What We Talk About When We Talk About Sports

A blog for anyone who's ever been made to feel like they don't belong, but who loves to play (or watch) sports anyway. Header image by Steven Rasmussen.

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Spotlight on: Necessary Roughness, by Marie Myung-Ok Lee/Marie G. Lee

Chan is furious when his Abogee (“father” in Korean) announces that his family will be moving from LA, where he has tons of friends and is a star on the soccer team, to an extremely white town in Minnesota. There’s only one game in town there: football. But it just so happens that the team is short a kicker. Should he give it a shot?

It turns out that Chan is actually pretty great at football, and it’s a fantastic way to work off some of his anger towards his family and their expectations, the blatant racism present in this small town, and other teen frustrations. He even makes friends with some of the guys on the team. That doesn’t mean it’s easy – on at least one occasion, their “lighthearted” hazing takes on a violent dimension. But it looks like the team could be headed to State again this year, so it’s worth it, right? He’ll just keep his head down and ignore them.

Chan is in many ways a typical and relatable teenage guy, interested in girls, not super into school, loving towards his sister but not wanting her around all the time and jealous of how their parents view her as perfect. But he’s also secretly sweet — wanting to compliment his mom on her hard work and help out his dad, but not knowing quite the right words for either. When tragedy shakes their family, will it push him even more into introspective silence, or will he be able to bridge the gap and reach out to the rest of his family?

This book was published in 1998, and although the themes are evergreen, some of the terms used and discussions of racism feel distinctly of the past. That said, it is written by an own voices author, who is Korean-American and was born and raised in Minnesota, and it seems based on her actual experience. It doesn’t shy away from showing the racism and small-mindedness of the small town and the toxic masculinity of football culture in a gritty and realistic way, so be prepared for jocks throwing around insults and (surprisingly often) slurs, and some physical violence. 

Overall, this is an exciting and satisfying underdog football story, with a realistic depiction of small-town racism and a moving family story.

TW: racism and homophobia, slurs, bullying, major character death.

[Book cover is the property of Harper Collins.]

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#MeToo and Sports Books: 9 Books Grappling with Abuse, Harassment, & Assault

Although coaches and other adults can, and do, inspire young athletes to find their best and strongest selves, there is always the possibility that adults in teens’ lives don’t have their best interests at heart. What do you do when the people you’re supposed to trust betray that trust? These books involve athletes dealing with coaches who are verbally/emotionally, physically, or sexually abusive, or with other abuse, assault, and harassment going on in other aspects of their lives. Although many of these books are (understandably) quite upsetting, many of them also have extremely satisfying moments of comeuppance and/or justice (legal or otherwise) against the perpetrators of abuse.

Usually I put individual trigger warnings for books, but in this case the TW applies to all of them: descriptions/discussions of abuse, assault, and harassment.

All books are YA fiction unless otherwise noted.

We Are the Wildcats, by Siobhan Vivian

This intense and suspenseful novel follows a varsity field hockey team over the course of 24 hours. The team’s coach changes the plan for their initiation ceremony at the last minute, requiring the girls to go outside of their comfort zone for a series of adventures. But as they do, they start to share secrets among themselves, and realize they have something in common. Once they realize the effects he’s had on all of them, what lengths will the team go to to teach their toxic coach a lesson?

Fight Like a Girl, by Sheena Kamal

This intense book examines cycles of abuse and healthy and unhealthy manifestations of anger. Trisha is trying to break the chain of abuse, channeling her anger into Muay Thai kickboxing, and it’s actually working pretty well. But then one day her abusive alcoholic father wanders in front of Trisha’s car and ends up dead. At first it seems like, despite the tragedy, both Trisha and her mother are better off now. But now there’s a new man in Trisha’s mom’s life, and some of the red flags seem disturbingly similar.

Swagger, by Carl Deuker

Jonas has just moved to Seattle, and he’s happy to meet Levi, a sweet, soft-spoken guy who also plays basketball. It seems like, despite starting a new school as a senior, he will find belonging among the basketball team. But he slowly starts to realize that something is up with the charismatic basketball coach, and that he may have done something terrible to Levi. Will Jonas risk his newfound happiness and potential future to do the right thing?

Exit, Pursued by a Bear, by E.K. Johnston

Hermione is entering her senior year as the captain of her cheerleading team, in the “flyer” position, which requires huge feats of athleticism and strength. But ever since her assault at cheer camp, she’s been known for being something else – a rape victim. This book is heartbreaking (although also at times very funny and always very readable), but it is also a beautiful love letter to female friendship, as we watch Hermione cope with trauma with her best friend and teammate Polly at her side.

Amelia Westlake, by Erin Gough

The inciting incident for two extremely different girls to start working together involves a sleazy high school swim coach directing one-too-many inappropriate comments towards the girls he’s responsible for. Will and Harriet decide they can’t let him get away with his blatant sexual harassment and verbal abuse – but what can they do about it? How about form a fictional persona, who starts a series of pranks around the school, calling out the harassment, homophobia, hypocrisy, classism and more at their elite private school? Will and Harriet may feel helpless to make change, but Amelia Westlake sure isn’t, in this feminist comedy and enemies-to-lovers f/f romance.

Chalked Up: Inside Elite Gymnastics’ Merciless Coaching, Overzealous Parents, Eating Disorders, and Elusive Olympic Dreams, by Jennifer Sey (adult non-fiction/memoir)

Jennifer Sey became a gymnast at the age of six, reaching an elite level by eleven. She went on to be a 1986 U.S. National Gymnastics champion, but the road there wasn’t easy. In this candid 2008 memoir, she reveals the dark side of the sport – controlling parents, unhealthy expectations heaped on young girls’ bodies that result in eating disorders and injury, and abusive coaches.

Breath Like Water, by Anna Jarzab

Susannah was a world champion swimmer at the age of 14, but, two years later, it feels like she peaked. Her coach is verbally abusive at meets, and she’s considering just giving up on her dream. Then she meets Harry, another talented swimmer, and gets a new coach, one who seems like he actually cares about her. Will they help her see how powerful and strong she already is, whether she wins more awards or not? This book also features a bipolar II love interest.

Break the Fall, by Jennifer Iacopelli

Audrey has done what felt like the impossible – recover from a debilitating injury and the resulting spine surgery. She’s on the U.S. gymnastics team with her best friend, Emma, living the future they have always dreamed of. But not everything is perfect. What do you do when the person you trusted most turns out to have done something unforgivable? To Audrey, the answer is obvious: she stands behind the teammate who was assaulted. But not everyone on the team feels the same way. Will they be able to come together to win gold, even after feeling completely broken apart?

