For elementary or middle school kids who love basketball, it\u2019s hard to stay away from the TV or Internet during March Madness, the NCAA\u2019s annual basketball tournament.<\/p>\n
If you want to convince your kid to spend a little less time working on their brackets and a little more time brushing up on their reading, we’re here for you. From biographies on superstars like Caitlin Clark and Stephen Curry to action-packed stories about the game, here are 14 books that should grab the interest of any young NBA hopeful.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593386040 I Have a Superpower<\/i> by Stephen Curry, illustrated by Geneva Bowers <\/p>\n
NBA Champion Stephen Curry draws from his experiences as an underdog to deliver an inspirational message for kids. He shows readers how they can use hard work and perseverance to overcome barriers to their goals. This basketball-themed book is perfect for encouraging children to dream big.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536219777 Basketball Town<\/i> by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Darnell Johnson <\/p>\n
Maxwell is obsessed with basketball, so he\u2019s thrilled when he wakes up in an alternate universe where everyone plays b-ball all day, every day. He works on his skills and makes his way to the Championship game, where he and his teammates must present a united front to win. Basketball fans will enjoy the game-related lingo and action-packed story.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780425289402 The Half-Court Hero<\/i> by Mike Lupica <\/p>\n
Eight-year-old twins Zach and Zoe are pros at multitasking: specifically, when it comes to solving mysteries and playing sports. In The Half-Court Hero<\/i>, the dynamic duo can\u2019t help but notice that someone is slowly and secretly restoring their summer league\u2019s rundown court. Who could it be? And how will the team fare in playoffs?
\n(Ages 6 \u2013 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593526156 Beyond the Game: LeBron James<\/i> by Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge <\/p>\n
Newly independent readers will love this series that spotlights exemplary athletes and their accomplishments on and off the court. From championships to activism, kids will learn about the causes that LeBron James champions and how he uses his position as an athlete and role model to improve the world. If you like this book, check out the other books in this series, including Beyond the Game: Maya Moore<\/i><\/a>. 9781623543723 If Lin Can<\/i> by Richard Ho, illustrated by Huynh Kim Li\u00ean and Ph\u00f9ng Nguy\u00ean Quang <\/p>\n Anyone who has ever been told they can’t achieve their dreams will connect with the star of this story\u2014basketball trailblazer Jeremy Lin. Driven by a series of questions posed to the reader, this picture-book biography traces Jeremy Lin\u2019s uphill battle as the first American of Asian descent to play in the NBA. A book that Kirkus<\/a><\/i> calls “A slam dunk choice for role modeling.” 9780375872761 Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters<\/i> by Claudia Mills, illustrated by Guy Francis <\/p>\n Fourth-grader Mason is what some might call disaster-prone, so he\u2019s not thrilled when his parents insist he join the basketball team \u2014 and he\u2019s doubly un-thrilled when his dad volunteers to coach. Somehow, Mason isn\u2019t even the worst player on this team of misfits, and soon they\u2019re going up against Mason\u2019s school bully, Dunk. Prepare to cheer hard for the home team. 9780593382462 Stephen Curry: The Official Graphic Novel<\/i> by Josh Bycel and Rich Korson, ilustrated by Damion Scott <\/p>\n Sports enthusiasts will love this graphic novel about Stephen Curry\u2019s rise to NBA fame. As a new recruit, nobody believed that Stephen had much to offer. However, through hard work and perseverance, Stephen proved his doubters wrong and became one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. This book is the first official title in a planned series about sports heroes. 9780593430477 We Are Big Time (A Graphic Novel)<\/i> by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui <\/p>\n This inspiring sports tale is based on a true story about an all-girl, hijab-wearing basketball team. It celebrates the power of teamwork, breaking cultural stereotypes, and owning one\u2019s unique identity. Fans of graphic novels like Roller Girl<\/i> or The Crossover<\/i> will love this book. 9781536231953 Hoops: A Graphic Novel<\/i> by Matt Tavares <\/p>\n New York Times<\/i> bestselling author and illustrator Matt Tavares shares a heartfelt and inspiring story in his debut graphic novel. It\u2019s about a girls\u2019 basketball team in 1975 Indiana with no money, transportation, or jerseys. However, their grit and perseverance took them from one victory to the next. Based on a true story, this book offers a peek into the ongoing struggle for women\u2019s rights and equality in sports. 9780593385920 Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan<\/i> by Gabe Soria and Who HQ, illustrated by Brittney Williams <\/p>\n Michael Jordan is undisputedly the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of basketball. His performance during the 1997 NBA finals stands out as an example of his unfailing determination. This action-packed graphic novel retells the game\u2019s events and how Michael Jordan refused to let a mysterious illness keep him from competing. Full-color illustrations and a fast-paced narrative make it a must-read for every basketball fan. 9780593225707 Who Was Kobe Bryant?<\/i> by Ellen Labrecque and Who HQ, illustrated by Gregory Copeland <\/p>\n Young basketball fans can learn about Kobe Bryant, his legacy, awards, and championship moments in this biography. From his draft into the NBA and through 20 seasons with the Lakers, readers will discover how Kobe became a superstar. Easy-to-read text and plenty of illustrations make this an excellent choice for young readers wanting to learn about this legendary player. 9798217049172 Who Is Caitlin Clark?<\/i> by Meri-Jo Borzilleri and Who HQ, illustrated by Gregory Copeland <\/p>\n Caitlin Clark is the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, across both men and women’s basketball. Since her college career, she has helped put women’s basketball in the spotlight, bringing in over 14 million viewers to watch her playoff games in April of 2024. Now a point guard for the Indiana Fever, learn about Clark’s inspiring rise to basketball fame in this Who HQ Now biography. 9780385753531 The Sixth Man (The Triple Threat 2)<\/i> by John Feinstein <\/p>\n Book two of The Triple Threat series<\/a> finds Alex Meyer optimistic about the team\u2019s prospects this season. There\u2019s a new kid on the team, Max Bellotti, and he\u2019s good. Like, really good. But Alex seems to be the only one excited to welcome Max: for one, he\u2019s a freshman stealing the spotlight; for two, he\u2019s openly gay. Tensions on the team escalate to school-board controversy in this socially conscious read that still packs plenty of on-court action. 9780142426500 True Legend<\/i> by Mike Lupica <\/p>\n Bestselling sportswriter Lupica introduces us to 15-year-old Drew “True” Robinson, a basketball prodigy and NBA prospect who has let his success go to his head. But when he befriends an angry former basketball star on a local playground, True begins to realize the value of humility and teamwork. A compelling novel filled with dynamic sports sequences that young basketball fans will love. <\/p>\n Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From biographies on legendary players to action-packed stories about the game, these basketball books are sure to captivate any basketball-loving kid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1287,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[72,86,124,137,954,1016],"coauthors":[12],"class_list":["post-1219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-friendship","tag-siblings","tag-biography","tag-sports","tag-educators","tag-basketball","ages_stages-growing-reader","ages_stages-tween"],"yoast_head":"\n
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