Children Outdoors

Outfielder Christian Yelich joined Little League when he was four and never stopped playing. From traveling teams when he was young to being drafted as a professional player, baseball was a priority for Yelich. He was named the National League’s MVP in 2018.

As a kid Khalil Mack loved basketball, not football. He didn't even start playing football until his senior year of high school. That season he racked up 140 tackles, an amazing total. From then on, football became Mack's focus, and he proved to be a force on the gridiron. In the National Football League, he was named defensive player of the year in 2016, and today he is widely recognized as one of the most dominant players in the pro game. It's easy to see why in this engaging, hard-hitting biography.

Alex Morgan first joined a soccer team when she was 14 years old, quickly impressing her peers and coaches with her skills. From there, she grew to become a world-class soccer player, reaching incredible heights including a FIFA Women's World Cup championship and an Olympic gold medal. Learn about Alex's rise in soccer in this electric biography in the Stars of Sports series.

You don't need to wield huge weapons, wear armor, or cast powerful magic in real life to defeat your opponents and claim the prize. With plenty of practice, quick reflexes, and great teamwork, players of League of Legends, Dota 2, and other multiplayer online battle arena games can hit the big-time on the esports scene.

You don't need to be a pro athlete in real life to make big money playing sports like basketball, football, soccer, and others. With lots of practice and quick reflexes, players of Madden NFL, NBA 2K, and other athletic games can hit the big-time on the esports scene.

When Candace Parker beat out all the boys at the McDonald's All-American slam dunk contest in 2004, she became the first female player to win the event. In the years that followed, Parker's list of achievements became long and ever-growing. She was WNBA rookie of the year, a two-time WNBA most valuable player, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and more. Parker is also a mother, broadcaster, and role model. Discover more about Parker's amazing life in this inspiring biography.

Jackie Robinson was the first Black player in Major League Baseball. Arthur Ashe was the first Black man to win several pro tennis titles. Listeners will learn about these athletes and others who have fought for and spoken out for racial equity in sports and the greater society.

How do you pick basketball’s GOATs? Michael Jordan and LeBron James get a lot of GOAT nods. But is Steph Curry the greatest shooter? And what about all-time WNBA points leader Diana Taurasi? It comes down to stats, history, and hunches.

Many of the greatest basketball players have earned funny, odd, or interesting nicknames during their careers. Listen to find out the stories behind basketball’s legendary nicknames.

From tennis legend Billie Jean King to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, athletes have fought for equity and fairness for women in professional sports. Discover the pro athletes who have used their platform to speak out and affect change for all women.

Think pro basketball begins with the opening tipoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional basketball—from cleaning the hardcourt and mascot madness to locker room pep talks and postgame interviews.

How do the best basketball players go from playing pick-up games on a neighborhood court to scoring big-time contracts in the NBA and WNBA? With hard work and determination! Discover the paths players take to turn their street ball and high school hoop dreams into college and professional careers.

How has the game of basketball changed since it was first invented? In more ways than anyone back in 1891 could have ever imagined! Discover how a simple game played with peach baskets evolved over time into the complex sport we know and love today.

What does fashion have to do with the game of basketball? More than meets the eye! From shoes, shorts, and headbands to hairstyles and body art, discover the evolution and influence of basketball fashion both on and off the court.

Many of the greatest hockey players have earned funny, odd, or interesting nicknames during their careers. Listen to find out the stories behind hockey’s legendary nicknames.

How did pro basketball's biggest stars become the greatest players of all time? By playing the game in ways no one had ever done before! Discover the magic that propelled players like Julius “Dr. J” Irving, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Maya Moore, and others to superstardom.

What do tic-tac-toe, Pilolo, and hookey have in common? They're all games! Find out what people play around the world in this engaging series that develops kids' understanding of our diverse global community and their place in it. What game will you play next?

Leonard was just 20 years old when he was first drafted in the NBA. Since then, he has had many triumphs, and has helped lead his teams to greatness. Discover more about Leonard's career highlights in this exciting biography in the Stars of Sports series.

Adam Thielen always knew he wanted to play in the NFL. From growing up watching Randy Moss and the Vikings to playing at a small Division II college, his path to the NFL hasn't always been a straight line. After initially making the Vikings roster in 2013, he was cut to the practice squad. He went on to become Minnesota's top wide receiver.

It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and your team is down by three - who do you want coming up to bat? Baseball Biographies for Kids answers this question and more! Bursting with statistics and impressive feats from the greatest players of the last 60 years, this lineup of inspirational baseball biographies shows you what it takes to be a real MVP. Discover the ultimate dream team as you explore the best pros for each position. You’ll also get quick looks into some truly legendary baseball players and lots of fun facts!