children can be inspired to work hard and pursue their own dreams.
Be sure to check out even more terrific middle school book list ideas!
You can find these books about basketball at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
Basketball is a popular and exciting sport enjoyed by children all around the world.
Whether they’re playing on a team or simply shooting hoops with friends, basketball can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Books about basketball for kids provide a great opportunity for young readers to learn more about the sport, its history and some of the greatest players of all time as well.
This post contains affiliate links.
How Basketball Was Invented
Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 while teaching at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He wanted to create an indoor game to keep his students active during the winter.
Using a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals, he developed 13 basic rules and had players score by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s basket.
The game quickly grew in popularity, leading to the development of modern basketball with refined rules, backboards and metal hoops.
Why Basketball is the Best Sport
Basketball is the best sport because it combines speed, skill, teamwork, and excitement in a fast-paced game.
It can be played indoors or outdoors, requires minimal equipment, and is accessible to people of all ages.
The game encourages physical fitness, strategic thinking and collaboration, while offering thrilling moments with slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and incredible plays.
Its global popularity and influence make it a sport that unites people across cultures.
Chapter Books about Basketball for Kids
Inspire young basketball fans with exciting chapter books that bring the game to life.
These stories capture the thrill of competition, the importance of teamwork, and the dedication it takes to succeed on and off the court.
Travel Team
Travel Team is an engaging middle-grade novel about a talented young basketball player who learns resilience, teamwork, and confidence after being cut from his town team, making it a great pick for parents looking to spark conversations about perseverance and sportsmanship.
Basketball (or Something Like It)
Basketball (or Something Like It) follows a young boy navigating middle school, friendships, and his love for basketball, offering a relatable story that highlights perseverance, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of growing up.
The Moves Make the Man
The Moves Make the Man is a classic basketball novel that explores talent, identity, and friendship as a young player navigates competition and self-discovery, offering a thought-provoking story about integrity and personal growth.
Last Shot: Mystery at the Final Four
Last Shot: Mystery at the Final Four is an exciting sports mystery that follows a young reporter covering the NCAA basketball tournament, combining suspense, teamwork, and insider sports drama to engage middle-grade readers.
Pippa Park Raises Her Game
Pippa Park Raises Her Game follows Pippa as she navigates friendship, family expectations, and her love of basketball, offering a heartfelt story about confidence, perseverance, and finding one’s voice on and off the court.
The Final Cut
The Final Cut follows a young hockey player navigating challenges on and off the ice, blending teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship into an engaging story for middle-grade readers.
The Crossover
* A Newbery Award Winner *
The Crossover is a dynamic, verse-driven novel that follows twin brothers navigating basketball, family, and growing up, blending rhythm, sports, and emotion into a powerful story about brotherhood and self-discovery.
Night Hoops
Night Hoops follows a talented teen basketball player as he faces personal and athletic challenges, weaving suspense, family dynamics, and sportsmanship into a gripping story for middle-grade and young adult readers.
Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters
Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters follows Mason as he navigates the highs and lows of middle school basketball, blending humor, friendship, and perseverance in a relatable story for young readers.
Summer Ball
Summer Ball follows a young basketball player chasing his dream of making a top summer team, exploring teamwork, determination, and the challenges of growing up in competitive sports.
Falling Short
Falling Short follows a young basketball player navigating family expectations, personal challenges, and the drive to succeed, offering a heartfelt story about perseverance, identity, and resilience on and off the court.
Airball
Airball: My Life in Briefs is a humorous, heartfelt memoir-in-stories that follows a young basketball player navigating school, sports, and growing up, blending wit, personal challenges, and life lessons for middle-grade readers.
We Are Family
We Are Family is an uplifting picture book that celebrates the love, support, and teamwork within families, using basketball and vibrant illustrations to highlight the bonds that keep loved ones connected.
Hot Hand
Hot Hand follows a young basketball player determined to prove himself on the court, blending sports action, friendship, and perseverance into an inspiring story for middle-grade readers.
Game Time, Mallory!
Game Time, Mallory! follows Mallory as she navigates the excitement and challenges of playing on a new basketball team, offering a fun, relatable story about confidence, teamwork, and perseverance for young readers.
Win or Lose
Win or Lose follows a young athlete navigating the highs and lows of competition, highlighting teamwork, sportsmanship, and the lessons that come from both victory and defeat.
Friendship or Foul Play: Taylor Takes Her Shot
Friendship or Foul Play: Taylor Takes Her Shot follows Taylor as she balances basketball, friendships, and personal challenges, offering an engaging chapter book about teamwork, confidence, and growing up for readers aged 8–12.
Players
Players follows a group of young basketball players as they navigate competition, teamwork, and personal growth, offering a compelling story about friendship, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
Becoming Kareem is an inspiring memoir that follows Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s journey growing up, exploring his challenges and triumphs on and off the basketball court while highlighting perseverance, identity, and personal growth.
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-time
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-time follows Stanford as he navigates academic struggles, friendships, and personal challenges, offering a humorous and heartfelt story about resilience, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of middle school.
The Crossover Graphic Novel
The Crossover Graphic Novel brings the story of twin brothers, basketball, and family to life through dynamic illustrations and verse, offering an exciting, visually engaging way for readers to experience themes of brotherhood, growth, and sportsmanship.
Rebound (The Crossover Series)
Rebound follows a young boy discovering his love of basketball while navigating family, friendship, and personal challenges, offering an engaging, verse-driven story about growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Basketball Activities for Kids
Keep older kids active and engaged with fun basketball activities that enhance skills and teamwork!