The Easy Part of Impossible, by Sarah Tomp

Ria was an elite diver on track for the Olympics. Her ADHD means she has always struggled in school, but diving was something she knew she was good at. But after a freak accident results in an injury, she has to figure out who she is without diving, and, with the help of her new friend Cotton (who’s on the autism spectrum), she is able to see her coach’s treatment for what it really was: abuse. What will she do when it seems like she has another chance to dive, but it would mean accepting her old coach back into her life?

[All book covers are the property of their publishers.]

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16 Awesome Queer Sports Books: Books with LGBTQIA+ Athlete Representation

Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images.

In some ways, the last few years has been a golden time for LGBTQIA+ athletes. The 2019 Women’s World Cup was a record tournament for LGBTQ+ visibility, with at least five players on the U.S. women’s national soccer team being openly queer (Ali Krieger and her now-wife Ashlyn Harris, Megan Rapinoe, A.D. Franch, and Tierna Davidson), as well as coach Jill Ellis, and another player coming out in the moment captured in the photo above, kissing her girlfriend in celebration. Rapinoe’s girlfriend, Sue Bird, another out lesbian athlete who plays in the WNBA, wrote an open letter to the President of the United States. A blockbuster movie told the story of iconic out lesbian tennis star Billie Jean King. Jason Paul Collins came out in 2013 (but retired the following year). Michael Sam was the first openly gay man to be drafted into the NFL in 2014 (but he has since retired).

But, according to the Human Rights Campaign, 70% of LGBTQIA+ people don’t come out to their teammates while still playing a sport, and 82% of athletes have witnessed homophobic and/or transphobic language in their sport. It is still more common, especially for male athletes, to come out after they have already left their sport (TW for homophobic slurs/statements and suicidal ideation), and many athletes who are still playing face backlash (TW for misgendering & general transphobia).

These books, from memoirs by professional queer athletes to YA romances with LGBTQIA+ athlete protagonists, explore these issues and more. 

Books are YA fiction unless otherwise noted.

Spinning, by Tillie Walden (graphic memoir)

This beautiful graphic novel memoir captures Tillie’s experience with figure skating and why she eventually decided to give it up. Full review here.

Girl Crushed, by Katie Heaney

Quinn thought her senior year would be perfect: college scouts recruiting her to her dream school for D1 soccer and her best-friend-turned-girlfriend at her side. But then Jamie dumps her, a month before the school year begins, and it’s getting a little late to have heard back from schools, if she’s going to end up on one of the top teams. Over the course of the school year, Quinn learns that her binary black-and-white, gay-and-straight, success-and-failure ways of seeing her world could stand to be a little more complicated. This book is about identity, self-esteem, friendship, crushes, and soccer. There are also many fun USWNT references! TW for some (challenged) bisexual erasure.

The Reappearing Act: Coming Out on a College Basketball Team Led by Born-Again Christians, by Kate Fagan (adult memoir)

Kate was thrilled to be playing basketball for a nationally-ranked school and to have a close-knit group of teammates. Her best friends were part of Colorado’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and she tried to join them and learn about their church, but she started to realize that she might be one of those people whose “sinful lifestyles” they talked about. She had to figure out how to come out without losing her friends, and her team.

Check, Please! Volume 1, by Ngozi Ukazu (graphic novel)

This adorable graphic novel (which was originally published as a popular webcomic) follows Bitty, a former junior figure skating champion and enthusiastic baker, who somehow ended up on the Samwell University hockey team. He’s terrified of checking (what if he gets hurt??), trying to figure out if he can win over the guys with pies, and also feeling some kind of way about the hot but grumpy captain.

Keeper of the Dawn, by Dianna Gunn

Lai wants to become a priestess, like her mother and grandmother were before her, but first she must prove herself in the trials she’s been training for her whole life. Nothing goes according to plan, but she can still depend on herself and her skill as a fighter and a horseback rider and take matters into her own hands. This fantasy novel features an asexual protagonist and a f/f romance.

The Passing Playbook, by Isaac Fitzsimmons (2020/2021 release)

This book hasn’t been released yet, but there are so few (if any) own voices YA sports books with trans characters that I decided to include it anyway. A queer, biracial, trans soccer player is benched, and has to decide whether to fight the ruling, even though that would mean coming out to everyone…including the Christian teammate he’s falling for.

Running with Lions, by Julian Winters

This coming-of-age novel follows Sebastian, a bisexual rising senior who’s excited for his last summer at soccer camp, where his teammates are great and the coach doesn’t expect anyone to stay in the closet. But then Emir Shah, a Muslim British-Pakistani new recruit, shows up. He also happens to be Sebastian’s former best friend, and they left things on pretty bad terms. So why is he finding himself attracted to Emir all of the sudden?

None of the Above, by I.W. Gregorio

I am hesitant to recommend this non-ownvoices intersex representation, but it’s the only book I know of about an intersex teen athlete, and, while it is imperfect and seems geared towards a non-intersex audience, there are certainly some good things to be said about it. It is informative, well-researched, and moving. Kristin, a homecoming queen and champion hurdler with a cute boyfriend, seems to be having a great high school experience. But a doctor’s visit reveals that she’s intersex, and, while she’s still coming to terms with what that might mean for her and her identity, her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school. TW for transphobic/anti-intersex slurs and bullying.

Forward: My Story, Young Readers’ Edition, by Abby Wambach (memoir)

U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star Abby Wambach tells her story with honesty and vulnerability, sharing how she came to lead her team to a World Cup win in 2015. She is open about her sexuality and romantic life (including a named mention of a certain pink-haired teammate, who also happens to be her ex-girlfriend) and how it affected her career.

We Ride Upon Sticks, by Quan Barry (adult fiction, with teen protagonists)

The 1989 Danvers high field hockey team finds themselves winning…a lot. Is it because they all wrote their names in a mysterious notebook with Emilio Estevez on the cover, and pledged themselves to dark forces so they could make the state championships? This darkly funny story explores friendship, sportsmanship, and what means to find power and sense of self as a teen girl.

Beautiful on the Outside, by Adam Rippon (adult non-fiction)

In his comedic memoir, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon shares his journey from poverty and uncertainty to success and becoming a self-professed American sweetheart. He opens up about anxiety attacks, coming to terms with his sexuality and coming out, and some enjoyable behind-the-scenes gossip. He also narrates the audiobook.

Ana on the Edge, by A.J. Sass (middle-grade, fall 2020 release)

Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie is the reigning U.S. Juvenile figure skating champion, but that doesn’t mean everything feels easy or figured out. When Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy, at the rink, Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy…and Ana doesn’t bother to correct him. In fact, it feels good to be seen as a boy. Now Ana must decide which identity feels the most right, in time for a big competition coming up. This book isn’t out yet, but it’s due to be released in fall 2020, and it is written by a non-binary (and autistic) author, who is also a figure skater.

