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← All 4th Grade AR Books

4th Grade sports-fiction AR Books

AR levels 4–5 · 30 books

Browse these 30 4th grade sports-fiction AR books. Each entry includes the AR reading level, quiz point value, and word count to help students and parents find the right fit.

Challenge at second base book cover

Challenge at second base

Matt Christopher

AR 4.1 3 pts 2.1h
Sports Fiction competitionteamwork

A talented second baseman faces stiff competition when a new player arrives and threatens his spot on the team. As pressure mounts, he must decide what kind of teammate he wants to be and how to handle jealousy and mistakes. Fast-paced baseball action mixes with real-life decisions about honesty and sportsmanship. Perfect for young fans who like realistic sports stories with heart.

Center court sting book cover

Center court sting

Matt Christopher

AR 4.6 3 pts 3.1h
Sports Fiction teamworktrust

On a promising middle school basketball team, a string of suspicious incidents threatens to break teammates’ trust just as the season heats up. As pressure builds on and off the court, players must decide who to believe and how to keep their focus on the game. Fast-paced action and an accessible mystery keep readers turning pages. Sports fans will enjoy the play-by-play, while the story also highlights teamwork, responsibility, and doing what’s right.

Line Drive book cover

Line Drive

Dean Hughes

AR 4 2 pts 1.4h
Sports Fiction perseveranceteamwork

Line Drive follows a young ballplayer who loves baseball but struggles to find his confidence at the plate. With a big game looming, he has to learn how to handle pressure, listen to his coach, and trust the hours of practice he’s put in. The story focuses on teamwork and perseverance without heavy play-by-play, making it accessible to newer readers. Kids who enjoy sports stories and realistic challenges will find this a fast, encouraging read.

Mop, Moondance, and the Nagasaki Knights book cover

Mop, Moondance, and the Nagasaki Knights

Walter Dean Myers

AR 4.5 5 pts 3.7h
Sports Fiction friendshipteamwork

Best friends Mop and Moondance return for another fast, funny sports adventure. When a visiting team called the Nagasaki Knights shakes up their local baseball scene, the boys find themselves juggling big dreams, bigger personalities, and lessons in teamwork and respect. Myers blends sharp humor with plenty of on-the-field action and heart. A great pick for sports fans and reluctant readers in grades 4–7.

Tight End book cover

Tight End

Matt Christopher

AR 4.4 3 pts 3.3h
Sports Fiction teamworkperseverance

A middle-schooler earns a spot as a tight end and must balance blocking, catching, and team expectations while dealing with pressures off the field. As the season unfolds, he learns to trust his teammates and himself, handle tough coaching, and face challenges with grit. Fast-paced game scenes and clear football details keep sports fans turning pages. Great for readers who like realistic stories about competition, confidence, and teamwork.

Baseball Great book cover

Baseball Great

Tim Green

AR 4.4 7 pts 7.8h
Sports Fiction sportsmanshippeer pressure

A talented middle-school ballplayer earns a spot on an elite travel team and suddenly finds himself in a win-at-all-costs world. As pressure from coaches and parents mounts, he’s pushed toward mysterious “supplements” that promise quick results. He must decide what kind of player—and person—he wants to be while protecting his friends and his future. Fast-paced action, big-game moments, and real ethical dilemmas make this a gripping read for sports fans.

Busted book cover

Busted

Phil Bildner

AR 4.9 9 pts 7.5h
Sports Fiction integritypeer pressure

A standout high school baseball player is feeling the heat from coaches, scouts, and teammates to be the best. When a quick fix promises bigger hits and faster gains, he makes a choice that starts to unravel everything he cares about. As the season intensifies, so do the secrets, the pressure, and the risk of being caught. This fast-paced sports story tackles winning at any cost and the courage it takes to do the right thing.

Football fugitive book cover

Football fugitive

Matt Christopher

AR 4.5 3 pts 2.5h
Sports Fiction teamworktrust

A talented young player finds his place on a new football team just as questions about his past begin to swirl. As pressure mounts on and off the field, he must decide who to trust and what kind of teammate he wants to be. Fast-paced game scenes mix with real-life choices about honesty and reputation, making this an engaging read for sports fans. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like realistic stories with plenty of play-by-play action.

