Books like 'Summer Ball'
Readers who enjoyed Summer Ball by Mike Lupica also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
action / adventure sports realistic children season-summer
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Jabari salta by Gaia Cornwall
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer sports action-adventure black-mc book children-books -
![Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran]()
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Barbara Cooney and celebrated children’s book author Alice McLerran comes Roxaboxen, a treasured story about the magic of a child’s imagination. Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place... -
![What If... by Samantha Berger]()
What If... by Samantha Berger
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCreativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends. This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books family female-author female-mc -
![Hike by Pete Oswald]()
Hike by Pete Oswald
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTake to the trails for a celebration of nature—and a day spent with dad.In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest...Categorized as:
realistic children season-summer sports outdoors children-books family action-adventure -
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![Descendants 2 by Eric Geron]()
Descendants 2 by Eric Geron
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay may be the children of terrible villains, but they're fitting in amazingly well on Auradon. Well, at least most of them are. For Mal, the pressure to be royally perfect is too intense, so she returns to her rotten roots on the Isle of the Lost. But Mal soon finds that her archenemy, Uma, the daughter of Ursula, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed Princess of Evil...Categorized as:
children season-summer action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade royalty -
![The Big Time by Tim Green]()
The Big Time by Tim Green
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThings couldn't be going better for Troy White. The Atlanta Falcons' football genius is at the top of his game, helping the team get to the playoffs. Agents and lawyers are knocking on his door with big-money offers for the upcoming season... -
![Rivals by Tim Green]()
Rivals by Tim Green
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCooperstown! Josh is thrilled when all his hard training pays off in a big way and his team, the Titans, makes it to a national tournament in Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. More is on the line for Josh than just a trophy. Winning would mean everything to his dad—now Josh's coach... -
![Centering Kaos by Harley Stone]()
Centering Kaos by Harley Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA determined mother, her wayward son, and their unexpected shot at happiness. Army veteran and former hockey center, Darius “Kaos” Ariti was searching for a new challenge when he joined the Dead Presidents Motorcycle Club. While earning his member patch, he’s compelled to shelter an imperiled woman and her fierce little boy. Now, he's gained a temporary family but is in danger of losing his heart... -
![A Letter to My Teacher: A Teacher Appreciation Gift by Deborah Hopkinson]()
A Letter to My Teacher: A Teacher Appreciation Gift by Deborah Hopkinson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I'm writing a letter. So begins this picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning and the teacher who gently inspires her...Categorized as:
realistic children children-books fiction friendship action-adventure epistolary animals -
![The Raft by Jim LaMarche]()
The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsInspired by various experiences from his childhood, Jim LaMarche, beloved illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, brings this touching story about one boy's unexpected summer as a river rat to life with his bold, picturesque paintings.Nicky isn't one bit happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods; he'd much rather be back in the city...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure animals book children-books exploration -
![The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, Stephen Gammell]()
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, Stephen Gammell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe relatives' station wagon: it smelled like a real car, looked like a rainbow, and was roomy enough for a crowd. Lucky! Because a big crowd in all shapes and sizes piled into that old wagon at four o'clock one summer morning and piled out of it the next day at their relatives' place on the north side of the mountains. All in good moods...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure book children-books contemporary exploration -
![Football Champ by Tim Green]()
Football Champ by Tim Green
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Troy White proved his remarkable "football genius" to the Atlanta Falcons, they brought him on board as a team consultant. Now, thanks to Troy's ability to predict winning plays, the Falcons are pulling in victories... -
![They Shoot Canoes, Don't They? by Patrick F. McManus]()
They Shoot Canoes, Don't They? by Patrick F. McManus
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMcManus celebrates the hidden pleasures, unappreciated lore, and opportunities for disaster to be found in such outdoor recreations as camping, hunting, and fishing... -
![A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: by Chris Van Dusen]()
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text...Categorized as:
children season-summer realistic children-books humor action-adventure animals fiction -
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![Hot Dog by Doug Salati]()
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom a critically acclaimed creator comes this summery picture book featuring an overheated--and overwhelmed--pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. It's summer in the city, and this hot dog has had enough! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face...Categorized as:
realistic season-summer children children-books animals dogs fiction action-adventure -
![Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds]()
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe sky’s no limit as the author-illustrator of The Dot and Ish winds up his Creatrilogy with a whimsical tale about seeing the world a new way.Marisol loves to paint... -
![Baseball Great by Tim Green]()
Baseball Great by Tim Green
