This Is the Game

by Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander

HarperCollins Children’s Books, ages 3–8, $16.99

America’s sport is played in dirty alleys and in bright, sunny diamonds in this tribute to both baseball legends and kids playing pick-up games. Jackie Robinson, “Dizzy” Dean, and the Great Bambino make appearances and show off the finer points of the game in this beautifully illustrated book.

Michele Smith’s Book of Good Softball Cheer

by Michele Smith and Lawrence Hsieh

Wish Publishing, $16.95

This guide introduces softball to girls in a step-by-step approach that covers everything from proper batting form to the difficulties of dealing with a tough coach. Olympic gold medalist Smith references her own experiences throughout the book while encouraging girls to play to their best ability and to develop leadership skills.

A Winning Goal

by Laurie Calkhoven

American Girl Publishing, Inc., ages 8+, $8.95

Every girl is the star of her own story with this choose-your-own-ending tale of friendship on and off the soccer field. Readers chose whether to pass the ball or play it, whether to help teammates or work on their own game, and how to talk to coaches. With so many different choices, girls can easily read this again and again.

Down Broadway: Pitching and Catching Techniques for the Modern Player

Featuring Lefty Dever

Bobby Woods Productions, $19.99

This instructional video teaches baseball players of any age proper techniques of pitching, catching, hitting, and throwing. Featuring former Chicago Cub Bobby Woods and pitching coach Lefty Dever, the video provides tips for encouraging teammates to improve their forms as well. 

Coaching Kids: All Team Sports

by Frank (Duke) Watts

Price World Publishing, $14.95

Duke Watts has coached a variety of teams over the course of nearly three decades, a career that provided the material for Coaching Kids. The stories in this book are those all coaches can relate to, and the book provides answers to the issues such as problem parents, difficult coaches, and making every child feel included.

Recommended for you:

Ready to read Dino Mazes: The Colossal Fossil Book Ready, Steady, Go Mr. Croc: A Flap and Pop Up Book BOOK SHELF // Letters From Camp Book Shelf – Pioneers, explorers, and heroes Books for babies Board book treasures The Smallest Girl In The Smallest Grade MN local book: Daisy Finds Her Pack Music to kids’ ears Why I’m reading ‘White Fragility’ Finding a lost stuffy is the heart of this story