Haunting at Home Plate book cover

Haunting at Home Plate

David Patneaude

AR 4.3 6 pts 5.3h
Sports Fiction teamworkcourage

A small-town baseball team is sure their old field is haunted—strange noises, eerie chills, and unexplained mishaps strike just as the season begins. One determined player starts digging into a long-ago tragedy tied to home plate, even as the team battles tough opponents and mounting pressure. Fast-paced game action blends with a spooky mystery, creating a page-turner for sports fans who like a little chill with their thrills. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy teamwork stories, secrets, and clutch moments on the diamond.

Heart of a champion book cover

Heart of a champion

Carl Deuker

AR 4.7 7 pts 7.0h
Sports Fiction friendshipambition

A quiet, hard‑working kid teams up with a naturally gifted friend, and together they chase baseball dreams from sandlots to high school fields. As the seasons go by, pressure, family struggles, and tough choices off the field test their bond and their love of the game. With vivid play‑by‑play action and relatable characters, this sports story appeals to teens who like realistic fiction and baseball. It’s a strong pick for readers who enjoy friendship stories and moral dilemmas without easy answers.

Ice magic book cover

Ice magic

Matt Christopher

AR 4.4 4 pts 3.0h
Sports Fiction sportsmanshipteamwork

When a hockey-loving kid stumbles onto something that seems to make his game unstoppable, his team’s fortunes suddenly change. But the streak brings new pressures, jealous rivals, and a nagging question about what really wins games—talent, hard work, or a little bit of magic. Fast-paced on-ice action mixes with a touch of the supernatural. Great for sports fans who like stories about character, choices, and teamwork.

Jersey, The: Fight for Your Right - Book #7 book cover

Jersey, The: Fight for Your Right - Book #7

Gordon Korman

AR 4.5 3 pts 2.5h
Sports Fiction gender equityperseverance

When a magical team jersey tosses Morgan into the world of professional boxing, he finds himself training alongside Laila Ali and seeing firsthand how tough it is to break barriers in a male-dominated sport. Fast-paced action, humor, and inside-the-ring details make this an exciting read for sports fans. Readers who like a touch of magic with their athletics will enjoy how the jersey turns every game into a lesson about courage and respect. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy quick, high-energy stories with real-life sports stars.

Kickoff! book cover

Kickoff!

Tiki Barber

AR 4.7 3 pts 3.3h
Sports Fiction teamworkperseverance

Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde are starting middle school and can’t wait to make the football team—but earning a spot means hard work, keeping up with school, and learning to be great teammates. Based on the Barbers’ own childhood, this fast-paced story shows how practice, patience, and brotherly support lead to big gains on and off the field. With plenty of game action and relatable school and family moments, it’s a perfect pick for sports fans and developing readers. Kids enjoy the authentic football details, encouraging messages, and the feel-good underdog vibe.

Kickoff Time book cover

Kickoff Time

Dean Hughes

AR 4.1 2 pts 1.9h
Sports Fiction teamworksportsmanship

When a new youth soccer season kicks off in Angel Park, a group of kids discover that winning takes more than a powerful shot—it takes trust, practice, and real teamwork. As positions are set and rival teams loom, players must learn to share the ball, accept coaching, and believe in one another. Packed with fast-paced game action and relatable school-and-home moments, this story is perfect for sports-loving readers. Kids enjoy the realistic plays, the ups and downs of team dynamics, and the satisfying feeling of improving together.

Long shot for Paul book cover

Long shot for Paul

Matt Christopher

AR 4.3 3 pts 2.8h
Sports Fiction perseveranceteamwork

This classic Matt Christopher sports story follows a determined middle-schooler trying to prove himself on the basketball court. Balancing tryouts, tough coaching, and team dynamics, he learns when to pass, when to shoot, and how to handle pressure. At home, his bond with his brother Paul keeps him motivated even when the odds feel long. Fast-paced game action and a heartfelt family thread make it a favorite for sports-loving readers.

