Are you looking for some Basketball themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for
Basketball can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Basketball books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Basketball by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Little Basketball by Brad Herzog
A book that even the smallest of fans can enjoy. If basketball is their favorite sport this is a story for them. It’s rhyming riddles help the reader learn the basic elements of the game of basketball.
These rhyming riddles are accompanied by some colorful artwork to help introduce the reader to the game of basketball at its simplest form.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: To Play Basketball
- Basketball Student Color and Count Booklet
- Basketball Venn Diagram
- Basketball Coffee Filter Art Project
2. J is for Jump Shot by Michael Ulmer
From basketball’s first jump ball and its humble beginnings at a YMCA with a couple of peach baskets this book tells the story of basketball. It is a perfect introduction to the game.
Whether you are a voracious or reluctant reader, this book will entertain. You will learn the rules, fundamentals famous players and famous plays. It includes final buzzer moments and the glamour of an NBA slam!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: When I Play Basketball
- Story Retelling: Act it Out
- Basketball Math Dice Games
- B is for Basketball Art Project
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3. The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Stephen Curry
The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy who many said was too short to play in high school, too weak to play in college and not good enough to play in the NBA.
Against all odds, this small boy who follows his dream, not only makes it to the NBA, but becomes one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Basketball
- Basketball Story Parts Worksheet
- Basketball Paper Plate Triceratops Art Project
- Basketball Hoop & Basketballs Number Match Game
4. My First Book of Basketball by Sports Illustrated
This book coaches young kids through the game of basketball with a visual retelling of a professional basketball game. From the jump ball to the game-winning basket! Dribbling, passing, traveling, shooting, dunks, and more are all explained. There is a fun mix of action photography, simple text, a full glossary of terms, and awesome graphics.
A girl, Gabby, and a boy, Sprat appear on every page, providing fun facts and simple explanations to help kids better understand the game. Perfect for emerging readers from preschool up.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Basketball”
- “All About Basketball” Student Booklet
- “Basketball Senses” Student Story
- Basketball Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Nobody Wants to Play With a Ball Hog by Julie Gassman
Tyler couldn’t believe it when he discovered his super ability while playing basketball with his dad. He’s a perfect shot! Since he can’t miss, he quits passing to his teammates.
Soon the other teams figure out how to stop him, and his teammates get mad. When will Tyler learn that nobody wants to play with a ball hog?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I Were a Basketball
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Basketball Venn Diagram
- Basketball Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Basketball Break by C.C. Joven
An easy-reader story with a good sports message for kids. Lucas likes playing basketball, but he is a ball hog. He does not pass the ball to his other teammates!
Can Lucas learn to pass the ball? This reader showcases how to be a team player. A good sportsmanship lesson for everyone to learn!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: To Play Basketball
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Basketball Sight Word Game
- Basketball Numbers & Ten Frames
7. Let’s Play Basketball by Charles R. Smith Jr.
This book stars a talking basketball that makes a poetic plea to its young owner for some game time. It is bored and wants the little boy to take it out to play.
The text bounces and soars like the ball narrator: “I’ll turn and skip and leap and rise as I bounce off the sun and swish through clouds so high.” The acrylic art illustrations create a cheery, full-bleed cartoon backdrop for this wonderful story.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Basketball Story” Classroom Book
- Basketball Student Story
- Basketball Letter & Sound Match
- Basketball Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Basket Ball by Esme Raji
A slam dunk picture book that will appeal to girlie girls and sporty girls alike. Lulu prefers playing basketball to playing with dolls. So, when the boys won’t let her join their school-yard team, she decides to host a Basket Ball!
Ball gowns are traded in for sequined basketball jerseys and high-top heels! Girls travel from all over the world to attend the ball, shooting hoops, showing off their skills, and forming a league of their own. The book includes a glossary of basketball terms.
Literacy Extensions:
- Basketball Writing Station Words
- Basketball Build a Word
- Basketball Art Project
- Basketball Roll & Bump Math Game
Finally, there are so many Basketball children’s books you can choose from. From Basketball fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
