Who’s Got Game?

Valeria "Magic" Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state. That changes at the State Cup semi-final when Valeria gets her first period while Wearing. White. Shorts. After her team is unexpectedly eliminated, she goes from their secret weapon to their scapegoat. With the support of her grandmother and BFF, Valeria finds herself on a girls’ team, but not welcomed. Valeria spent years ignoring their existence, and the Amazons remember. The next tournament is coming and Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Fiction nominee, 2024

Ice-skater Mina is on a one-track path to Olympic gold and glory—that is, until she totally wipes out at her biggest competition, and is kinda-sorta-kidnapped by undead kids on roller skates. Sucked into the high stakes world of Paranormal Roller Derby, she finds herself "recruited" by a squad of vampires who need a human player to complete their team—just in time to save the league from losing it all.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

On day one at PICA, Molly discovers that—through some horrible twist of fate—her full-ride scholarship has vanished! But the ancient texts (PICA's dusty financial aid documents) reveal a loophole. If Molly and 9 other art students win a single game of softball, they'll receive a massive athletic scholarship. Can Molly's crew of ragtag artists succeed in softball without dropping the ball?
Young Adult Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

Connor loves practicing taekwondo at his dojang. Having ADHD means he has to work a little harder to keep his focus during sparring sessions, but that doesn't stop him from mastering new forms and rising through the taekwondo ranks. However, when Wyatt--Connor's nemesis--starts training at the same dojang, staying focused suddenly becomes a lot harder. Can Connor persevere and find his focus in time for the big tournament?
Elementary/Middle-Grade Fiction submission, 2024

Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri athlete from Mexico, is internationally known for winning ultramarathons in her traditional skirts and rubber sandals. She runs in the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, “the light-footed people,” to show that her people and their way of life are alive and thriving—outpacing runners in modern, high-tech gear and capturing the world’s attention. Lorena’s career as an athlete is an inspiring real-life example of the power of perseverance that will encourage young readers to follow their own dreams.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world's toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. Minda, paralyzed as an infant in India, was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, where she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches. She faced many challenges in deciding to train for and compete in triathlons. Minda's persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what's possible!
Elementary Nonfiction submission, 2024

More than 250 women have played on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and most contributed to the battle for equal pay. This narrative nonfiction book by the award-winning author and journalist Elizabeth Rusch traces the evolution of that fight, bringing this important rights issue in sports and in our culture to the attention of young readers.
High School Nonfiction nominee, 2024

It's 2006 and Elvira's hometown of Laredo, Texas, has become engulfed by the Mexican Drug War. Elvira's life is unraveling around her—setting her on a harrowing path that leads her to being sent to one of South Texas's worst juvenile detention centers. After Elvira's released from juvie, she's resolved to never go back. Her unexpected salvation arrives in the form of 33-inch-high plastic hurdles. Determined to win a track scholarship, Elvira begins breaking into the school, alone, at 5:30 in the morning to practice hurdling. Soon, she catches the attention of a renowned high school coach. Elvira experiences the dangers many young athletes face, especially those who are marginalized. In spite of these towering obstacles, Elvira eventually becomes one of the top ranked hurdlers in the USA and the first in her family to go to college.
High School Nonfiction nominee, 2024

In her circus performances, Katie Sandwina bent steel bars, broke chains, and carried a cannon! She could lift up men with one hand and twirl them around! In era when "proper ladies" were expected to be helpless and frail, Katie showed the world that women could be powerful—and not just in the circus ring.
Elementary Nonfiction submission, 2024

What's it like playing against your brother in the Super Bowl? Only Travis and Jason Kelce can answer that question! Read all about what these NFL superstar brothers enjoy doing—on and off the football field—in this inspiring Little Golden Book Biography.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

Triumphant, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood stories of a diverse group of international athletes who have captured the world’s attention at the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, like Simone Biles, Jesse Owens, Naomi Osaka, Tatyana McFadden, and 12 other incredible Olympians.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL when he played one shift with the New York Rangers in 1948. He broke hockey's color barrier and fought racism and discrimination at every step of his career. From his humble beginnings on the outdoor rinks in Vernon, British Columbia's Chinatown to playing at Madison Square Garden and in the NHL, this inspiring hero has a timeless story for young readers.
Middle Grade Nonfiction submission, 2024

Despite being named after a famous ballerina, little Mia Hamm never cared for pirouettes. Instead, she chased the ball: baseball, basketball, and especially soccer. Since she was often the only girl on her sports teams, she had a hard time making friends. But when fifteen-year-old Mia made the U.S. women’s national soccer team, everything changed. All around her, young women tackled and dribbled, passed and kicked, scored, and screamed. She was determined not to let her team down.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

