5 Picture Books by (And Starring!) Famous Professional Athletes

Winners Never Quit, by Mia Hamm and Carol Thompson 
This inspiring picture book is written by Mia Hamm: American soccer superstar, Olympic gold medalist, and bestselling author! It tells the story of a young soccer player named Mia (based on Mia’s real life) who wants to quit soccer once she has trouble scoring goals for her team. Mia ultimately learns that “She didn’t hate losing as much as she loved soccer,” and that there’s more to the sport than just winning the game.

Game Day, by Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber, Robert Burleigh, and Barry Root 
Brothers and football legends Tiki and Ronde Barber joined forces to write this fun and fast-paced picture book about two similarly named young football players who play for the same team, The Cave Spring Vikings. Tiki gets all the attention for scoring touchdowns even though he couldn’t do it without Ronde’s defense. Perfect both for football fans and anyone who’s sharing the spotlight with a sibling.

Derek Jeter Presents Night at the Stadium, by Phil Bildner and Tom Booth 
Derek Jeter loves children’s books so much that he started his own publishing imprint, Jeter Publishing! This book is about a seven-year old baseball fan named Gideon who wants to get an autograph of his favorite player, Derek Jeter. But when Gideon gets separated from his family at Yankee Stadium after the game, he discovers that the stadium is a lot more magical than he had ever imagined. (Think talking hot dogs, baseballs, and baseball bats!) As Gideon says, “This is the awesomest night ever!” (Older readers can check out Derek Jeter’s middle grade series, starting with The Contract.)

Out of the Ballpark, by Alex Rodriguez
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that even the most famous record-breaking professional athletes were once kids too, learning how to play the game like everyone else. It’s so important to show your aspiring athlete that everyone had to start somewhere, and that even A-Rod made mistakes when he first picked up a baseball bat! This book shows just how young Alex doesn’t give up and puts in the extra work and practice that you need to do in order to become the best.

Play Ball! By Jorge Posada, Robert Burleigh (With), Raul Colon (Illustrator)
This picture book is written by yet another baseball superstar turned children’s book author, Jorge Posada. Play Ball! is based on Jorge’s childhood in Puerto Rico, starting with his father who encouraged him to be the best because good wasn’t good enough. It also depicts his family’s first life-changing trip to Yankee Stadium where young Jorge vows that “Someday I’m going to play here.” A charming book about how with a lot of work and dedication, your dreams really can come true.