These books are from a Mom Blogger friend at CoffeeShopBloggers whose daughter is a sports fanatic and these were her favorite baseball books. These books are appropriate for grades 3-5th. The “…and Me” novels, also known as, the Baseball Card Adventures is fun because the child in the story travels back in time to meet a baseball legend.
I suspect that any little leaguer who might not love to read will enjoy these books! It might even inspire them to look at baseball equipment from Homerun Monkey and start playing baseball immediately. But I actually hope to get them reading!
Best Baseball Books for Kids
10. Honus and Me by Dan Gutman
9. Shoeless Joe and Me by Dan Gutman
8. Babe and Me by Dan Gutman
7. Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman
6. Ray and Me by Dan Gutman
5. Heat by Mike Lupica*
*Here’s what author Shannon Hale has to say about Mike Lupica (and it’s not flattering). You can decide if he’s a diva or just a jerk.
4. Jim and Me by Dan Gutman
3. Mickey and Me by Dan Gutman
2. The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott
1. One-Handed Catch by M.J. Auch
Baseball Books for Kids Honorable Mentions
Ball Park Mysteries: Foul Up at Fenway Park by David A. Kelly
Jen Robinson reviewed this series here. I’ve asked for a review copy to check them out myself. But Red Sox fans might really like this one!
Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse by David A. Kelly
The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi
The Legend of Mickey Tussler series chronicles the adventures of Mickey Tussler, a teenage pitching phenom with Asperger’s in the late 1940s. Readers will delight in Mickey’s ability to win over fans, teammates, and opponents who initially are critical of the young man due to what they deem “odd” behavior. The basis for the hit feature film “A Mile in His Shoes,” starring Dean Cain, The Legend of Mickey Tussler books provides inspiration for anyone who has ever been forced to view the world from the outside looking in. [young adult, ages 12 and up]
No Cream Puffs by Karen Day
Madison is a twelve-year-old girl with a talent for baseball. Should she be the first girl to join the boys’ Little League in Southern Michigan? She is having trouble fitting in; not all the boys want a girl on their team, and the girls seem so girly and boy crazy. This coming of age novel rings true for my fifth grader — she just picked this book to share with her book club! [chapter book, ages 9-12]
We Are The Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
Technically, this is an advanced picture book beautifully illustrated and written by Kadir Nelson. For anyone who loves the game of baseball, this is a must-read about the unsung heroes of the Negro League Baseball who paved the way for all people of color. [advanced picture book, ages 8-14]
Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta
First of all, let me say that I am not a big fan of baseball. I have never played the game and I don’t understand the fine points. While I root for the Red Sox, I am really there for the food. So, when my mom friend told me that everyone in the fourth grade boys’ book club LOVED this book, I asked to borrow it. And I found that I could not put it down; it was just that good. It reminds me of a little of Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli that won a Newbery. It’s really that good. So here are the elements: freaky weather conditions attributed to an old Native American curse, two towns obsessed with a baseball rivalry, a foster child that turns up on Roy’s couch when he returns from baseball camp, a baseball game that changes history (at least between the two towns) and defining life moments for father and son. Whew! There’s something for every reader! [chapter book, ages 9-16]
Camp Average by Craig Battle
Review from Ms. Yingling Reads:
“This is really more of a book about baseball than camp, but it covers both well. It’s funny, lighthearted, but even manages to throw in a few life lessons. Definitely purchasing.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
p.s. Related posts:
The Inside Scoop on Jackie Robinson and His Teammates
Top Baseball Chapter Books That Are a Hit
Sports Books for Kids: Volleyball!
Interview Questions for Phil Bildner
Immigrant Story: In The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
#OwnVoices Diversity Track and Field Books for Kids
#OwnVoices Diversity Soccer Books for Kids
Multicultural Soccer Picture Book GIVEAWAY
March Madness: Basketball Books for Every Kid (ages 4 and up)!
Changing the Game: Miki Gorman
Changing the Game: Victoria Manalo Draves
Changing the Game: Natasha “Tasha” Kai
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My books:
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
I’m loving these Top 10 lists! Such good picks! Thank you!
The Dan Gutman books are very good. Loved Honus and Me
Hi Nina,
Thanks so much for your comment. My friend’s daughter was really into baseball books and she gave me the list of her daughter’s favorite books. I am a big fan of Dan Gutman and I’m happy to know his baseball series is so popular.
The Dan Gutman books are really good, however, they are worth a pre-read. There are a few of them that have some adult-like situations in them. The boy being shoved in a closet by gangsters, almost being shot in the head by gangsters, divorce of his parents, a drunk father, a few nude scences in which the young boy in the story enjoys. I really like these books but I’m pre-reading them for my seven-year-old. Those are all things he has no knowledge about and I’d like to keep it that way, at least for awhile. “The Babe and Me” seems perfectly clean, but “Mickey and Me” is not one I’d let him read. Just a warning
Hi JCB,
I haven’t read the Dan Gutman baseball books, only his Wayside School books which are a little odd (but in a good way) so I see why a parent would want to screen them a little, especially if their kids are on the younger side for his books. Thanks so much for the heads up! Good to know!!!
Since baseball season is almost upon us (Spring training in Florida begins next month!), I’m gathering my favorite baseball books, too. I’m reading Joan Bauer’s latest- SOAR. Which I love.
I’ll link to your post when mine is ready. Thanks for this!
Hi Augusta,
Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to our post!!