A sports novel is a literary genre that focuses on the theme of sports and athletics in general.
Gutless by
From the author of Gym Candy comes a novel of football and bullying, finding friends and finding courage. With both good speed and good hands, wide receiver Brock Ripley should be a natural for the varsity team, but he shies away from physical contact. When he gets cut from varsity, he also loses his friendship with star quarterback Hunter Gates who begins lashing out at not only Brock, but also Brock's friend, the quiet and smart Richie Fang. Brock wants to stand up for Fang, but he is younger, smaller, and doesn't want to cause problems. But when the bullying goes too far, willBrock be able to face his fears, stop being a bystander, and prove to himself that he is brave enough?
Soccerland by
"One day I'm going to play for the U.S. Women's National Team." That's what Flora Dupre promised her mom before she died of cancer. Flora and her mom had created a place called Soccerland, an escape world in which they'd ignore the beeping cancer machines and just talk soccer. And now Flora's dream of playing for the U.S.A. just might be coming true. Flora's received the invitation of a lifetime: the chance to try out for the Under-15 U.S. Girls' Soccer Team at the International Sports Academy. But at the academy, the level of talent is like nothing Flora's ever seen before. She struggles to hold her own as she grapples with new positions, injuries, the world's most frustrating coach, and contempt from other players who would love to see her fail. But Flora is a big, strong Dupre girl--and she's not going to go down easy. "Superbly written." --Doug McIntyre, ESPN The Magazine "Choat's examination of the dedication, effort, and sacrifice needed to become a national-level player is riveting and inspiring. Readers will be rooting for Flora as she struggles to achieve her goals." --Kirkus Reviews "A dazzling and expert portrait of the life of the young elite athlete." --S. L. Price, Sports Illustrated
Outside Shot by
Looking for baseball action? Check out this Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen ? perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green. ?Smartly using sports terminology and internal monologue from the protagonist?s point of view, this latest novel is bound to engage and entertain young readers who double as basketball players and/or fans. VERDICT A must-purchase?? ?School Library Journal Richie Mallon is known as ?the shooter??the one on the team who scores most of the baskets. Every day he practices at his driveway hoop, perfecting his technique. Richie never plays any other roles on the court, leaving it to his teammates to do the assisting and rebounding. Under a new coach, Richie makes the team but isn?t given a starting position. So when his shooting skills fall into a slump, can he find a way to become a better-rounded player and stay on the team? Bowen returns with another fast-paced story of sports, teamwork, and talent. The afterword offers real-life stories about some of the great shooters in basketball history. Discussion Guide available.
Life in the Balance by
Veronica struggles to balance softball, friends, and family turmoil in this new honest and heartfelt middle grade novel by Jen Petro-Roy, Life in the Balance. Veronica Conway has been looking forward to trying out for the All-Star softball team for years. She's practically been playing the game since she was a baby. She should have this tryout on lock. Except right before tryouts, Veronica's mom announces that she's entering rehab for alcoholism, and her dad tells her that they may not be able to afford the fees needed to be on the team. Veronica decides to enter the town talent show in an effort to make her own money, but along the way discovers a new hobby that leads her to doubt her feelings for the game she thought she loved so much. Is her mom the only one learning balance, or can Veronica find a way to discover what she really wants to do with her life?
Soar by
Jeremiah is the world's biggest baseball fan. Hereallyloves baseball and he knows just about everything there is to know about his favorite sport. So when he's told he can't play baseball following an operation on his heart, Jeremiah decides he'll do the next best thing and become a coach. Hillcrest, where Jeremiah and his father Walt have just moved, is a town known for its championship baseball team. But Jeremiah finds the town caught up in a scandal and about ready to give up on baseball. It's up to Jeremiah and his can-do spirit to get the town - and the team - back in the game. Full of humor, heart, and baseball lore,Soaris Joan Bauer at her best. Praise forSoar- 'Jeremiah's voice is perfect- plucky, vulnerable, pragmatic, smart, and immensely endearing. Bauer masterfully manages the various plotlines . . . An outstanding, tender exploration of courage and the true nature of heroism and, for good measure, a fine homage to America's game, as well.'Kirkus,starred review 'Bauer's latest feel-good novel is distinguished by a largehearted warmth, its able characterizations, a page-turning plot, and winning humor.' Booklist,starred review 'Jeremiah's enthusiasm for baseball is infectious, and he plays a major role in rebuilding and coaching a team at the middle school while lifting the sagging spirits of community members . . . Readers will feel that Jeremiah's victories are well earned and deserved.'Publishers Weekly
Sunny by
Sunny tries to shine despite his troubled past in this third novel in the critically acclaimed Track series from National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds. Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds, with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team--a team that could take them to the state championships. They all have a lot to lose, but they all have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Sunny is the main character in this novel, the third of four books in Jason Reynold's electrifying middle grade series. Sunny is just that--sunny. Always ready with a goofy smile and something nice to say, Sunny is the chillest dude on the Defenders team. But his life hasn't always been sun beamy-bright. You see, Sunny is a murderer. Or at least he thinks of himself that way. His mother died giving birth to him, and based on how Sunny's dad treats him--ignoring him, making Sunny call him Darryl, never "Dad"--it's no wonder Sunny thinks he's to blame. It seems the only thing Sunny can do right in his dad's eyes is win first place ribbons running the mile, just like his mom did. But Sunny doesn't like running, never has. So he stops. Right in the middle of a race. With his relationship with his dad now worse than ever, the last thing Sunny wants to do is leave the other newbies--his only friends--behind. But you can't be on a track team and not run. So Coach asks Sunny what he wants to do. Sunny's answer? Dance. Yes, dance. But you also can't be on a track team and dance. Then, in a stroke of genius only Jason Reynolds can conceive, Sunny discovers a track event that encompasses the hard beats of hip-hop, the precision of ballet, and the showmanship of dance as a whole: the discus throw. But as he practices for this new event, can he let go of everything that's been eating him up inside?
Perfect Season by
Troy's dreams of the big time have backfired. Sure, he's moved to New Jersey to start his new job as "genius" for the New York Jets, but his dad has taken his entire salary, leaving Troy and his mom broke. Now Troy has no hope of going to private school and playing for a football powerhouse with his newfound cousin Ty. Instead he's going to be part of a team with an unbroken losing streak. But Troy fights back. When he gets Seth to come up from Atlanta to coach his public school team, Troy feels ready for a perfect season. He doesn't guess that he'll be struggling against those who want him to lose. When Troy's talent for calling plays slips and his abilities as a quarterback are threatened, he's got to dig deep. And it will take all of Troy's football genius to turn this team around. Extras inside.