Heartstopper, Volume 1, by Alice Oseman (graphic novel)

Charlie is neurotic and openly gay (after he was outed last year and bullied for months), and hoping that Year 10 at the British all-boys grammar school will be better. He meets Nick, an upbeat, sweet rugby player, and they become friends. Soon he finds himself hoping that their friendship turns into something more.

Fearless: Portraits of LGBT Student Athletes, by Jeff Sheng (non-fiction)

This is a memoir of an American artist who uses his story as a closeted high school athlete in the 1990s as a jumping-off-point to depict hundreds of photos of other LGBTQ+ high school and college athletes in the U.S. and Canada between 2003 and 2015.

Amateur, by Thomas McBee (adult memoir/non-fiction)

In this memoir, Thomas McBee describes grappling with the meaning of masculinity, violence, and sports. As a trans man, he has noticed since his transition that the world treats him completely differently and expects different things from him. But what does he want, and how does he want to define masculinity and strength for himself? He decides to train for a charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden as a way to find out.

Dryland, by Sara Jaffe

Julie is a cynical teen in Portland at the height of the grunge movement, struggling to define herself and her sexuality. No one in her family is willing to talk about her older brother, who at one point seemed destined for the Olympics but then fell off the map. Julie has never considered swimming herself, but then the swim team captain convinces her to join. Is this what she’s been looking for -- a way to get closer to her brother and maybe herself?

[All book covers belong to their respective publishers].

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These 12 Sports Books Deal with Mental Health, Grief, & Addiction

Sports, at their best, can be healing. They can’t “fix” mental illness or grief, but they can definitely serve as a healthy coping mechanism. All of these books depict people using sports in some manner to work through and deal with their grief, trauma, or existing mental illness, and/or people who were already athletes dealing with those things. YA fiction dealing with mental health does tend to involve romance, but I’ve tried to not include anything in this list that includes the harmful trope of love “fixing” someone’s trauma or mental illness.

All books are YA fiction unless otherwise noted.

(Don’t) Call Me Crazy, by Kelly Jenson (non-fiction anthology)

This is a great, varied YA anthology about mental health issues, including discussion of neurodivergence (including autism), anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, body dysmorphia, OCD, and more. Although, like with all anthologies, some parts will resonate more than others with different readers, it is definitely worth picking up. Many people provide lists, essays, comics, and more, including athletes. TW: discussion of multiple mental illnesses and experience with them, including suicidal ideation and self-harm, discussion of transphobia, racism, and other societal prejudices.

A Heart in a Body in the World, by Deb Coletti

Annabelle has had a terrible year, resulting in PTSD, and one day she decides to do something about it – take off on a 2,000+ mile run. Full review here.

Chasing Shadows, by Swati Avasthi

Corey, Holly, and Savitri used to be inseparable, freerunning around Chicago, feeling invulnerable as they leaped across rooftops and bounced off walls. But then Corey is killed, and nothing feels the same. What will happen to Holly and Savitri? The depiction of grief and mental illness and vivid descriptions of freerunning (like parkour) in this fast-paced novel with unique graphic elements (comics embedded into the text) will stick with readers.

Girl Against the Universe, by Paula Storkes

Sixteen-year-old Maguire has had her share of heartbreak – enough that she genuinely thinks she might be a curse. The worst of all was when her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash, from which she walked away with hardly a scratch. Coping with PTSD, Maguire feels like she should just hide in her room. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star who has his own issues but wants them to work through them together, and she decides to try a sport, like her therapist recommended, picking tennis. This book has a realistic depiction of anxiety and depicts therapy sessions that feel true to life, and, although it does have a romance, doesn’t fall into the “love fixes mental illness” trope.

Running Loose, by Chris Crutcher

Louie is living the dream – a starting spot on the football team, great friends, and a beautiful girlfriend who loves him. But suddenly everything starts going wrong, and he loses everything that meant something to him. How will he go on, without football or his girlfriend?

Breathe, Annie, Breathe, by Miranda Kenneally

Annie has always hated running. But now she can’t seem to outrun her guilt about her ex-boyfriend who committed suicide after she broke up with him. So she decides to train for the marathon he was going to run, as a way to honor him. Along the way, she starts to think about opening her heart up to love again. But will it be too painful?

All the Broken Pieces, by Ann E. Burg

This novel in verse explores the lasting effects of violence and war. Matt has left Vietnam, air-lifted out when he was only ten years old, but the memories, and the trauma, have not left him. Although he has is now living in the U.S. with a caring adoptive family, there is still so much to face and figure out when it comes to his identity and his struggle to feel whole and safe again, and he turns to music, and baseball, for solace. TW: depictions of violence, bullying, and racism.

The Hopeful, by Tracy O’Neill

Sixteen-year-old Ali is a “hopeful” – a figure skating prodigy with a real shot at the Olympics. But then a fall fractures two vertebrae, and Ali ends up addicted to painkillers and eventually institutionalized. This is a raw story of obsession, and a gritty look at the pressure put on young athletes, as well as a realistic tale of eventual recovery, featuring a great relationship with a psychiatrist. TW: drug abuse.

The Whole of My World, by Nicole Hayes

In an attempt to escape her grieving father and forget her own guilt and loss, Shelley joins a group of fellow “footy tragics.” Finally she feels like she belongs. This book depicts a sport I haven’t seen in any other YA book – AFL, or Australian football, which should be fun for AFL fans and an interesting new world to explore for American readers.

Cracking the Bell, by Geoff Herbach

Football has always been the main thing that makes sense to Isaiah. It has helped him get through the loss of his sister and grandfather and his parents breaking up, and it helped him turn his life around after spending time in juvie. But when he gets a serious concussion and must decide whether to go back to the game or give it up for good, he has to figure out what he has if he doesn’t have football.

Underwater, by Marisa Reichardt

After her role in a terrible tragedy, Morgan struggles with agoraphobia, unable to leave her apartment and feeling like she’s underwater and can’t get to the surface. But then a new boy moves in next door, and she’s reminded of how much she used to love the ocean, and swimming. Will she be able to get back to the water?

Bruised, by Sara Skinton

Imogen has a black belt in Tae Known Do, but when she witnesses a hold-up in a diner that results in a shoot-out with police, she completely freezes. Stricken with guilt and dealing with PTSD, she becomes obsessed with the idea that if she can prove herself in a fight, she’ll feel better. But what does it really mean to be strong, and to heal? This books deals with serious issues, but it also has moments of humor and romance.

Let me know if there are any other good ones I’m missing!

[All book cover images are the property of their publishing companies.]

