A Universal Language
I have the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. I volunteer with a program which supports students who have recently arrived in this country from countries such as Palestine, Peru, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sudan. Most of these middle schoolers don’t have the language skills to communicate well with each other in English. This does not matter when on the soccer field. Here, friendships, fun and competition are universal, as is the sharing of the canon of soccer heroes. Being part of a team, learning new skills and getting a taste of what competition involves, is an integral part of the middle school experience.
More Than a Sports Novel
This list of sports novels highlights stories with characters who are confronted with challenges on the field and off. From their athletic experiences, each of these characters learns how to face life problems, and while tackling their life problems they become better athletes. Each of these titles is more than a sports story
I was inspired by what Coach Martinez says to her players in Hena Kahn’s graphic novel, We Are Big Time: “. . . to value basketball is more than the score.” Middle-grade sports books are more than sports.
We Are Big Time by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui, Alfred A. Knopf, 2024.
“Some of them may not realize that this story is bigger than them. They’re just playing basketball. But they’ve shifted the conversation and what people think an all-Muslim team can be.”
When Aliya moves fromFlorida to Wisconsin, she joins the not-so-great basketball team at her new school, the Peace Academy. With a new coach, the team gains skills and the attention of the media. This gives the team a chance to break down stereotypes and inform the world about Muslim culture. Themes of friendships and jealousy within the team create a captivating story.
El Niño by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Joe Cepeda.
Ever since Kai’s sister’s disappeared he’s had difficulties swimming fast – his times are nowhere near the pool recordshe achieved two years ago. He joins the elite swim team his sister belonged to and discovers more about her disappearance. She was obsessed with a mysterious realm called the Library of Despair and Sorrow. Kai’s search for this mythical place parallels his journey of grief and self-identity. This swimming story with a twist of magical realism and climate themes, is unforgettable.
Seventh grader Hassan thought fasting would be easy-peasy, after all, this is his third year observing Ramadan. But waking up to eat before dawn, fantasizing about food all day, feasting at dusk and going to the mosque at night is a lot. Hassan is having difficulties with the intense soccer practices leading up to the playoffs, and getting his school work done. Initially Hassan keeps his teachers and friends in the dark about his religious practices, and they cannot support him. An unexpected person inspires Hassan to be more open about observing Ramadan. This graphic novel presents details about clothing, prayers, food and Muslim practices in an accessible way.
All or Nothing Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arrango, Random House, 2025.
Puerto Rican seventh-grader Vale, isn’t going to let her recent car crash keep her from being the top fencer she was before her car accident. This novel in verse gives us a deep understanding of the frustration, identity crushing and disappointment Val experiences as she struggles to regain her top status in fencing. She says, “fencing is what makes me me.” Val’s ready to jump back into competing, but her body isn’t. To make matters worse, the new Cuban American fencer seems to have it all. Val’s crush on the new girl complicates everything. This novel is a realistic look at the emotional journey of recovery.
On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim, Penguin Random House, 2025.
In this novel told in alternating points of view we learn how twins Phoebe and Dex haven’t been close since their father died of cancer two years ago. Their personalities are polar opposites, but both love to skate on the ice. Perfectionist Phoebe has her heart set on figure skating, but her dream is thrown for a loop when her skate partner is injured. Due to his practical jokes, laid back attitude, and a new hot shot goalie, Dex doesn’t make the ice hockey team. The twins team up and learn to skate together, and heal together. Phoebe’s realistic crush adds another element to this heartfelt family story.
Inside the Park by Andrea Williams, HarperCollins, 2025
As fun and suspenseful as Home Alone, this novel tackles family dynamics and brings the game of baseball to life. Twelve year old Pumpsie Strickland is having a batting slump. Not only that but he’s batting 0 among his siblings. He says, “I know the ranking of the five Strickland kids. I’m ot number one, two, three, or four. When Pumpsie and a chocolate Lab named Campy accidently get trapped in the stadium, he overhears some skullduggery. His favorite team, the Wildcats, is being threatened. It takes a whole lot of courage, and a ton of hot dogs, to save his team and his place in the family
May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao, Penguin Random House, 2024. 
Yes, chess is a sport! This novel is packed with girl power. It also depicts the performance anxiety that is prevalent in so many sports stories. MayLi is the top chess player in her middle school, and her team is heading to Nationals. Her success has changed everything including her friendship with Ralph, her teammate and friend who has become jealous of her success. The attention May Li gets for being a successful girl player begins to affect her love of the game. MayLi’s new friendship with soccer goalie Marie, helps her realize she is not alone. Her struggles with chess are similar to Marie’s with soccer. MayLi learns she isn’t a pawn, she can make her own moves on the board of life.
Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. As a manager at Pittsburgh’s beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books and talks about kid lit with customers young and old.
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