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author and former NFL player Tim Green comes a baseball book pulsing with action. Baseball Great offers a baseball story attuned to today’s headlines, a totally involving, character-driven, sports-centered thriller. Perfect for fans of Mike Lupica. As a young reviewer on Brightly... -
![Football Hero Unabridged Da by Tim Green]()
Football Hero Unabridged Da by Tim Green
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTy Lewis is elated when the school coach recruits him for the football team. Unfortunately, Ty's Uncle Gus his guardian since the death of Ty's parents insists the boy has no time for sports. He has to earn his keep by scrubbing toilets for Gus's cleaning service... -
![The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds]()
The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter following paths and signs determined by others, a young boy finally realizes that he must find his own individual way in life...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books fiction journey psychological -
![The Stars of Summer by Tara Dairman]()
The Stars of Summer by Tara Dairman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s not easy being an undercover restaurant critic—especially when you’re only twelve years old!After successfully completing her first restaurant review for the New York Standard newspaper, Gladys Gatsby is looking forward to a quiet summer of cooking and eating. But her plans quickly go awry when her friend Charissa Bentley delivers Gladys’s birthday gift: a free summer at Camp Bentley...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
![Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein]()
Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBefore Mr. Lemoncello became everyone's favorite game maker, he was a kid who liked to roll the dice . . .Discover the origins of Mr. Lemoncello's Library in this PREQUEL to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library.Go back to the START and meet thirteen-year-old, PUZZLE-obsessed Luigi Lemoncello!Luigi has a knack for games and puzzles. But sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against him...Categorized as:
realistic children season-summer middle-grade fiction children-books mystery audiobook -
![The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco]()
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure animals book children-books family -
![How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan]()
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA New York Times bestselling picture book -- from the creators of the hilarious HOW TO... series -- about a child spending time with his grandpa...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books family female-author fiction -
![Outside In: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner by Deborah Underwood]()
Outside In: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner by Deborah Underwood
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOutside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. Our connection with nature is not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors... -
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![Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer]()
Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMicha Archer's detailed collages give readers an outlook on the splendors of nature.When two curious kids embark on a wonder walk, they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light...Categorized as:
children season-summer realistic outdoors children-books fiction action-adventure siblings -
![The Terrible Two Go Wild by Mac Barnett, Jory John]()
The Terrible Two Go Wild by Mac Barnett, Jory John
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummers are for pranking in The Terrible Two Go Wild , the third installment of the hilarious New York Times bestselling series by Mac Barnett and Jory John, with illustrations by Kevin Cornell.School’s out, and pranksters Miles and Niles have retreated to a perfect hideout in the woods, complete with snacks, games, books, sleeping bags, stream-chilled lemonade . .Categorized as:
realistic children season-summer humor fiction middle-grade audiobook children-books -
![Miss Brooks Loves Books by Barbara Bottner, Michael Emberley]()
Miss Brooks Loves Books by Barbara Bottner, Michael Emberley
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith the help of Miss Brooks, Missy's classmates all find books they love in the library--books about fairies and dogs and trains and cowboys. But Missy dismisses them all--"Too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity."Still, Miss Brooks remains undaunted. Book Week is here and Missy will find a book to love if they have to empty the entire library...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books female-author fiction friendship -
![Football Genius by Tim Green]()
Football Genius by Tim Green
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author and former NFL player Tim Green scores a touchdown with this exhilarating and action-packed story about an ordinary boy who becomes a hero you can really root for. Perfect for fans of Mike Lupica.Twelve-year-old Troy White has a phenomenal gift: He can predict football plays before they even happen. Any position. Any player. Any team...Categorized as:
children realistic sports action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
![The Batboy by Mike Lupica]()
The Batboy by Mike Lupica
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the #1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica comes the story of baseball's unsung hero: The Batboy It is every baseball kid’s dream summer job: batboy for your hometown Major League team. Yet for fourteen year- old Brian, the job means more than just the chance to hang around his idols. Baseball was the job his father loved so much, in the end he couldn’t leave it...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer sports action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
![The Yellow Bus by Loren Long]()
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPerfect for fans of Love and Hello, Lighthouse , The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling Loren Long is a tender and soulful story about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose in the most unexpected places--and in the journey along the way.There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another...Categorized as:
children realistic children-books fiction outdoors action-adventure contemporary book -
![The 39 Clues: Agent Handbook by Scholastic Inc.]()
The 39 Clues: Agent Handbook by Scholastic Inc.
