Outdoor Kids

In 1990, though no one knew it then, a fearless group of players changed the sport of soccer in the United States forever. Young, bronzed, and mulletted, they were America’s finest athletes in a sport that America loved to hate. Even sportswriters rooted against them. Yet this team defied massive odds and qualified for the World Cup, making possible America’s current obsession with the world’s most popular game. New Kids in the World Cup is the origin story of modern American soccer.

Forget the gold medals, the championships, and the undefeated seasons. When all-star athletes were growing up, they had regular-kid problems just like you. Baseball legend Babe Ruth was such a troublemaker that his family sent him to reform school. Race-car champion Danica Patrick fended off bullies who told her “girls can’t drive”. And football superstar Peyton Manning was forced to dance the tango in his school play.

Chris Conlan is the coolest kid in sixth grade, the golden-armed quarterback of the football team and the boy all the others look up to. Scott Parry is the new kid, the boy with the huge brain, but with feet that trip over themselves. These two boys may seem like an odd couple, but each has a secret that draws them together, and proves that the will to succeed is even more important than raw talent.

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.

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

Calling all hikers! These useful projects will help you explore the outdoors like never before. Make delicious granola bars to eat on the trail. Construct a compass to help you find your way. Build a headlamp to guide you in the dark. Use your creations on your next outdoor adventure!

Klay Thompson's skill with a basketball runs in the family. His father was drafted into the NBA in 1978. But it's Klay's own star qualities that shine as he plays for the Golden State Warriors. Known for his shooting ability, Thompson has helped his team win big. Find out more about his career moments and behind-the-scenes facts in this electric biography in the Stars of Sports series.

Widely regarded as the greatest all-around player in baseball history because of his unparalleled hitting, defense and baserunning, the beloved Willie Mays offers people of all ages his lifetime of experience meeting challenges with positivity, integrity and triumph in 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid. Presented in 24 chapters to correspond with his universally recognized uniform number, Willie’s memoir provides more than the story of his role in America’s pastime.

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.

Hilary Knight started skating when she was five. Fifteen years later, she was the youngest member on Team USA at the 2010 Olympics. The next 10 years of her career have only gotten more impressive. Discover more about Knight's highlights on and off the ice in this thrilling biography in the Stars of Sports series.

How do you pick Olympic GOATs? Is it gymnast Simone Biles or swimmer Michael Phelps? Or maybe it’s the entire 1992 basketball team. With so many sports, how do you choose? It comes down to stats, history, and hunches.

Game-ending errors, on-the-court meltdowns, and more! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, discover the all-time worst fails in sports history. Listen to game-ending errors, on-the-court meltdowns, and more in this epic book of fails. Missing this book would be an epic failure for any sports fan.

Underdog miracles, dynasty defeats, and much more! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, discover the all-time greatest upsets in sports history.

Discover more about Christian Laettner’s last-second shot in the 1992 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Learn about how Kerri Strug landed a near-perfect vault performance on an injured ankle, helping the U.S. gymnastics team win gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

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.

Think a soccer match begins with the opening kickoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional soccer—from prepping the pitch and cleaning cleats to player escorts and jersey swaps. This fast-paced, fact-filled book will give soccer fans, young and old, a brand-new perspective on major league soccer.

How do you pick football’s GOATs? Is Tom Brady the greatest quarterback? Is Alan Page the greatest defensive tackle? Who’s the all-around champ? It comes down to stats, history, and hunches. Learn more about some of the legends of football and see if you agree that they’re the greatest of all time.

Did Wilt Chamberlain really score 100 points by himself in a single game? Was the 1985 NBA Draft really fixed to make sure the New York Knicks got the first pick? Was Michael Jordan really let go by his high school basketball team? Get ready to discover the real stories behind these and other great basketball myths and legends!

Think pro football begins with the opening kickoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional football—from pregame tailgating and prepping the pigskins to halftime shows and postgame interviews.

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.