sports fiction

"Tae has moved twice in his life. First, from South Korea to the United States when he was adopted as a baby, and then to a new town before he starts high school. In Tae's new school, he's one of the youngest players, and the only person of color, trying out for the Varsity soccer team--a team known for its violent hazing practices. Tae wants more than anything to be part of the team, but worries about fitting in. Then, he sees a familiar face. Luke is a soccer star on his way to scoring a role as the team captain and a full ride to college, but no one knows his secret--that he was adopted too. Tae and Luke met in an adoption group years before, and Luke's first instinct is to help Tae fit in. But tradition is tradition, and Luke might not be able to save Tae from being hurt in the hazing rituals without risking his own reputation"--From the publisher's web site.

When the girls soccer team learns it has been canceled due to budget cuts, they come up with a plan to raise the necessary funds through a face-off with the boys' team, which is led by sneering superstar Chase Gwinn.

In basketball-crazed Walthorne, rival middle school stars Austin Chambers and Carter Haswell are both feeling the pressure when school sports reporter Alfie Jenks reveals scandals that jeopardize the whole season. Told through flashbacks, newspaper reports, social media posts, and interviews.

"Aaron is a 12-year-old baseball phenom, but only when he's playing in the field. At the plate, he struggles. Now, it's the last inning of the last game of the season, and Aaron's in the batter's box, down by one with the bases loaded. Just as he steps up to the plate, Aaron spots his superstar-athlete older brother, Will, who completely abandoned him at the worst possible time. Can Aaron come through in the clutch when his team needs him most, and will his brother come through for him and their family?"--Amazon.

"Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews. As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost--and the beauty--of trying to achieve something extraordinary"--Provided by publisher.

"In need of money to pay her basketball fees, fourteen-year old Malia King registers for a refereeing course at her middle school. Refereeing gives her a whole new perspective on the game, and helps to improve her own play. But things get complicated when Malia is assigned to referee her younger sister Flo's games, especially when she makes a call that leads to a big loss for her school. As people around Malia start pressuring her to favor the team from her own school she has to choose between calling a fair game or becoming a social outcast"--Provided by publisher.

"Jo loves playing basketball in gym class, and she is surprised when she makes the school team. Because she has to babysit her younger brother, she's afraid her mom will make her give up her place on the team, so instead, Jo hatches a plan to have a neighbor secretly babysit so she can play. But the deception and secrets start getting to her after a few close calls. While Jo shows initiative and problem-solving skills both on and off the court, will her mom see it that way when she's found out?"--Provided by publisher.

"With no team in rural town, Zoey tries out for Bantam girls team the city. She makes the cut and, knowing that the income from her family's farm won't cover the fees, pushes herself to overcome her shyness and try to raise funds to play. Zoey's talent and eagerness on the ice impress the coach, team captain, and goalie. But not all of her teammates are as accepting, especially when her skills challenge rich Mel for the top spot. Another teammate teases Zoey about her rural background, and her father's embarrassing behavior at a game makes things even worse. Will Zoey ever feel like she belongs?"--Provided by publisher.

"A boy and his pet dragon play hockey with friends and learn about sportsmanship. An adapted, early emergent reader that includes a picture glossary, common sight words list, activities, and a note to caregivers"--Provided by publisher.

"A boy and his pet dragon meet for an informal football game. An adapted, early emergent reader that includes a picture glossary, common sight words list, activities, and a note to caregivers"--Provided by publisher.