It's often difficult for young boys, especially reluctant readers, to find books that really capture their attention. The best books for boys are often funny, exciting adventure stories, and the most popular books for boys tend to be fantasy novels. But for kids who would rather read about baseball than dragons, there are lots of great options.
Wild Pitch, Matt Christopher
Wild Pitch is a baseball story with a serious side. Boys who really care about the sport and take themselves seriously will love this one.
Wild Pitch follows a boy who has issues about girls playing baseball, until he throws a “wild pitch” and hits a girl in the head, sending her to the hospital. His incredible guilt allows him to reconsider his opinions, and he visits her in the hospital, slowly becoming close friends. The climax of the book comes when he must face his new friend on the baseball field.
Matt Christopher's sports books for boys are great reads, especially for readers at a lower reading level. These books use characters and concepts appropriate for 12 year old boys, but can be read by 8 and 9 year old boys.
Heat, Mike Lupica
Heat is another baseball book that, while baseball is the main focus and draw, also studies serious issues.
In Heat, 12 year old immigrant Michael Arroyo is an amazing pitcher. However, soon people begin to wonder how a 12 year old can play so well, and question his age. With no parents and no papers, will he be deported?
Like Wild Pitch, Heat is a great book for boys reading below their age group as well as for younger readers looking for a more serious take on sports.
Summerland, Michael Chabon
A more lighthearted and fantastical take on the sport, Summerland follows Ethan Feld, an absolutely terrible little-league player. He loves the game, but cannot play to save his life.
Unfortunately, he'll have to learn to do just that, not only for his own life, but for the world. He is dragged to the Summerland, a mythical place of Native American legend, to save his father, and must defeat Coyote in the most important game of baseball ever in order to save both worlds.
Summerland is a longer, more rambling work, great for baseball fans and boys ages 11 or 12 who are strong readers but bored by most books out there.
The best books for boys can be in any genre with any subject, and these popular baseball books are great reads. For boys who prefer ice rinks to infields, check out this list of hockey books for boys. And for boys who love a laugh, here's a list of hilarious books for reluctant readers.
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