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Spotlight on: A Heart in a Body in the World, by Deb Caletti

It feels like every single good thing in Annabelle’s life has been taken from her, by a boy whose name she can’t say – she can only call him The Taker. He haunts her thoughts and her dreams. One day, 8 months after the incident, she is cornered in a diner late at night by a drunk guy, who is probably harmless, but he is still a man putting his hand on her, and she just snaps. She decides that she’s going to run to D.C. From her home in Seattle. Her mom thinks she has finally lost it, that it’s the PTSD talking. But Annabelle won’t be dissuaded.

Just as the reality of what she’s taken on is setting in, when she’s starting to think that taking off on her own was a really, really stupid idea, her support system snaps into place. Her Grandpa Ed shows up in an RV. Her “team” assembles – her friends plan a GoFundMe, and her brother makes t-shirts. She was just running because, well, she had to do something. But next thing she knows, she’s become a reluctant activist.

I won’t spoil the Bad Thing that happened to her, although you may be able to guess. It is slowly untangled, as you follow Annabelle through barren fields and along empty highways. She keeps yelling at herself, “Stop!!” in an attempt to slow the obsessive thoughts, but at a certain point, she can’t stop. So it all eventually comes tumbling out. But, even before you know exactly what happened, you will relate to Annabelle, if you’re a girl, or anyone who has ever felt scared or controlled or traumatized. You will root for her, in her absolutely wildly ambitious plan to run 16 miles a day, every day, for months. You will want to tell her not to feel guilty, that it’s not her fault. You may be inspired to take on a cause of your own (maybe you already have!).

This book is utterly heartbreaking, but it is also sweet, and inspiring, and at times very funny. The writing is beautiful and haunting. It gives a full sense of a life after tragedy, not just the terrible moments, but not just the uplifting ones either.

TW: (fairly graphic, in one scene) violence, controlling/abusive behavior and language, detailed descriptions of the experience of PTSD, and mention of sexual assault (by a side character, not detailed).

[Cover image belongs to Simon Pulse].

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10 Fun & Inspiring Movies About Women Athletes Facing Sexism and Following Their Dreams

Although these movies range from serious dramas to screwball comedies, they all have something in common: they follow female athletes (or, in one case, sports fans) trying to make it in a world that doesn’t want to see them succeed. 

“A League of Their Own” (1992, PG)

This iconic sports comedy-drama is based on the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, an all-female baseball league that was created during World War II in the Midwest. This is a wonderful story of women overcoming the odds and proving themselves, set in the 1940s but relevant to all eras.

“Girlfight” (2000, R for language and violence)

This sports drama was Michelle Rodriguez’s breakout role, and she’s great as Diana Guzman, who is struggling both in school, where she’s constantly getting in fights, and at home, where she’s living in a housing project with her father and brother in Red Hook. She decides to take up boxing, taking on a punishing training regimen. She fights sexism, racism, and constantly being told she’s not good enough, in and out of the ring, but she punches back against all of it.

“Bend it like Beckham” (2002, PG-13)

This story of going against your parents to follow your dreams features a young British Indian girl and is fun, funny, and poignant. Read a full review here.

“Whip It” (2009, PG-13)

Bliss is unhappy in her small Texas town, with a mother who only wants her to win pageants, and she longs for more, which she finds in roller derby. This is based on Shauna Cross’s novel Derby Girl, and has an all-star cast, uplifting message, and is just so much fun.

“Battle of the Sexes” (2017, PG-13)

Based on what was at the time the most-watched televised sports event ever, the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which became a referendum on women in sports, this movie is inspiring, funny, and so satisfying. It also features Billie Jean’s real-life lesbian love story.

“Bring it On” (2000, PG-13)

Although on the surface a light-hearted teen movie, “Bring it On” has so much to say – about how stereotypically female sports like cheerleading are seen as shallow and unimportant, even though they’re incredibly technically and athletically difficult, and about how race plays into funding for and recognition of high school sports teams. And it’s so fun to watch.

“Offside,” (2006, PG)

This Iranian film follows a group of girls who try to enter a stadium in Tehran to watch a big football (soccer) match, dressed as boys because women are banned from watching male sports. They end up getting arrested, in this hilarious comedy that speaks to more serious issues as well.

“Gracie” (2007, PG-13)

More heartbreaking than most movies on this list, but no less inspiring, “Gracie” features Gracie Bowen, who tries to take her brother’s place on the boy’s varsity soccer team after he dies in a tragic accident.

“She’s The Man” (2006, PG-13)

Viola has an elaborate scheme to pose as her twin brother Sebastian and take his place at boarding school, but she immediately runs into some problems. For one thing, she has a crush on her roommate, Duke, who loves Olivia...who loves Sebastian. It’s all very complicated (and hilarious), and it’s all centered around soccer. Although some aspects of the gender/sexuality stuff may not play so well to a contemporary audience, overall this story, inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, is still funny and enjoyable.

“Love & Basketball” (2000, PG-13)

Monica and Quincy are childhood friends who both want to be professional basketball players one day, in this romance that spans from when they meet at 11 through college and beyond. As their friendship starts to turn into more, it looks like Quincy’s more likely to “make it big,” with Monica’s prospects lesser both because of sexism and lack of opportunity for women in basketball and because of her temper, which can tend to flare up on the court. They have to decide what exactly they each want for their future, and what they’re willing to do to get it.

[All movie posters are the property of the production companies.]

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Spotlight on: “Bend it Like Beckham” (2002, PG-13)

Jess Bhamra loves football (soccer to Americans) – playing in the park with her guy friends and watching her hero Beckham on tv — but she never thought she’d get to play for real, because her strict Indian parents would never let her. And anyway, what kind of opportunities are there for girls in football? But one day Jules Paxton runs by Jess playing in the park and convinces her to come out for the semi-pro team she plays on. Cue the montages – training ones and ones of Jess and her family preparing for her sister’s wedding.

Considering that this movie is from 2002, it holds up extraordinarily well, and it really feels ahead of its time. The dialogue is quick, witty, and sweet, and the movie overall is really fun and inspiring. There are a few cringeworthy lines, but most seem intentionally used to show how difficult it is to make it as a woman of color in a sport, like when the coach says he’s never met an Indian girl who played soccer before, or when Jules’s mom asks Jess well-meaning but racist questions. There is also mention of the racism Jess’s dad faced when he came to the U.K. and tried to play cricket, and a discussion of the lack of representation in professional sports.

