Spring, sun and sports go hand in hand. These books are sure to inspire kids to make the most of their time outdoors while keeping them reading. All titles are available at the DC Public Library.
Picture Books
“Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle” written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
A father teaches his daughter all about bicycle riding, from selecting the right bike to trying again after a fall.
“Yoga Bunny” by Brian Russo
Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him. Yoga Bunny helps readers relax and unwind as they learn beginning yoga poses, from downward dog to the tree pose.
“Barnyard Dance!” by Sandra Boynton
Move along to the rhythm with a bespectacled fiddle-playing cow, a twirling pig and a strutting duck as they dance around the barnyard.
Easy Readers
“Sisters & Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams” by Howard Bryant, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
This picture book biography of the famous tennis playing siblings Venus and Serena Williams is accompanied by beautiful illustrations from the renowned children’s book illustrator Floyd Cooper.
“Swim, Mo, Swim!” by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks
On Field Day, Mo swims a lot faster than he knew he could, not because his team might win but because a fish keeps nibbling his toe.
“Olivia Plays Soccer” adapted by Tina Gallo, illustrated by Jared Osterhold
When Olivia joins the soccer team, she wants to wear a red jersey, but the only team member that wears red is the goalie—and the goalie on her team is Francine. What will Olivia do?
Middle-grade Readers
“We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball” words and paintings by Kadir Nelson, forward by
Hank Aaron
Pick up this award-winning story of the history of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s to the beginning of integrated leagues. Nelson’s portrait-style illustrations make this sports history special for readers who want to learn more about this era.
“The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health. This book is a Newbery Medal winner.
“Jayla Jumps In” by Joy Jones
After learning that her mother was a Double Dutch champion, 11-year-old Jayla forms a team, hoping to stand out in her big, quirky family, and finds her life changed in ways she never imagined. DCPL Librarian Associate Joy Jones is the author of this tale.
Young Adults
“Starfish” by Lisa Fipps
Ella, a teen who struggles with her weight, discovers through swimming and the support of her family and friends that her body image is only a part of what defines her. This title was awarded a Michael L. Printz honor book by the Young Adult Library Services committee of the American Library Association.
“Furia” by Yamile Saied Méndez
Seventeen-year-old Camila Hassan, a rising soccer star in Rosario, Argentina, dreams of playing professionally, in defiance of her father’s wishes and at the risk of her budding romance with Diego.
“Check, Please!” Book 1, #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu
The first book of a two-volume coming-of-age humorous graphic novel talks about hockey and trying to find yourself during your college years.
Recommendations by DC Public Library Staff