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe Cahills are the most powerful family in the world, but the source of their power has been lost -- scattered around the globe in the form of 39 Clues. The hunt for the Clues has begun and now is YOUR chance to shape history. But, beware -- the Clues are in some of the most dangerous locations on earth, hidden by the most famous (and sneakiest) figures of the past 500 years...Categorized as:
realistic children mystery action-adventure fantasy children-books fiction middle-grade -
![The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan]()
The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Try to do as little as possible.” This was Dodsworth’s motto. One morning, on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator.There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, “Paint pictures.” And so Dodsworth did.The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that... -
![Junie B. Jones's Fourth Boxed Set Ever! by Barbara Park]()
Junie B. Jones's Fourth Boxed Set Ever! by Barbara Park
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBarbara Park’s #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty years. Over 60 million copies in print and now with a bright new look for a new generation!Junie B. Jones continues her hilarious adventures through kindergarten in four bestselling books packaged in an adorable boxed set... -
![The Swiss Family Robinson by Chris Tait, Johann David Wyss]()
The Swiss Family Robinson by Chris Tait, Johann David Wyss
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA shipwreck; a deserted island; a single family, wondering if they can survive. Rich in suspense and surprises, The Swiss Family Robinson entices young readers to come along on a wonderful adventure, where each moment brings a new thrill. Featuring amazingly resourceful characters and a wondrous landscape bursting with exotic wildlife and plants, it’s an irresistible tale of ingenuity...Categorized as:
children season-summer action-adventure book children-books classics fiction literary -
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![Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds]()
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA celebration of the colorful spectrum of what it means to dream and the many ways to find happy!While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books coming-of-age fiction mental-illness -
![Round Trip by Ann Jonas]()
Round Trip by Ann Jonas
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBlack and white illustrations and text record the sights on a day trip to the city and back home again to the country. The trip to the city is read from front to back and the return trip from back to front, upside down... -
![Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl by John Feinstein]()
Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl by John Feinstein
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNew York Times bestselling sportswriter John Feinstein tackles doping in the NFL in this exciting football mystery. The Super Bowl. America’s biggest sports spectacle. Over 95 million fans will be watching, but teen sports reporters Stevie and Susan Carol know that what they’ll be watching is a lie... -
![Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds, Paul A. Reynolds]()
Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds, Paul A. Reynolds
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA go-cart contest inspires imagination to take flight in this picture book for creators of all ages, with art from New York Times bestselling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds.It's time for this year's Going Places contest! Finally. Time to build a go-cart, race it—and win. Each kid grabs an identical kit, and scrambles to build.Everyone but Maya. She sure doesn't seem to be in a hurry .. -
![Shoeless Joe & Me by Dan Gutman]()
Shoeless Joe & Me by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Joe Stoshack hears about Shoeless Joe Jackson -- and the gambling scandal that destroyed the star player's career -- he knows what he has to do. If he travels back in time with a 1919 baseball card in his hand, he just might be able to prevent the infamous Black Sox Scandal from ever taking place... -
![Babe & Me by Dan Gutman]()
Babe & Me by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOn October 1, 1932, during Game Three of the Chicago Cubs -- New York Yankees World Series, Babe Ruth belted a long home run to straightaway centerfield. According to legend, just before he hit, Babe pointed to the bleachers and boldly predicted he would slam the next pitch there.Did he call the shot or didn't he? Witnesses never agreed... -
![I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 by Lauren Tarshis, Lauren Tarhis]()
I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 by Lauren Tarshis, Lauren Tarhis
