You want your kid who lives for soccer practice to read a book. So you head to the bookstore or library and ask for a novel about soccer. It seems logical. But a lot of times, it doesn’t work. Reading about the sport is not nearly as exciting as playing. The book either gathers dust or becomes a point of conflict. Here are some tips for helping those sporty kids find a book they love.
1. Sports are fast-paced. Look for books that match that pace. Novels-in-verse and books that include text messages, etc. are great for readers looking for speed. Check out Kwame Alexander (The Crossover, Booked, Rebound) and Tommy Greenwald (Rivals, Game Changer).
2. Kids on sports teams work together. Look for books that feature the us-against-the-world feeling of team sports. The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen or the Ranger’s Apprentice series by Flanagan are a great place to start.
3. Keep it short. Kids who have sports practices are busy. Look for titles around 200 pages. Select by Mathesen clocks in at 224 pgs.
4. Find the fun! Kids have fun with their teammates. Find that same feeling in a book. A place to start: J vs. K by Croft/Alexander. This is why Wimpy Kid reigns supreme. It’s consistently funny.
5. Don’t forget nonfiction. Fact books, player profiles, and statistics are reading – and math!