NFL Monday Night Football Club #1: Quarterback Exchange book cover

NFL Monday Night Football Club #1: Quarterback Exchange

Gordon Korman

AR 4.2 2 pts 2.0h
Sports Fiction teamworkidentity

A crew of football-obsessed friends meets every Monday night to talk plays and heroes—until a mysterious twist leaves one kid in the cleats of NFL legend John Elway. Suddenly, the pressures of the big game feel very real, and smart decisions matter as much as arm strength. With Gordon Korman’s trademark humor and fast pace, this first Monday Night Football Club adventure blends wish-fulfillment with on-field action. Perfect for sports fans who like a little magic with their playbook.

NFL Monday Night Football Club: Quarterback Exchange - Book #1 book cover

NFL Monday Night Football Club: Quarterback Exchange - Book #1

Gordon Korman

AR 4.5 2 pts 1.8h
Sports Fiction teamworkidentity

Nicholas Farrel Lighter (N.F.L.) thinks his grandpa’s old football jersey is just scratchy and embarrassing—until he puts it on and suddenly swaps places with superstar quarterback John Elway on Monday Night Football. Now a regular kid is calling plays on national TV while trying not to blow the game or his cover. Fast-paced, funny, and filled with play-by-play excitement, this kick-off to Gordon Korman’s series blends football action with a magical twist. Perfect for sports fans and reluctant readers who love wish-fulfillment adventures.

Penalty shot book cover

Penalty shot

Matt Christopher

AR 4.2 3 pts 2.2h
Sports Fiction teamworkperseverance

When a middle-school soccer forward faces a game-deciding penalty kick, the pressure rattles his confidence on and off the field. As the season unfolds, he has to balance team expectations, friendships, and his own nerves to find his shot again. With plenty of fast-paced game action and relatable team drama, this sports story highlights how practice, patience, and support can turn a setback into a comeback. Perfect for kids who like realistic sports fiction and quick, exciting reads.

Players book cover

Players

Joyce Sweeney

AR 4.8 8 pts 6.5h
Sports Fiction teamworkloyalty and betrayal

A talented high school basketball player thinks this season could finally be his team’s year—until jealousy, mind games, and dangerous pranks start tearing the squad apart. As pressure mounts on and off the court, he must figure out who to trust and what kind of leader he wants to be. Fast-paced game action mixes with real-life drama about loyalty and choices. Great for teens who enjoy sports stories with high stakes and strong character conflict.

Playoff Dreams book cover

Playoff Dreams

Fred Bowen

AR 4.2 2 pts 1.7h
Sports Fiction teamworkperseverance

Brendan is the best player on a struggling youth baseball team, and the playoffs feel out of reach. A trip to Wrigley Field and the story of Cubs legend Ernie Banks help him rethink what it means to be a teammate and a leader. Fast-paced game action blends with real baseball history, making this a great pick for sports fans. Kids who love underdog stories and team comebacks will root for Brendan and his friends.

Red-Hot Hightops book cover

Red-Hot Hightops

Matt Christopher

AR 4.3 3 pts 2.9h
Sports Fiction sportsmanshipself-confidence

When a young basketball player laces up a flashy pair of red high-tops, his game suddenly takes off—and so does the pressure. As his newfound success changes how teammates and opponents see him, he has to figure out whether it’s the shoes or his own hard work that matters most. Fast-paced on-court action mixes with real-life choices about honesty, confidence, and teamwork. Great for sports-loving readers who enjoy quick reads with plenty of game-time drama.

Red zone book cover

Red zone

Tiki Barber

AR 4.8 5 pts 3.5h
Sports Fiction teamworkperseverance

Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde face big-time pressure as their middle school team fights to make the playoffs. On the field, tough rivals and high-stakes games push them to dig deep; off the field, schoolwork, friendships, and expectations test their focus and character. Readers get fast-paced football action with real play-by-play moments and the heart of two brothers leaning on each other. It’s a great pick for sports fans who like teamwork, perseverance, and doing the right thing when it counts.