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt was one the most beautiful mountains in America, Mt. St. Helens, in Washington State. But what many didn't know was that this peaceful mountain had an explosive past. For more than a century, it had been quiet. But below ground, pressure had been building, and soon, "Kaboom!" Mt. St. Helens would erupt with terrifying fury...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure audiobook book children-books disaster -
![Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica]()
Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn the tradition of About a Boy comes a feel good sports and holiday novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Mike Lupica.Josh Cameron has it all: a World Championship ring with the Boston Celtics, an MVP award, a clean-cut image, and the adoration of millions. What he doesn't have is family... -
![Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record by Annie Barrows]()
Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record by Annie Barrows
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWorld record fever grips the second grade, and soon Ivy and Bean are trying to set their own record by becoming the youngest people to have ever discovered a dinosaur...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
![Holding Hailey by Kat Mizera]()
Holding Hailey by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKane will stop at nothing to win... her heart. After hockey superstar Kane "Hat-trick" Hatcher is traded to the new team in Alaska, he can't score to save his soul and his coach has been giving him a hard time. Even worse, the girl he's crazy about is thousands of miles away and his father has become a nuisance; his nickname has suddenly taken on a whole new meaning... -
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![The Gorgon in the Gully by Melina Marchetta]()
The Gorgon in the Gully by Melina Marchetta
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeyond the basketball courts and classrooms of St Raph's is a gully where everything disappears forever. Danny Griggs has heard stories about a creature that lives down there. So why does he volunteer to face the Gorgon when he's been petrified of everything all his life?A gentle story about overcoming fear and looking at things from all angles, from best-selling author Melina Marchetta...Categorized as:
children realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade -
![A Quiet Place by Douglas Wood]()
A Quiet Place by Douglas Wood
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Sometimes a person needs a quiet place." A place that's far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life -- a place that isn't ringing or talking or roaring or playing. But sometimes that place isn't easy to find. Explore what it's like to find a special someplace where we all can think our own thoughts and feel our own feelings... -
![The Pinstripe Ghost by David A. Kelly]()
The Pinstripe Ghost by David A. Kelly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBatting second—book #2 in a brand-new early chapter book mystery series where each book is set in a different American ballpark! Mike and Kate are waiting for Kate's mom at a boring press conference in Yankee Stadium when the team official says something that makes Mike perk up his ears... -
![Charmed Forces: Super Special by Melissa J. Morgan]()
Charmed Forces: Super Special by Melissa J. Morgan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlyssa finds an amethyst, a stone believed to aid in psychic awareness. Suddenly she?s interpreting dreams and making predictions, all with 100 percent accuracy. While half the camp girls are believers, the other half are skeptics, attributing the gem?s track record to coincidence. Not that Alyssa cares what anyone thinks. In fact, she?s so attached to the amethyst, she names it Amy...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure book contemporary female-mc fiction -
![Adventure Is Now by Jess Redman]()
Adventure Is Now by Jess Redman
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA fun-filled, action-packed middle grade novel about a boy who learns about protecting the environment, finding real friends, and living in the now while spending the summer on a remote island.Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident... -
![Hide and Shriek: Super Special by Melissa J. Morgan]()
Hide and Shriek: Super Special by Melissa J. Morgan
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe girls go on an overnight and share horror stories around the campfire. But it’s the one about Cropsy, the creepy old man who lives just outside the campgrounds and is known for torturing Lakeview campers, that hits closest to home. Especially when Chelsea leaves the group for a bathroom break in the woods and doesn’t return after 45 minutes...Categorized as:
children realistic season-summer action-adventure book children-books contemporary dystopia
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