This movie touches on so many issues of sexism in sports as well: Jules mentions that she had to petition for there to be a girls team in the first place, and she shows Jess video highlights from the American WUSA league, saying “We don’t have anything like that here.” (The Women’s Super League as it currently exists in the U.K. is a very recent development). Jess’s story about having had a childhood accident resulting in a big burn scar on her leg is also moving and rare to see on the big screen, even if the resolution is quite quick (inspired by a pep talk from her coach), and it makes it even cooler to know that it’s based on the actresses’s actual experience and body:

Her agent wrote to me and said, “Look, there’s something we need to tell you. We didn’t want to tell you before…” And I said, oh my god, what’s the problem? And they said, “Parminder had an accident when she was young and burnt the whole of her leg.” (From this interview with Gurinder Chadha)

After hearing that, rather than decide not to cast her after all, as her agent may have feared, Chadha decided to incorporate Parminder’s real-life story (beans on toast and all) into the movie.

This movie could definitely have done without the romantic drama with the coach (it feels inappropriate given their power dynamic, and honestly Jess & Jules have much better chemistry than her and Joe, but who knows, maybe we’ll see that sequel one day), but aside from that, this movie is a fantastic depiction of familial/cultural expectations, sexism in sports, friendship, and the love of the game.

TW: slut-shaming, anti-Muslim comments, homophobia, use of a racial slur.

[Poster property of Searchlight Pictures].

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12 Exciting and Moving Sports Books with Disability, Chronic Illness, & Neurodiversity Representation

These sports books, from memoirs to romances, all contain some sort of disability, chronic illness, and/or neurodiversity representation. There are definitely some limitations and gaps in this list – YA fiction books tend to focus on romance when it comes to teens with chronic illness, and there are definitely more books out there about teens who have recently acquired physical disabilities and/or are using mobility aids only temporarily. That said, every year there is more representation out there! And please let me know if there’s anything great that I’m missing.

All books are YA fiction unless otherwise noted.

The Running Dream, by Wendelin Van Draanen

When Jessica loses a leg in a car accident, she thinks her life is over, and she’s certain she’ll never run again. As she deals with crutches and a new prosthetic, she comes to see her past judgment of a classmate with cerebral palsy in a new light; especially when that classmate is now tutoring her to help catch up on the schoolwork she missed. Jessica’s emotional journey as she deals with a huge change in her physical abilities and navigating a world that isn’t designed for people with disabilities, the trauma of the accident, and her resulting survivor’s guilt are realistic and moving.

Rules for 50/50 Chances, by Kate McGovern

Seventeen-year-old Rose Levenson is faced with an impossible decision: does she want to know how she’s going to die? When she turns 18, she can take the test that will tell her if she carries the genetic mutation for Huntington’s disease, the degenerative condition that she has watched destroy her mother’s body from the inside out. If she knows the future, will she still want to pursue her passions, like going to ballet school, or falling in love? But then she meets a boy who has been dealt a similar genetic lottery. Is it worth hoping for the future, if it could include him?

The Year We Fell Down, by Sarina Bowen (new adult)

Corey Callahan was expecting to start her freshman year in college as a varsity hockey player, but instead she arrives in a wheelchair, after an accident on the ice leaves her partly paralyzed from the waist down. She has to live in a special accessible room away from all the other freshmen, but she gets to know the hockey player across the hall, who is extremely hot…but also has a girlfriend. Should she just forget him? Would he even like her anyway, when she feels broken? (Note: although there isn’t much hockey actually played in this book, it forms an integral part of both protagonists’ identities). TW for the use of ableist slurs (by characters with disabilities).

How We Roll, by Natasha Friend

Quinn loves her family, friends, skateboarding, and basketball, but when she’s diagnosed with the auto-immune disorder alopecia and loses all her hair, her friends suddenly disappear. Then she meets Nick, a former football player who is now in a wheelchair after a freak accident. Together, they figure out how to regain confidence and self-esteem, even though their lives look different than they expected, and maybe find love along the way. Note: Quinn also has a brother with autism.

Just Don’t Fall, by Josh Sundquist (memoir)

Josh was only nine years old when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, the cancer that would lead to the loss of his left leg. This story is just as much about his coming-of-age in a small Southern town as it is about his passion for skiing. But the exciting, moving, and often funny story takes the reader along on the bumpy road to the Paralympics in Turin.

Pinned, by Sharon Flake

At first glance, Autumn and Adonis seem to have nothing in common: Autumn is popular and outgoing, whereas Adonis keeps to himself. Autumn is a star wrestler, but she has a learning disability that makes reading a struggle; Adonis is in a wheelchair, but he’s a strong reader who loves books. Told in alternating points-of-view with two very distinct voices, this book is a testament to unlikely friendships, identity, and difference. It’s especially rare to see characters of color who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities in YA. TW: some non- or dubious- consensual kissing/romantic advances.

The Beginning of Everything, by Robyn Schneider

Ezra was the varsity tennis captain with a whole blessed life ahead of him, but then he shattered his leg in a car accident. This book has funny, witty dialogue and romance reminiscent of John Green, but also has more serious and moving moments. Ezra is unlikable, especially at first, when he’s very spoiled and kind of a jerk, but he becomes a sympathetic and relatable protagonist by the end. TW: animal death.

Pop, by Gordon Korman

After his parents split up, Marcus moves to a new town where he doesn’t know anyone, and strikes up a friendship with an older man named Charlie, who turns out to be the infamous football star Charlie Popovich, “the King of Pop.” But what damage exactly can all the “pops” in football cause? Full of pranks and suspense, this is a funny sports story with a goofy older character that makes the serious issues it deals with (dementia caused by repeated head injury) more accessible and approachable. It’s also full of entertaining football scenes.

A Matter of Heart, by Amy Dominy

Sixteen-year-old Abby Lipman seems destined for great things – a state swimming championship, and maybe even the Olympics. But then she faints at a swim meet and gets a sobering diagnosis of HCM, a heart condition that has led to the sudden death of young athletes. How is she going to figure out who she is and what this means for her life, without the one thing she’s always known? TW: suicidal ideation.

My Shot: Balancing It All and Standing Tall, by Elena Dell Doyne (adult memoir)

Elena Delle Donne, 2015 WNBA MVP and Olympic medalist, shares her story of passion, hard work, loyalty, and family. She was a basketball prodigy who gave up a scholarship and chance to play for the legendary Geno Aurriema at UConn to stay close to her sister Lizzie, who has multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Elena talks about the emotional and psychological challenges of competing at the highest level of a sport, as well as the long-term health challenges she has from recurrent Lyme disease, in this inspiring and interesting memoir.

Hit Count, by Chris Lynch

How do we reconcile Americans’ love of football with our knowledge of its long-term effects? That’s the question that Chris Lynch asks in this engaging story of a teen football star who loves being in the center of the action, even (especially) if it means getting hit and hitting back even harder. Everything is fine -- even though he might have a little pounding in his head, a little dizziness, a little confusion from the chronic head trauma, it’s worth it for the exhilaration of the tackle! But eventually the people he loves him tell him he has to stop. What will he choose? TW: the descriptions of violence and injuries can be quite graphic.

