While fitness and the performing arts may not instantly seem like a natural pairing, these important activities for the body and mind can foster teamwork, discipline, emotional intelligence and confidence. Books uplifting their values for young people are featured here.
Board Books
“My Mom Loves… Music”/“My Mom Loves… Sports”
by Nancy Kers
From the earliest age, it is important for babies and toddlers to recognize that their parents are multidimensional. Here, the benefits of music and sports for adults and children are extolled in simple terms that show how mimicking behaviors can expose small children to their parents’ beloved pastimes.
Picture Books
“Decoy Saves Opening Day”
by Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank
Based on the real-life experiences of the reigning Major League Baseball MVP and his dog Decoy, this fun and colorful romp describes what happened when Shohei’s dog suddenly disappeared before he was supposed to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day. Told from Decoy’s perspective, the madcap events feature the importance of perseverance, focus and the love shared between a man and his canine.
Early Elementary
“Sports Are Fun!”
by Zaila Avant-garde
The author, a National Spelling Bee winner, turns her attention to the options available to kids who want to follow an athletic pursuit. In simple language and joyful illustrations, a multitude of choices are mentioned that children will want to both identify and try for themselves.
“Lucy Lancaster in the Spotlight”
by Willow Coven
In this entry in the Lucy Lancaster series, the title character thinks she’s ready for her recital and plans to use her magic at the right moment to steal the show. But disaster strikes, and she needs to pivot to avoid ruining everything. Through amusing circumstances and energetic illustrations, Lucy learns the importance of practice and dedication while not simply relying on happenstance.
Middle Grade
“School Dance”
by Sarah Sax
Every time Milo tries to dance at an event, catastrophe strikes. With the winter dance coming up, he wants to participate but only sees disaster in his future. Enter his abuela, Dalia, who encourages Milo to attend her Tejano dance club meetings to learn some moves and overcome his fears. Milo’s best friends’ own antics and energetic, humor-filled illustrations add comic relief as the Snowball Soiree approaches. Will Milo manage to let go of his past and overcome his two left feet?
Teens
“All the Noise at Once”
by DeAndra Davis
Winner of this year’s Morris Award for the best debut book for teens, this exceptional novel features two brothers and Florida high school football. Standout quarterback Brandon is a lock, but when his younger, autistic brother Aiden also makes the team, a fight breaks out, the police are called and Brandon is taken away. This book offers a fast-paced, immersive look at how an autistic person sees the world, particularly in difficult and unfair circumstances, and the complex dynamics of athletics, racism and brotherhood.
