Cover Your Bases With These 10 Baseball Books for Middle Grade Readers

Baseball Great, by Tim Green
The story of 12-year-old baseball sensation Josh, pushed by his dad to join a competitive traveling team, is as much about father-and-son relationships as it is about baseball. And there are heavy lessons to be learned: Josh discovers that his coach is handing out steroids to the players. With short, fast-paced chapters, it’s a book that sports-obsessed kids will have a hard time putting down.

Katie, Batter Up!, by Coco Simon
A sporty addition to the Cupcake Diaries series, this book follows cupcake-obsessed Katie on her quest to find a hobby that doesn’t involve sprinkles and cake batter. After trying out a couple of sports, she lands a spot on her school’s softball team – but to connect with the ball, she has to overcome her self-doubt. For readers who could use some encouragement to give sports a chance, this book is a sugary-sweet retreat from makeup and princesses.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord
Set in post-WWII Brooklyn, this story of what it feels like to be an outsider – told by a young Chinese-American girl named Shirley Temple Wong – is as relevant today as it was when it came out in the ‘80s. Shirley finds a kindred spirit in Jackie Robinson, and through him learns how to love herself and what makes her different from her classmates. Even kids who are familiar with Robinson’s story may not realize what a total revolutionary he was, and this book brings him and his struggles to life.

Derek Jeter: The Contract, by Derek Jeter
Know any tweenage Yankees fans? This fictionalized telling of Jeter’s childhood will help put the superstar’s career into a perspective that kids can identify with. There’s plenty of baseball action in here, but at the heart of the book are the life lessons that Jeter’s parents teach him. It’s equally uplifting for those with sports talent and those who can only dream of being great athletes.

Here Comes the Strikeout, by Leonard Kessler
It’s easy to find inspiration in a sports great like Derek Jeter – but on the other end of the spectrum is Bobby, who’s struck out in 21 of his last 21 at-bats. The other kids’ taunts drag him deeper into his slump, until his friend Willie steps in with some great advice. Colorful illustrations and simple, straightforward writing make this a page turner for readers at every level.

Super Slugger, by Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Cowherd
Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. has a series of baseball-themed “All-Stars” books, and this one brings us a story of Cody, an overweight kid who’s bullied by one of his teammates. It’s packed full of lessons about teamwork and respect – and there’s even a mystery.

Odd Ball: Hilarious, Unusual, & Bizarre Baseball Moments, by Timothy Tocher
Here’s a lighter read that uses comic-book-style drawings to illustrate some of the most surprising stories in MLB history. Young readers will crack up at the story of the catcher whose nose was too big for his mask, and they’ll be awed by the story of Jim Abbott, the one-handed pitcher who threw a no-hitter.

Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish
She’s been a baker, a teacher and even a doctor (yikes!), so is it surprising that our favorite housekeeper is stepping up to the plate to replace a sick baseball player? This Amelia adventure is as silly as it gets. You may be able to guess the way she “steals” a base, but you won’t be able to keep a straight face.

The Secret at Haney Field: A Baseball Mystery, by R. M. Clark
For readers who aren’t afraid of the supernatural, here’s a book that starts out a mystery and ends up being more about history. 12-year-old April, a minor-league team’s batgirl, notices some shadowy figures playing on the field at night. Her sleuthing uncovers dirty secrets about the team’s racist past. The book begins with a helpful glossary, for kids who are unfamiliar with baseball terms.

And Don’t Bring Jeremy, by Marilyn Levinson
It takes a baseball team for sixth-grader Adam to form a bond with his brother, Jeremy, who’s developmentally delayed. With flowing, realistic dialogue, it’s a great read that covers themes of bullying, friendship and the importance of family.
Got any baseball favorites to recommend?