Kicking Up Dirt: A True Story of Determination, Deafness, and Daring, by Ashley Fiolek (adult memoir)

Ashley Fiolek, a deaf motorcross champion at only 19, tells of her rise to the top of a male-dominated sport in her memoir. Although many of the blurbs for the book talk about Fiolek “overcoming” her disability, the actual book is frank and straightforward about her experiences, how it’s felt to accomplish all that she has, and her frustrations about the inequality faced by women in motorcross.

[All cover images belong to the publishers].

For more YA books with portrayals of disability (not necessarily about sports), check out Disability in Kidlit (although it hasn’t been updated in a couple of years). Also, find a list of “7 Documentaries by Deaf and Disabled People” (a list inspired by Netflix’s generally well-liked new documentary “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution”), here.

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Female Athletes Smash Sexism in Sports in These 10 Books

There are so many ways and reasons that women and girls face sexism and double standards in sports. Even though Title IX’s passage in 1972 paved the way for alleged equality in sports at the high school and college level, girls’ teams are still provided with less funding or cut entirely, and professional women’s sports are invested in at a fraction of the level that men’s are (although this is starting to change!). Women competing in typically or traditionally male sports face an uphill battle, with pressure and prejudice coming from society as a whole and often even from their own teammates and coaches. And yet the heroines of these books, from high school girls to adult professional athletes, have broken barriers and smashed boundaries to show sexism in sports who’s boss.

All books are YA fiction unless otherwise noted.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win, by Rachel Ignotofsky (non-fiction)

This beautifully-illustrated collection highlights the contributions of 50 women athletes from the 1800s to today, including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in a wide array of sports.

Dairy Queen, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

D.J. Schwenk can already hardly juggle working on her family’s dairy farm and junior year of high school. Then a rival school’s football coach asks her to train his senior quarterback, and not only does she start to strike up a friendship with him, but she starts to think that maybe she wants to play football herself. This sweet, funny, and moving story is a long-time YA favorite for good reason.

The National Team, by Caitlin Murray (adult non-fiction)

This engaging book tells the story of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, from its humble beginnings to a triumphant 4th World Cup victory in 2019. Detailed review here.

Michigan vs. the Boys, by Carrie S. Allen

Michigan loves hockey, and she can’t wait for this season, until she finds out that the girls’ hockey team was cut. She doesn’t want to give up her sport, so there’s only one real choice: join the boys’ team. She puts up with “harmless” pranks from boys who don’t seem thrilled by having a girl on their team, until the hazing goes too far. Will Michigan speak up, even if it means potentially jeopardizing her future? (TW for physical & verbal abuse/bullying & assault).

Gravity, by Sarah Deming

This gritty book about a 16-year-old boxer trying to make it to the Rio Olympics is written by a real-life Golden Glove champion. Read a full review here.

In My Skin, by Brittney Griner (adult memoir)

Brittney Griner has dealt with so many types of prejudice and broken so many barriers that this book would fit on almost any list on this blog. In this memoir, she talks about her complicated relationships with mentor/parent figures, her mixed feelings about playing for a school that has a policy against homosexuality as a gay woman, and how she came to accept and embrace her body after years of bullying for her height and masculine presentation. Written in an easy-to-read conversational style, In My Skin is inspirational and moving.

A Season of Daring Greatly, by Ellen Emerson White

Jill Cafferty just made history at 18 years old – becoming the first women drafted by a major league baseball team. But now she finds herself dealing with not just the pressure heaped on all rookie pitchers, but also the impossible double standards faced by women in male-dominated fields and trail-blazers anywhere. There are plenty of people determined to keep baseball a boys’ club, and even the girls and women around the country looking up to her stress Jill out – how does she remain true to herself and enjoy her passion with all this pressure?

Home & Away, by Candice Montgomery

Tasia Quirk is sure of herself – of her friends, of her supportive and well-off family, of her spot as the only girl on her school’s football team. But when she finds a mysterious box in her closet, it makes her question everything. This book, which author Candice Montgomery calls a “love letter to being young, Black and female,” has a strong voice, complicated things to say about race, colorism, sexism, & identity, heartbreaking emotional beats, and a sweet romance with a bisexual boy character (so rare in YA, or anywhere!).

Stand Up and Shout Out: Women’s Fight for Equal Pay, Equal Rights, and Equal Opportunities in Sports, by Joan Steidinger (adult non-fiction)

Joan Steidinger tracks what has and hasn’t changed for women in sports as a result of major sea changes from Title IX to the #MeToo movement. Highlights include interviews with an impressive array of pro women athletes and concrete “action steps” that readers can take to contribute to the fight for women’s equality in sports (and in general). This is more on the academic side, as opposed to more narrative non-fiction, but it is a great reference text for anyone interested in women in sports.

Out of Left Field, by Kris Hui Lee

There are a surprisingly large number of lighthearted, fluffy romance books that feature a high-school girl playing for a boy’s team, and it’s a popular trope for a reason! This one is cute and fun, with a friends-to-lovers romance, but it still deals with real issues of sexism and self-doubt. Will Marnie be able to help the baseball team make the playoffs, when it feels like her own team is working against her?

Play Big: Conquer Your Fears and Make Your Dreams A Reality – Lessons from the First Women to Coach in the NFL, by Jen Welter (adult non-fiction)

They call it the “glass sideline” – the invisible barrier that had kept a single woman from coaching at any level in the NFL. When Jen Welter became a linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, she busted through that barrier, the same way she did when she became the first woman to play running back in a men’s pro football league. This memoir tells Welter’s story beginning with her days playing tackle football as a school-kid, but it also has actionable advice for women looking to make it in football, sports, or any sexist workplace.

[All book cover images courtesy of the publishers].

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Spotlight on: Gravity, by Sarah Deming

Gravity doesn’t know what to expect when, at age 12, she walks into PLASMAFuel Cops ‘n Kids, a boxing gym in Brooklyn run by a legendary fighter and coach. She goes there because she’s heard Coach Thomas will train anyone…for free. It sounds too good to be true. But with an irresponsible alcoholic mom who hoards their EBT, Gravity doesn’t have any money to burn on training. It takes three tries before she even finds her way to the gym when it’s actually open, and it’s nothing fancy. The coach seems to a young Gravity to be a million years old, and pretty much everyone at the gym is a boy or man. But the coach is willing to take her on for free, and that’s all she needs. Gravity doesn’t expect to find her passion that day, or a family. But she finds both.

Fast-forward four years, and the Jewish Dominican lightweight has a treasured Golden Gloves necklace to her name and the Olympics within her sights. There’s just one thing – at the upcoming Olympic qualifying trials she has to fight against her biggest rival at the gym, Svetlana, who has also become one of her closest friends. Can she beat her, and make it to Rio? And how can she leave town when her mom’s drinking has gotten worse, and Gravity’s already hardly able to keep food on the table for her little brother, Ty?

