Top 10: Best Baseball Chapter Books (ages 7-16)

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]