Are you looking for some Bowling children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Bowling is a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Bowling books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Bowling, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Mitchell Goes Bowling by Hallie Durand
Battle on! Head to the lanes for another hilarious, high-energy story as four-year-old Mitchell and his obliging dad strike a winning deal.
Mitchell liked to knock things down.
That’s just how he rolled.
One Saturday, when Mitchell almost knocks down his dad, his dad catches him and puts him in the car. And when they step into the bowling alley, Mitchell feels right at home. Pizza! Giant crashing noises! Special shoes!
But as Mitchell picks up the biggest ball and quickly learns the word gutter, and when Dad does a little kick with his leg and earns a big X on the scoreboard, Mitchell starts to get peevish. How can Mitchell get a chance to do a steaming-hot-potato-dance too?
Literacy Extensions:
- Bowling Literature List
- Classroom Booklet: “All About Bowling”
- Bowling Counting
- My Bowling Story: Student Worksheets
2. The Bowling Lane Without Any Strikes by Steve Brezenoff
This book is from the field trip mystery series. Cat Duran and her friends are suspicious when their classmate, a champion bowler, only bowls gutter balls during a bowling field trip. What is happening? Read to find what the mystery is all about.
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Bowl” Classroom Book
- “Bowling Counting” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Soap Bowling vs Gum Bowling
- Bowling Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Unicorn Bowling by Dana Simpson
A unicorn in bowling shoes is quite a STRIKE-ing sight. But for nine-year-old Phoebe Howell, it’s just another fun outing with her best friend, the illustrious unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.
This unique and magical friendship is at the heart of the ninth Phoebe and Her Unicorn collection, which includes adventures such as writing original songs, publishing rival news websites, and making a summer visit to the exclusive Camp Shimmerhorn.
Life with a unicorn BFF is not without its challenges, however, and whether it’s homework, friction with classmates, or talent show jitters, Unicorn Bowling is full of amusing, heartwarming reminders that when the going gets tough, the tough get sparkling.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “To Bowl”
- Bowling Story Parts Worksheet
- Tissue Paper Bowling Bowl Art Project
- Bowling Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Bowling in Action by Nikki Walker
Children of any age, size, or strength can enjoy an afternoon of bowling. Kids will be bowled over by the sport’s great subtlety and technique.
Bowling in Action uses bright photos and diagrams to complement clear text that explains how to bowl. It teaches the basics of five and ten pin bowling.
Also, the proper grip and how to put a spin on the ball. The fun and challenges of bowling in a league are included and what to do when faced with difficult shots. You also learn how to keep a score and ways to improve your average.
5. A Day at the Bowling Alley With Friends by Christopher David
A Day at the Bowling Alley with Friends is a story about bullying and prescription drug awareness. It seems like every day we hear about another child being bullied by someone. It is a huge problem in schools today.
Also, prescription drugs are prevalent in society and problematic for children and adults nowadays. It is our hope that A Day at the Bowling Alley with Friends will teach the child that bullying and prescription drug use is wrong. So, remember that when there is bullying, danger, drugs or violence YELL NO! LETS GO!
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Bowling” Classroom Book
- Bowling Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Bowling Snake Art Project
- Bowling Add & Subtract Match Game
6. The Alley Gator Bowling Book by Joe Lacey
Who’s that cool dude on the lane?! Why, it’s Alley Gator, and he loves to bowl! And he’s here to teach you how to score! Have you sat at a bowling alley and watched the automatic scorer total up each game without fully understanding how or why these numbers popped up on the screen? Are you tired of asking someone else to keep score for you?
This book takes you on an illustrated step-by-step game of bowling where you will learn how to keep score like a pro! Unlike other bowling scoring instructions, Alley Gator considers all scenarios (Open, Spare, Strike, Double) with clear and concise language that is easy to follow. A great book for beginners, anyone who wants to brush up on how to score, and anyone who wants a fun and simple way to explain the rules and lingo of bowling.
Literacy Extensions:
- Bowling Word Bank
- Bowling Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Bowling Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Bowling Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Pinny the Bowling Pin by Leah Ward
Bowling Pin’s have feelings, too, in this funny, uplifting and overcoming story of the pin who felt alone because he couldn’t seem to do what all the other pins did – fall. Poor Pinny just wants to fit in. He is tired of being the last bowling pin standing, making it nearly impossible for kids to bowl a strike.
Everyone dislikes the last pin, the lone pin, the one who won’t fall no matter how many others do. As if it isn’t bad enough that the kids don’t like him, even the other pins don’t! He is making them look bad after all. But maybe Pinny wasn’t meant to fit in? Maybe he was meant for something greater! Perhaps a doctor, a rockstar, or even the President!
Kids will be imagining their own humorous occupations for Pinny and sharing a laugh with the lovable character and the author who finally revealed the truth behind the bowling pins’ lives. This story is a perfect gift for anti-bullying, for a reminder to kids never give up, and for those who just want to know why it’s so difficult to bowl a strike!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Bowling Senses” Student Booklet
- Bowling Make a Short Vowel Word
- Bowling Sight Word Games
- Bowling Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. I Can Bowl by Linda Johns
From the book series, A Rookie Reader here is another “I Can” Book all about bowling. A boy and his mother decide to go bowling. He demonstrates for his mom how to play the game.
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Went to the Bowling” Classroom Book
- Bowling Letter & Sound Match Game
- Bowling Build a Word
- Bowling Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Bowling children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Bowling 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.”