Return of the home run kid book cover

Return of the home run kid

Matt Christopher

AR 4.3 3 pts 3.0h
Sports Fiction perseveranceself-confidence

Sylvester Coddmyer III is back on the diamond, trying to prove that his earlier hot streak wasn’t a fluke. As expectations rise from teammates, coaches, and fans, he wrestles with confidence and the pressure to perform. With guidance and hard work, Syl works to rebuild his swing and trust his instincts. Fast-paced baseball action and relatable challenges make this a favorite for middle-grade sports fans.

Roller Hockey Radicals book cover

Roller Hockey Radicals

Matt Christopher

AR 4.6 4 pts 2.7h
Sports Fiction teamworksportsmanship

A group of friends forms an in-line hockey team, the Radicals, and jumps into local competition with big dreams and even bigger challenges. As the games heat up, they face tough rivals, clashing personalities, and pressure to bend the rules. Along the way they learn what real teamwork and sportsmanship look like. Fans of fast-paced sports stories will enjoy the action on the rink and the relatable team dynamics.

Running Back Conversion book cover

Running Back Conversion

Gordon Korman

AR 4.7 3 pts 3.3h
Sports Fiction friendshipteamwork

Elliot and his friends live for Monday Night Football—and for the weird mystery that might let ordinary kids switch places with NFL superstars. When talk turns to legendary running back Barry Sanders, Elliot wonders if the impossible could happen again. Packed with humor, locker-room banter, and plenty of on-field action, this fast-paced story mixes sports and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a fun pick for football fans and reluctant readers who like short, high-energy chapters.

Snowboard maverick book cover

Snowboard maverick

Matt Christopher

AR 4.3 3 pts 3.1h
Sports Fiction sportsmanshippeer pressure

When a talented young rider falls in with a daring new friend on the slopes, he’s tempted to push past his limits to land bigger tricks and win attention. As competitions heat up and risks rise, he must decide what matters more: applause or integrity. Fast-paced action, authentic snowboarding details, and a relatable look at peer pressure and confidence make this a favorite for sports-loving readers. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories with high-energy scenes and heart.

Snowboard showdown book cover

Snowboard showdown

Matt Christopher, Paul Mantell

AR 4.1 4 pts 3.0h
Sports Fiction competitionsportsmanship

A determined middle school rider faces fierce competition on the slopes when a new hotshot challenges his spot and his confidence. As the stakes rise before a big mountain event, rumors and rivalries test his sense of fair play and loyalty to friends. Fast-paced snowboarding scenes and relatable team drama keep readers turning pages. Perfect for sports fans who enjoy action, perseverance, and learning to win the right way.

The Comeback Challenge book cover

The Comeback Challenge

Matt Christopher

AR 4.2 3 pts 2.3h
Sports Fiction divorce and family changeresilience

Mark Conway moves in with his grandparents while his parents’ divorce is decided, and soccer becomes the one place that still feels steady. As a key player on his middle-school team, he must balance pressure on the field with big changes at home. Readers follow Mark’s push to regain confidence and find his voice, both as a teammate and as a son. Fast-paced sports action and real-life emotions make this an engaging read for soccer fans and anyone navigating family change.

The Face-off Phony book cover

The Face-off Phony

Gordon Korman

AR 4 2 pts 1.9h
Sports Fiction teamworksportsmanship

When the ragtag Mars Health Food Stars battle their way toward the playoffs, Chipmunk suspects the opposing team’s new center is way too old for an elementary league. With no proof—and a reputation for wild schemes—he has to dig up the truth without letting his team down. Fast-paced hockey action, laugh-out-loud moments, and a classic underdog vibe make this a fun read for sports fans. Perfect for middle graders who like comedy, team spirit, and a dash of mystery.

Wingman on ice book cover

Wingman on ice

Matt Christopher

AR 4.3 4 pts 3.2h
Sports Fiction teamworksportsmanship

When a young hockey player earns a spot as a wing, he must learn how to balance teamwork and personal ambition. On the ice he faces tough opponents and tougher decisions, including how to handle a talented but selfish teammate. With practices, games, and pressure mounting, he discovers that real success comes from trust, effort, and sportsmanship. A fast-paced sports story perfect for hockey fans and readers who enjoy realistic competition and growth.