Spring is nearly here, and with it, the kick-off to warmer weather sports! Use the palpable excitement around competition and athletes' jaw-dropping abilities to get kids engaged in reading with books about sports. Inspire your growing reader with biographies and autobiographies about all-star athletes as well as fiction and nonfiction featuring the thrill of competition and the importance of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork.
Kwame Alexander's The Crossover tells the story of twin brothers Josh and Jordan who are faced with growing up into their own on and off the court. Written in a series of poems, readers will follow along the brothers' thrilling journey as they face the consequences of their choices, growing up, and discovering who they are, whether they are together or apart.
Meanwhile, graphic novel fans will love losing themselves in the story of Akim Aliu — nicknamed Dreamer — a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian hockey player as he grows up in Toronto facing struggle, systemic racism, and isolation as he works hard to follow his dreams. Akim Aliu: Dreamer is a memoir that will captivate striving and advanced readers alike, touching on tough topics and encouraging them to strive towards their goals.
The Hero Two Doors Down is the touching story of one little boy's unlikely friendship with a baseball legend. Set in Brooklyn in 1948, 8-year-old Steve hears rumors about an African American family moving into his all-Jewish neighborhood. An avid fan of the Dodgers, Steve knows that the racism the adults are exhibiting is wrong — his hero, Jackie Robinson, had just broken the color barrier by being the first African American baseball player just the year prior. Steve's life changes forever when he learns that his new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson himself!
Fans of nonfiction will spend hours happily reading Year In Sports 2024. With action-packed photos, increidble stories, and super stats, this book is perfect for long-time sports fans and newbies alike. And those with a passion for soccer will love learning all about the GOAT in Real Bios: Lionel Messi. They'll discover how young Leo got his start as a pro and how he became an international superstar and World Cup winner.
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