Ninth grader Jonah is not a jock. On the contrary, he loves history class and nerdy movies, and his athletic ineptitude verges on tragic. So what’s he doing signing up for the baseball team? Could it have something to do with the cute shortstop, Elliot? For the rest of high school, Jonah faces challenges on and off the baseball field, from heteronormative social pressure to thrilling romance. Realizing who his real friends are, he figures out what really matters and finally recognizes and embraces his gay identity.
Young Adult Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

Lucy’s father is a minor league baseball player, a professional pitcher hoping to get called up to the majors, and Lucy inherited his passion for the game. This summer, Lucy wants to learn to throw the perfect knuckleball. She wakes up at the crack of dawn to practice in secret. Even as she trains relentlessly, Lucy wonders if she’ll ever feel brave enough to share her progress with her mom or dad. Can she prove to them, and herself, that she has what it takes?
Elementary/Middle-Grade Fiction nominee, 2024

When Althea Gibson first dreamed of joining the big American tennis leagues, she was denied because she was Black. Angela Buxton dreamed of joining the best tennis clubs in Britain, but she was rejected because she was Jewish. When Angela heard that Althea was coming to Britain to compete, she skipped school to see the match. If Althea didn't let hatred stop her from playing the game she loved, Angela wouldn't either.
Elementary Nonfiction submission, 2024

When college freshman Grace Mendes reluctantly attends her first pillow fight match, she falls in love with the surprisingly gritty sport. Despite her usually shy, introverted, and reserved nature, Grace decides to try out for the Pillow Fight Federation (PFF), a locally famous league of fighters with larger-than-life personas like Pain Eyre, Miss Fortune, and champion Kat Atonic. They may battle with pillows, but there is nothing soft about these fighters. Grace struggles with deep-seated body image issues, so she is especially shocked when she makes the competitive league and is welcomed into the fold of close knit, confident fighters. As her first official fight performing as newly crafted alter-ego/ring persona Cinderhella looms on the horizon, the real battle taking place is between Grace and her growing insecurities. What if people laugh or make fun of her? Why did she think she could pillow fight in the first place when she doesn’t look like your “typical” athlete?
Young Adult Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

Naomi Osaka grew up in Japan and the US, with one foot in each place. But wherever she was, she loved to play tennis—and she worked hard at it too, always practicing and improving. Many people doubted that she would make it as a professional player, but she persisted and showed the world that she is a champion. Her talent on the court and her activism for racial justice and mental health causes off it have made Naomi an inspiration to fans everywhere.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

Bouncing back from a broken arm should be no big deal—but when Ty spends a month off the swim team the thought of getting back in the water is suddenly not as fun as it used to be. After weeks of ignoring his friends, Ty isn't sure how to connect with them again in summer camp. After so long without swimming he's out of shape and afraid of failing in front of them. With his friendships fracturing, will Ty be able to gain confidence in himself and fix everything before it's too late?
Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

Nothing could stop Toni “Tomboy” Stone from playing baseball—not even her parents. The only girl on a church team, she persevered as insults were hurled her way from the boy players. She caught the attention of former major leaguer Gabby Street, and with Coach Street’s training, Toni managed to earn a spot in the minor leagues. Toni’s persistence and optimism were not enough to win over the Jim Crow South crowds nor her male teammates. Coaches put her in the starting lineup and then benched her early, every game, no matter her results. But her talent got noticed and she was signed by the Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first woman to break into the pros.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru “Wat” Misaka often felt like he didn’t fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States. Then Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball. He was a key player, leading both his high school and college championships. But could he finally achieve his dream of playing basketball professionally?
Elementary Nonfiction submission, 2024

As a kid, Wataru Misaka channeled his endless energy into playing sports. Every Sunday, he raced to the park where his Japanese American community came together to play basketball. Wat wasn't the tallest on the team, but he was fast and loved the game! Wat was a college student when the US government forced more than 122,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast into incarceration camps during WWII. He overcame racism and segregation to join his college's basketball team but despite Wat's impressive skills, he was treated as an outsider because he was Japanese American. Wat kept his eye on the ball, and his team-player mentality made him shine on and off the court. He became an inspiration to his Japanese American community. After helping Utah University's basketball team win the national championship in 1947, Wat was drafted by the New York Knicks, making him the first person of color to play in the NBA.
Elementary Nonfiction nominee, 2024

Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink. Aliya’s still excited to have teammates and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn't know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast... if they could just start to win. Join Aliya and the Peace Academy on a headline-making season where they strengthen their skills and their Muslim identities--all while discovering that it takes more than talent to be great, and that teamwork and self-confidence can define true success.
Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel nominee, 2024

From superstar author Derrick Barnes, here is a middle-grade celebration of the people and stories that helped shape the game of basketball, from unsung pioneers to unforgettable moments of the game. This book will hit you like a three-pointer from half-court!
Middle Grade Fiction nominee, 2024