We continue our series of posts featuring some of the best books in the CA Library collection — today’s featured titles are all about Sports. Follow the links for each book to learn more from the CA Library catalog!
If an eBook and/or audiobook is available, links are also provided (Sora login is required).
Breathing Underwater by Abbey Lee Nash — Seventeen-year-old competitive swimmer Tess Cooper grapples with the upheaval of her carefully planned future following an epilepsy diagnosis, and works to get back in the pool despite her doctor’s advice or her distracting feelings for the new guy. Get the eBook
“A sincere story of approaching a new reality with a competitive edge” (Kirkus Reviews).
A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle For Equal Pay In Women’s Soccer…And Beyond by Elizabeth Rusch — A history of the more than 250 women who have played for the U.S. National Soccer Team and their battle for equal pay.
“The broader conversations and accounts relating to gender equity and equal pay are expansive, encouraging readers to learn more and get involved in this global issue” (Kirkus Reviews).
Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks — It should have been a night of triumph for Alix’s hockey team. But her mean-girl teammate Lindsay decided to start up with her usual rude comments and today Alix, who usually tries to control her anger, let it finally run free. Alix lashes out and before she knows it, her coach is dragging her off Lindsay, and the invitation to the Canada National Women’s U18 Team’s summer camp is on the line.
“A heartfelt graphic novel that is both a perceptive subversion of gender roles and a remarkable tale of unexpected friendship, personal growth, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true self” (Publishers Weekly).
Hurdles In The Dark by Elvira K. Gonzalez — A memoir about survival and strength by Elvira Gonzalez, a Mexican-American track star who found freedom from poverty and violence by training to become one of the top athletes in the U.S.
“An unfiltered and honest account of perseverance, resilience, and defying the odds” (Kirkus Reviews).
In A League Of Her Own: Celebrating Female Firsts In The World of Sports by Bonnie-Jill Laflin — Inspiring stories of nineteen groundbreaking women in the world of sports. Using exclusive interviews and her own unique lens, former NBA scout and NFL cheerleader Bonnie-Jill Laflin captures the remarkable life journeys of these iconic women whose bravery and hard work have changed the face of sports and culture.
“An inspirational introduction to women athletes and women in the sports industry” (Booklist).
Medalist, Volume 1 by Tsurumaikada — Inori dreams of becoming a figure skater. Yet, the obstacles to this dream feel insurmountable: Inori’s already ‘too old’ (she’s 11); she’s always had trouble at school; and, worst of all, her older sister’s skating dreams ended in failure, so Inori’s mother is dead set against putting Inori through it, too.
“Bolstered by dynamic art and a deep understanding of figure skating elements, this manga shines, just like Inori’s skating” (SLJ).
The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Gracia — Three Asian American teen girls look for direction in their lives as they compete against each other at an elite tennis tournament. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
“Gracia — a former D1 collegiate player — imbues the narrative with insider knowledge and traces the competition as the girls move through their draws and navigate romance, racism, and friendship” (Publishers Weekly).
Our Fight: A Memoir by Ronda Rousey — From the moment she burst onto the MMA scene, Ronda Rousey was unbeatable; a superstar in her sport. Then it all came crashing down. In this memoir, Rousey explores the greatest challenge of her life and, ultimately, how she rebuilt her career into something better in the aftermath.
“This no-holds-barred, transformative story offers behind-the-scenes WWE secrets, including revelations about its management, including WWE founder Vince McMahon” (Booklist).
Shadowed by Cark Deuker — Award-winning author Carl Deuker serves up another fast-paced sports novel about basketball and friendship. Nate plays soccer, but he doesn’t love it. He plays because it’s what his family expects. When Lucas Cawley moves in across the street, he and Nate find common ground in their fierce games of one-on-one basketball, and it’s not long before Nate realizes that hoops is his sport, and he has an ax to grind with star players Colin and Bo, who have disrespected him for years. Get the eBook
“High-octane gameplay and action-packed chapters propel this empathetic sports novel with an emotional arc that tugs at the heartstrings” (Publishers Weekly).
We Are Mayhem by Beck Rourke-Mooney — Following her family’s move to the Catskills, seventeen-year-old Birdie must overcome her desire to blend in so she can help her new friend Abigail Rose, the granddaughter of former professional wrestler Mad Mabel, take her family’s male-dominated indie wrestling promotion in a new, more feminist direction.
“Rourke-Mooney’s offbeat debut explores wrestling, gender nonconformity, femme friendships, and finding one’s bliss and true self” (Publishers Weekly).
Find even more great sports in these previous posts!
