<p>This novel-in-verse by Kwame Alexander won the prestigious <a href="http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/awardsus/a/newbery05.htm" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Newbery Medal in 2015</a>. It&#39;s the story of twin brothers who are stars of their middle school basketball team, but face struggles on and off the court. Their dad, a former pro player, teaches them 10 rules for basketball, which also work as life lessons. Ages 10-14.</p><p>This young adult novel by Amy Fellner Dominy tells the story of 16-year-old Abby, a talented and super-competitive swimmer. When Abby is diagnosed with a heart condition, she faces a totally changed future—one that can&#39;t include chasing her dreams of Olympic glory. The question is, how much disappointment can her heart take? <a href="https://www.verywell.com/book-review-a-matter-of-heart-1257331" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">Read a review of <em>A Matter of Heart</em></a>. Ages 12 and up.</p><p>This award-winning novel by Edward Bloor centers on 12-year-old Paul, a legally blind &#34;geek&#34; who finds a way to shine as a soccer player. The book takes on big, sometimes dark themes head-on, making it a compelling read. Ages 9 to 13.</p><p>Henry &#34;Biggie&#34; Abbott has always been very smart, very overweight, and very much an outcast. Pitching a perfect game of Whiffle ball changes that, and Biggie has to decide if he wants to try to follow in the footsteps of his father and stepfather—both baseball legends. This is the first novel for author Derek E. Sullivan. Ages 13 and up.</p><p>In this book by acclaimed author <a href="http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/authorsillustrato/a/Walter-Dean-Myers-And-His-Books-For-Teens.htm" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Walter Dean Myers</a>, a high school senior named Drew is counting on his basketball skills to get him into college. When a rival teammate begins to pose a threat, Drew has to reconsider everything he knows about himself and his game. Ages 13 and up.</p>This anthology of eight short stories gives kids a taste of different authors and the challenges their characters face. Sports represented include track, football, martial arts, and even Ping Pong and dirt bike riding. Ages 9-14.<p>Sportswriter John Feinstein (<em>A Good Walk Spoiled</em>) authored this book about two aspiring journalists who win press passes to the Final Four basketball tournament. Once there, they discover some serious behind-the-scenes intrigue. Ages 10 and up.</p>This is the first in a three-book series about D.J., a teenage girl who lives on a Wisconsin dairy farm. As if going to school, working the farm, and dealing with family issues weren&#39;t enough, D.J. also decides to try out for the high school football team. Ages 12 and up.Making it to a national baseball tournament turns out to be way more complicated than Josh bargained for in this sequel to <em>Baseball Great</em> (both by Tim Green). It&#39;s an exciting tale full of twists and turns, and a genuine love of the game. Ages 10-13.<p>In this novel by Chris Crutcher, Bo is a would-be triathlete whose temper often gets him in serious trouble. Facing expulsion from school, he is forced into anger management classes. There he meets the mentor who will help him face his feelings and channel them into athletic and personal success. Ages 14 and up (contains some strong language).</p>