March is coming up and that means basketball! Check out these fun March Madness books to get your students excited about the sport and reading. Each one makes a great read aloud for the elementary classroom.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the March Madness Books on my Youtube channel.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
March Madness Books for Kids
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
Michael Jordan’s mother and sister team up for this heartwarming and inspirational picture book about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.
As a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he’d never grow tall enough to play the game. That’s when his parents shared the lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion—patience, determination, and hard work.
Click here to grab the setting goals lesson for Salt in His Shoes!
Dream Big by Deloris Jordan
Olympic dreams come true in this inspiring picture book from Michael Jordan’s mother
Long before he became a professional All-Star basketball player, Michael Jordan had dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal. With dedication and perseverance, that’s exactly what he did. This picture book gives a glimpse into his childhood and emphasizes the role that good values play in success.
Allie’s Basketball Dream by Barbara Barber
Basketball is Allie’s favorite sport. She’s loved it ever since her father took her to her first game at Madison Square Garden. When her dad gives her a new basketball of her own, she hits the neighborhood courts, full of confidence. Once there, her enthusiasm ebbs as her shots fall short of the basket-at least at first.
Allie’s story of self-determination is one that young athletes, both boys and girls, will recognize. Perfect for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of practicing and playing hard. Allie’s Basketball Dream is a spirited tribute to perseverance.
Above the Rim by Jen Bryant
Before there was Michael Jordan or LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, there was Elgin Baylor, shooting, passing, and soaring through the air like no basketball player before him. Here is the story of the basketball icon and African American civil rights advocate.
Hall-of-famer Baylor was one of basketball’s greatest players—an innovative athlete, team player, and quiet force for change. One of the first professional African American players, he inspired others on and off the court. But when traveling for away games, many hotels and restaurants turned Elgin away because he was Black.
The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio
The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This 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 boy follows his dream. He not only makes it to the NBA, but becomes one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
I Got Next by Daria Peoples-Riley
A young basketball player is practicing for an upcoming game while his shadow urges him to play hard and leave his heart on the court. It gives him the encouragement he needs to overcome pregame jitters and join the competition. A story of hard work, dedication, and the love of the game.
I Got Next encourages hard work and determination and celebrates the imagination and the joy of basketball.
Swish! The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters by Suzanne Slade
The true story of the high-flying Harlem Globetrotters — the team that changed basketball forever. In this book you will find The Harlem Globetrotters, who played the most groundbreaking, breathtaking ball the world had ever seen. With rhythmic writing and dynamic illustrations, Swish! is a celebration of the greatness, goodness, and grit of this remarkable team.
Bravo Tavo by Brian Meunier
Knowing his father is too concerned with the drought affecting their village to pay attention to the issue of his son’s worn sneakers, Tavo puts his passion for basketball aside to help his community–resulting in great praise from everyone in town as well as a little something special for him as well.
Basketball Belles by Sue Macy
This story of perseverance and success digs into the history of one of America’s most popular sports, and how it came to be so big. Realistic illustrations put readers in the middle of the action, and you’ll want cheer along with the crowd.
It includes comprehensive backmatter including a timeline, author’s note, select bibliography, and recommended places to visit for more information. Basketball Belles is a perfect introduction to an intriguing moment in sports and women’s history.
Listen on the Podcast
Save this List of March Madness Books
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these March Madness books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