Written in a no-frills, realistic style by a sports journalist and real-life Golden Gloves champion who covered the Rio Olympics from ringside, Gravity tells the story of a female boxer’s battles with grit, humor, and poignancy. Every detail makes it clear that Deming knows exactly what she’s talking about, and the spirit of Cops n’ Kids shines through so much that readers will wish it were a real place (in fact, it is -- it’s a real free community gym in East Flatbush! Deming coaches and tutors youth boxers there). The diverse cast of characters at the gym is also thoughtfully depicted, like Kimani, a large dark-skinned black man who other boxers call “Monster,” who is painfully aware that others’ fear of him is driven by racism. Gravity is easy to root for, and you’ll want to see her succeed, both in and out of the ring.

TW: detailed descriptions of dieting/restrictive eating & weight tracking & an abusive parent.

[Book cover belongs to Make Me a World publishers.]

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Spotlight on: Here to Stay, by Sara Farizan

Bijan is a nerd. He loves reading comics and Stephen King books and joking around with his best friend. He falls all over himself when trying to talk to girls. He’s also a nerd about basketball — he knows exactly when and why long shorts came back into popularity, and his life is narrated (in his head at least) by two bantery sports announcers. Although he’s always just been on JV, he gets his big chance when he’s called up to Varsity for a big game and actually makes the key play.

Suddenly people he doesn’t even know (or who he didn’t think even knew him) are nice to him. But, as he keeps helping the team win, he discovers the downside to sudden high school sports stardom — not everyone’s so happy for him. Next thing he knows, an anonymous cyberbully emails the entire student body a picture of Bijan’s head photoshopped onto a terrorist’s body.

This book deals with the fall out of a specific act of racist and Islamophobic bullying, but it also tackles less overt prejudices within Bijan’s mostly white private school, and calls out the status quo where a not-even-that-talented white teammate is going to go to college for basketball and gets away with bad behavior because he’s related to a school trustee.

But, even though it deals with such intense issues, Here to Stay is also very funny, sweet, and all-around charming! The dialogue is clever and snappy, the good and bad guys aren’t always who you think, and the secondary friendships and f/f romance are really sweet. I highly recommend it!

TW: Islamophobia, bullying, outing.

[All images property of Algonquin Young Readers].

[sportsintersections]

Spotlight on: Spinning, by Tillie Walden

Tillie Walden’s graphic memoir is about figure skating, how it shaped who she is as a person, and why she had to leave it behind. It’s also about coming into her sexuality, falling in love, and coming out.

Walden, who was, incredibly, only 21 years old when this book came out, has a very specific style. Her art is hauntingly beautiful and deceptively simple, and her dialogue is spare. There are whole pages of this book that have only a few words on them, or none at all. Yet they pack such an emotional punch.

This book is about growing up, putting time and energy and your body into a sport, and feeling like maybe it’s not worth it, and maybe you don’t even recognize the person you were when you started out. It’s about getting up every morning for years, while it’s still dark out, and then wondering – why? And what would it be like to just sleep, instead? It’s about Tillie beginning to define what skating may have meant to her even if it didn’t result in “success” in the typical sense, and defining who she is without skating.

As Walden said in an interview with NPR in 2018, in response to the question, “What would it have been like for the self you depicted in Spinning to read a book like Spinning?”:

It would have changed my life. If I'd read something like that at 13, I would have quit skating, cut my hair, grabbed the hand of the girl I liked ... really! I was always on the cusp of being myself. I have quite a spirit in me, I was so close. I just needed one nudge. One person, or one book, to say "It's okay, you can stop being an ice skater. You can be a lesbian. And you're going to be okay." And I watched those "It Gets Better" videos as a kid and it completely just washed over. They didn't connect with me at all, for some reason. I think a book like Spinning would have connected with me. It would have meant the world to me, and I'm so glad it's out there now for anyone who needs it.

Hopefully at least one person who needs it will find this book.

[All images property of Tillie Walden].

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Spotlight on: The National Team, by Caitlin Murray

If you’re on this blog, you probably know about the 2019 USWNT team – Alex Morgan’s iconic tea sipping pose, Megan Rapinoe’s killer set pieces, Tobin Heath’s fancy footwork, Christen Press’s heartbreaking hands-toward-heaven goal celebration, Alyssa Naeher’s incredible saves…I could go on. But do you know the story of those three other stars on their jerseys? 

Did you know that back in 1999, you could have found Mia Hamm handing out flyers at young girls’ soccer camps, just to let people know about the upcoming Women’s World Cup (the third iteration of the tournament ever, and the first to field 16 teams), which, by the way, the U.S. won? Did you know how hard they had to fight the U.S. Soccer Federation just to get basic things like not having to take hotel shuttle buses to games?  

Caitlin Murray gets into all that, and everything in between, in The National Team. Although the hardcover edition cuts off right before the 2019 World Cup, the paperback version is updated to include last year’s win, so I’d highly recommend getting that one.

This non-fiction book is stock full of fascinating (and infuriating) facts and anecdotes. Caitlin Murray interviewed star players from each iteration of the team, from Brandi Chastain to Rose Lavelle, Briana Scurry to Ashlyn Harris, as well as coaches, administrators, and lawyers. 

Reading this, you can tell why Caitlin Murray excels as a sports writer – she is so good at conveying the drama and describing games & tournaments in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, even when you know exactly what’s going to happen.  

If you already love the USWNT, this book will make you very happy (and, unless you’re the world’s most knowledgeable fan, you’ll probably learn something new!), and if you don’t yet love them, you will by the time you finish this book.

[All images courtesy of Abrams Press].

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13 Podcasts about Sports & Intersectionality Every Athlete and Sports Fan Should Listen To

These podcast episodes range from short, ten-minute segments to hour-long deep dives, but what they have in common is that all of them explore an issue and how it intersects with sports in an interesting and thought-provoking way.

Trigger warnings listed at the end of episode descriptions (but please let me know if I missed anything).

That’s What She Said with Sarah Spain, “Sexism in Sports”

Sarah Spain talks to all kinds of guests on her show, many of them athletes, but I particularly recommend her episode “Sexism in Sports”, where she talks to women about sexism they’ve faced in sports. TW: discussion of sexual harassment.

TED Radio Hour, “Pat Ferrucci: How Does the Language of Sports Journalism Reveal Racial Biases?”

In his TED talk, journalism professor Pat Ferrucci talks about how, even though sports is supposed to be “the great equalizer,” the language used by sports journalists reveals their prejudice and makes it harder for athletes of color to succeed.

