Read All About African-American Athletes

If you have game fans in your house, then sports books may be at the top of your family’s reading list. Your kids can get to know famous African-American athletes through engaging books filled with fascinating stories, detailed trivia, colorful pictures, and inspiring accomplishments.

1. All-Time Greats

There’s nothing like reading about a legend. Your young kids may be captivated by Michael Jordan: Flying High and Tiger Woods: Major Winner. Both books are from the Epic Sports Bios series. Older students might want to check out Muhammad Ali: The Greatest.

2. Today’s Hottest Stars

Today’s playing fields are filled with African-American athletes who are racking up points and winning fans’ hearts. Whether your kids have been following these players for a few years or just learning about them for the first time, they’ll enjoy getting to know these talented individuals.

To narrow down the vast selection of African-American athletes books to read, considering browsing by the sport:

Baseball: Mookie Betts
Basketball: Basketball Superstar Kevin Durant, A’ja Wilson, LeBron James
Football: Von Miller, Odell Beckham Jr.
Gymnastics: Gymnastics Superstar Simone Biles
Tennis: Sloane Stephens

For even more African-American athlete books online, be sure to check out the Amazing Athletes series, which is packed with engaging titles for elementary students.

3. Sports History

Trailblazing players broke down walls of discrimination and showed the world what African-American athletes could do. Reading about those incredible players is essential for any true sports fan. Books to check out include Something to Prove, Play Ball, Jackie!, and Game Changer tell such stories in picture book format. The Negro Leagues takes a nonfiction approach to chronicling baseball history.

Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game

4. An Author to Know

As you’re searching for African-American athlete books for kids, be sure to check out author Elliott Smith. He’s a Black writer who specializes in books for young readers. On LightSail, you’ll find three Smith titles that feature African-American athletes: Serena Williams, Zion Williamson, and Trae Young.

Once your kids read through all the books on this list, LightSail still has plenty more to offer. Our libraries are packed with sports-themed biographies, stories, videos, and articles. Be sure to explore the Sports Encyclopedia for additional information on famous Black athletes.

Posted on 2.Feb.22 in Book Recommendations

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