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).
All The Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis — A Black, autistic teen tries to figure out what happened the night his older brother was unjustly arrested in this propulsive, moving story about brotherhood, identity, and social justice. Get the eBook
“An atmospheric gridiron tale that highlights the complexities of team sports, friendship, and bias” (Kirkus Reviews).
The American Game: History and Hope In The Country Of Lacrosse by S.L. Price — From “the master of new journalism [who always] hits it over the fence” (New York Times), this is the scintillating story of lacrosse — the game invented by the Haudenosaunee, played with more passion than any other. Based on seven years of research and observation and crafted with consummate skill, The American Game takes readers inside a unique cultural landscape that nonetheless reflects the wider world.
“A thorough and honest accounting of a sport with a checkered past but promising future, this book should be mandatory reading for every lacrosse player, parent, and coach” (Booklist).
COMING SOON! Coming Home by Brittney Griner — From basketball icon Brittney Griner comes a captivating memoir about her journey from early athletic stardom to her page-turning account of how she persevered in a Russian prison. On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner arrived in Moscow ready to play for a Russian women’s basketball team. Instead, a security checkpoint became her gateway to hell and she was arrested for mistakenly carrying a small amount of an illegal substance in Russia. Brittney’s world was violently upended in a crisis that would capture the interest of an entire nation. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
“A chronicle of rebounding against unthinkable odds; Griner’s voice and faith ring clear in this story of survival” (Kirkus Reviews).
COMING SOON! Just Between Us by Adeline Kon — In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition. Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she’s been the one to beat since her debut years ago. Except now, something is missing in her performances — a spark that’s been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia’s passion for skating has disappeared. Get the eBook
“A must-read sports romance with beautiful LGBTQ representation that evaluates how we show up for one another and ourselves” (Booklist).
One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller — Grace Woodhouse has left a lot behind. She used to have a great friend group, an amazing girlfriend, and a right foot set to earn her a Division I football scholarship — before she came out as trans. As senior year begins, Grace is struggling to find her place in early transition, new social circles, and a life without football. But when her skills as the best kicker in the state prove to be vital, her old teammates beg her to come out of retirement, dragging her back into a sport — into a way of life — she thought had turned its back on her forever. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
“In this story set near Buffalo, New York, debut author Zeller speaks well to her roots as a native Western New Yorker, Bills fan, and trans woman” (Booklist).
Play It Forward: How Women Are Changing Sports to Change the World by the TOGETHXR collective — The future of women’s sports is being built today. This inspiring collection of stories highlights incredible female athletes who have changed the game for the next generation. Get the Audiobook
“Succeeds in elevating a diverse range of women’s voices and highlights a broad coalition of sisterhoods fighting for and pursuing athletic goals” (Booklist).
Rhino’s Run by Robert Lipsyte — Ronnie Rhinehart, better known as Rhino on the field, is the captain of his high school team in Woodhaven, a small town obsessed with football. His only goal is to earn a Division I football scholarship so he can escape this town forever. Until the day he punches another kid in the face. To avoid serious punishment and stay in school, Ronnie is forced to join Group, a cast of misfits who discuss their feelings with a counselor.
“Ron is a very personable protagonist — gruff and direct, yet thoughtful and compassionate — and through his POV, the reader is able to feel the aspects of his life pushing and pulling him in all directions” (Booklist).
COMING SOON! The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald — From award-winning author Tommy Greenwald comes a thrilling companion novel to Game Changer that explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents will go to make sure their kid comes out on top. Cal Klondike’s life revolves around baseball. He’s the Walthorne Baseball Academy’s star pitcher, and everyone from his coach to his dad to the town sports blogger is telling Cal he has an unlimited future in the sport. But with all this attention comes a lot of added stress, especially as the season kicks into high gear and college and pro scouts start to show up at the games. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
“Sports fans, especially baseball players, will enjoy the characters and perhaps identify with the pressure to succeed outside the classroom” (SLJ).
This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph — Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now Ossie must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
“Both heartening and heartbreaking, this richly layered, sensitive YA fiction debut unflinchingly confronts systemic racism, classism, and homophobia via a powerful story of self-discovery and social justice that aims, shoots, and scores” (Publishers Weekly).
Find even more great sports titles in these previous posts!
