Action driven hi-lo sports novels that turn striving readers into all-star readers!
New in the series
Bank Shot
The story of how a young teen girl tries to balance responsibilities at home with a chance to play basketball.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL570L
Half-Court Trap
A Black teen learns to deal with stress, anger, rivalry and body image issues in the context of basketball.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 710L
Hoopers
The story of a young Black teen who is too caught up in the basketball image to put in the work to play well.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 620L
Paddle Battle
A teen boy learns that trusting his team and trying his best helps him accept change and adapt to it.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL580L
About the series
- 153 books and counting
- 15+ different sports
- Reading levels 3 – 5
- Interest ages 10 – 13
Awards and Reviews
Praise for Hoopers
“This story is filled with wonderful and diverse characters from many different backgrounds.”
— CM: Review of Materials
“The overall themes and lessons of diligence and perseverance are clear and easy to grasp, and the plot lines, pacing, and length make this highly accessible to reluctant readers.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Half-Court Trap
★ Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
“Half-Court Trap would be an excellent addition to any collection.”
— CM: Review of Materials
“Explores boyhood challenges and the value of teamwork, thoughtfully delivering realism and hope for reluctant readers.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Bank Shot
“Bank Shot is a fast-paced read for reluctant readers or basketball fans.”
— CM: Review of Materials
Praise for Paddle Battle
Paddle Battle is a very well-written book. Howling deals with mature themes that are relevant to today’s youth and, if put in the right hands at the right time, very cathartic. The story arc for Finn is well-rounded; he is a dynamic character with whom readers will be able to relate. The book also deals with inter-generational problems and the relationships between adults and youth. The theme of climate change is also a strong one in this title, and it examines the impact that it has on today’s generation. Readers will also learn a lot about kayaking if they are not familiar with the sport.
— CM: Review of Materials
Praise for Rugby Rookies
“Deftly deals with the topic of women in full-contact sports.”
— School Library Journal
“The diversity within the members of the rugby team reflects the makeup of most Canadian schools and gives readers a chance to identify with characters from many backgrounds.”
— CM: Review of Materials
Praise for Head to Head
“Features a diverse cast of characters, including one with cerebral palsy, and the book celebrates confident girls in sports.”
— School Library Journal
Praise for Last Pick
“Current and delivering an important message, Last Pick is a must-read. Highly recommended.”
— CM: Review of Materials
Praise for Lone Runner
“Middle schoolers at a second grade reading level will root for Michaela as she steps out of her shell.”
— School Library Journal
Books in the series
Bank Shot
The story of how a young teen girl tries to balance responsibilities at home with a chance to play basketball.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL570LHalf-Court Trap
A Black teen learns to deal with stress, anger, rivalry and body image issues in the context of basketball.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 710LHoopers
The story of a young Black teen who is too caught up in the basketball image to put in the work to play well.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 620LPaddle Battle
A teen boy learns that trusting his team and trying his best helps him accept change and adapt to it.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL580L
Last Pick
A young teen with an invisible disability overcomes self-doubt and bullying to find her place on a basketball team.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 630L
Lone Runner
A Black teen displays persistence and confidence to go from running solo to being part of a cross-country team.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 620L
Open Ice
A young teen girl tries to unite her co-ed hockey team and prove to herself and everyone else that she can play.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 620L
Rugby Rookies
A young girl and her friends face practical and gender obstacles to form their own rugby team.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 510L
Head to Head
A young teen girl learns to overcome her rivalry with a soccer teammate so they can lead the team together.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL590L
Volleyball Vibe
A young teen girl discovers playing sports as a way to boost self-esteem and feel like she belongs.
$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL530L
Easy Out
When playing out of your league, do your best to be the best$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL620L
Long Bomb
Ed doesn’t look like a football star. But can he play like one?$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL600L
Northern Star
Inspired by the career of NHL star Jordin Tootoo, this book follows one exceptional player’s journey towards hockey greatness.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL610L
Rugby Rivals
When opponents become teammates, Sam needs to prove he knows what rugby is all about$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL520L
The Comeback
Soccer is the best medicine$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL540L
Dressed to Play
A young athlete faces the pressure to redefine her self-image as more “girly.”$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3
Run and Gun
A young teen uses basketball to find a balance between his school teammates and his friends from a disadvantaged part of town.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3
Taking the Lead
By helping train a disabled runner, a competitive teen learns empathy and the value of sport for its own sake.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2
The Playmaker
The story of a young girl who overcomes envy, prejudice, and her own problems with self-esteem to make a place on a new hockey team.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 640L
Tough Call
Malia wants to be a good basketball referee, but can she make the right calls, especially against her sister’s team?$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL540L
Called Up
David is embarrassed when he doesn’t make the A team. But befriending Omar, a Syrian refugee, makes David realize how lucky he is to be playing hockey at all.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL560L
Empty Net
The story of a young girl who learns a different way of life and appreciation of her sport in a remote northern community.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 670L
Freerunner
Angry at class differences in his new city, a teen finds confidence in a new sport. Freerunner explores jealousy, status and self-esteem on and off the play area.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL520L
Sliding Home
Fearing for his father in violent El Salvador, a young baseball player finds help from his community.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL530L
Bad Shot
A small-town basketball player is bullied by a teammate from a wealthier family. Set against the realistic backdrop of a struggling small town, Bad Shot explores the emotional realities of performance anxiety, socioeconomic status, and bullying.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 4
Stick Pick
When hockey player Janine is left paralyzed after a car accident, her best friend encourages her to get into sledge hockey. She quickly grows to love the sport and finds her voice speaking up for disabled people’s rights.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL590L
Snow Soccer
Sarimah, a young Syrian refugee, moves to Saskatoon and has to switch from playing soccer in the sand to the snow while learning to adjust to her new life in Canada.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 570L
Run for Your Life
Cross-country runner Chris trains with a Native kid who has been displaced by a fire in the community and learns what it’s like to be a refugee and literally run for your life.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 540L
Making the Team
When Hannah doesn’t make the Grade 8 girls basketball team and June does, Hannah misses playing basketball and spending time with her best friend.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 480L
Trolled
Swimmer Andy is determined to make it to nationals so he uses a viral video to crowdfund his trip there. But when he pranks a promising female swimmer on camera, all that attention turns sour.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 580L
Two Strikes
KaLeah’s a natural at baseball, but when she is excluded and bullied by Nikki and her clique because she is black and a better player than Nikki, she joins the boys’ team.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 540L
Tagged Out
The inner-city Blues baseball team is having a lousy year, until all-star player Jock joins the team. The only problem? Not all the Blues can handle having a gay player on their team.$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 730L
Head Hunter
Winning at any price can cost you everything$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: 560L
Ugly Kicks
What will you give up when you can’t afford to play?$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 600L
Pan Am Games Sports Stories Set
$113.45, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13
Ice Time
If you can’t pay to play, you have to take your best shot$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 710L