Radiolab, “Gonads, Dutee”

This fascinating episode features an interview with Dutee Chand, a world-class runner from India who was disqualified for failing a “gender test,” and also delves into the history of female athletes at the Olympics and the problems with various tests for “gender.” TW: description of invasive tests by doctors, discussion of misgendering of women athletes, and discussions that assume that “biological” (assigned at birth) sex and gender are the same thing.

The Outside Podcast, “XX Factor: How the Sports Bra Changed History”

The Outside Podcast has many interesting episodes, but a personal (surprising) favorite is one about “how the sports bra changed history.” You may have not given much thought to the sports bra, but its invention was actually a huge deal, completely revolutionizing women’s participation in sports!

The Takeaway, on Trans High School Athletes

This segment for WNYC’s “The Takeaway” explores the obstacles that trans teens face in high school sports. Although it’s only about 10 minutes long, it does a great job examining the issues involved, and the ESPN reporter who the host talks to, Katie Barnes, is non-binary, and has written about trans athletes for ESPN. TW: discussions of transphobia.

The Edge of Sports with Dave Zirin, “Maya Moore Talks Mass Incarceration”

This podcast, by The Nation magazine, focuses on “where sports and politics collide.” Almost any episode from this podcast would be applicable to this blog, but I especially recommend “Maya Moore Talks Mass Incarceration,” in which the WNBA star talks about her inspiring work to raise awareness about prosecutorial misconduct and other issues in the justice system. 

Disabled Sports USA’s Challenge Extended, “Paralympian Tricia Downing”

Challenge Extended is another podcast where every episode is great and relevant to this list! One that I especially enjoyed is this interview with Tricia Downing, who was the first female paraplegic competitor in an Ironman triathlon, has completed over 100 races, and is also a disability rights advocate.

NPR Weekend Edition, “Olympic Runner Who Once Competed Against Caster Semenya Weighs In On Testosterone Ruling”

In this short segment, Madeleine Pape, a former Olympic runner who once competed against Caster Semenya, talks about why the exclusion of female athletes with high levels of testosterone is unfair, and how homophobia, racism, sexism, and other issues play into these discussions.

Code Switch, “A Thousand Ways to Kneel and Kiss the Ground”

This episode of Code Switch, a podcast hosted by journalists of color that features all kinds of conversations about race, reports on the 2018 NFL policy to punish players who kneel during the national anthem, looking back on how this fits into the history of sports and black political protest.

Let’s Talk About It, “Sport”

The very first episode of Irwin Mitchell’s podcast Let’s Talk About It, which discusses what it’s really like living with a disability, is all about sports. The host talks to wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett, Paralympic gold medalist Hannah Cockroft, and “amateur action man” Ed Buckley, who recovered from a serious brain injury. Note that Irwin Mitchell is a for-profit business, and this is part of their “campaign to get more people into disability sport,” some aspects of which tend towards what disability activists sometimes call “inspiration porn.” However, I think this particular podcast episode is great, and it focuses on #ownvoices representation.

Only A Game from NPR, “[…] U.S. Gymnast Speaks Out […]”

Only A Game is a sports news and issues podcast that tackles multiple topics each episode, so it’s hard to point to a specific one that’s most relevant, but check out this recent episode and skip to minute 20:32 to hear a heartbreaking and essential conversation with gymnastics star Jennifer Sey about abuses in the sport. She also has a book, Chalked Up, about her experiences. TW: discussion of emotional/verbal abuse (including body shaming & restrictive diets and resulting in injury & suicidal ideation) & sexual abuse.

Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy, “Inside the US Soccer Equal Pay Fight”

Soccer-star-turned-commentator Julie Foudy hosts Laughter Permitted, an interview podcast where she has intimate and funny conversations with other female athletes. This fantastic episode breaks that mold and has Foudy speak candidly about the US Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay and how the US Soccer Federation’s defense against the suit relies on sexism.

Champions of Change: The RISE podcast, “Celebrating PRIDE Month: Track & Field athlete Nika Ouellette”

Pretty much any episode of this podcast, which discusses issues of race, social justice, and community-building in sports, would be relevant here, but a personal favorite of mine is one from June 2019 with out lesbian javelin thrower Nika Ouellette, who’s an ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization that champions LGBTQ+ equality in sports. She talks about diversity and intersectionality in sports and the role that the athletic community should play in encouraging inclusivity for LGBTQ+ athletes.

[The rights for all the logos in this post are reserved by their respective podcasts.]

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14 Sports Books That Deal with Race, Racism, & Prejudice

This is a selection of books that deal with the issues of race, racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, colorism, and other forms of prejudice that athletes face. Of course, many people face intersecting oppressions, so many of these books also touch on other issues, including sexism, poverty, and other forms of inequality. 

All books are young adult fiction unless otherwise noted. 

Here to Stay, by Sara Farizan

Bijan Majidi is thrilled to be catapulted to sports stardom when he’s called in off the bench and makes the winning play in a big game. But the next thing he knows, an anonymous email is sent to the whole student body of his face photoshopped onto a terrorist’s body, and he, and all his friends, have to deal with the fall-out. More detailed review here.

Ghost, by Jason Reynolds (middle-grade)

One day, 13-year-old Castle Crenshaw (aka “Ghost”) is hanging out in the park when he stumbles on a track practice and ends up racing an elite sprinter…and winning. But will Ghost be able to outrun the issues of his past in order to succeed? This moving, fast-paced book touches on racism, poverty, incarceration, and abuse.

The Boxer: The True Story of Holocaust Survivor Harry Haft, by Reinhard Kleist (non-fiction graphic novel)

This powerful graphic novel tells the story of 16-year-old Harry Haft, who was sent to Auschwitz, where he was forced to fight against other inmates, but escaped and made it to the U.S. to become a professional prizefighter.

Necessary Roughness, by Marie Myung-Ok Lee

When Chan Kim’s family moves to a tiny town in Michigan, where they’re the only Asian family in town, he throws himself into football to try and fit in. But does he have the “necessary roughness” to survive – on and off the field? (TW: descriptions of violent bullying, widespread use of racial slurs, and character death). Full review here.

Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher

T.J. Jones is an adopted mixed-race kid living in small majority-white town, where arrogant athletes rule the school. That’s why he’s avoided organized sports – until now, when his English teacher asks him to help start a swimming team. The group of ragtag misfits doesn’t even have a swimming pool of their own, but can the All Night Mermen succeed, despite all their obstacles?

The Crossover, by Kwame Alexander (middle-grade)

12-year old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan can deliver on the basketball court and they have mad beats. It’s really no surprise, as both skills are in their blood. This fast-paced story of high-stakes basketball games and potential game-changers for the Bell family is told entirely in verse.

Backfield Boys, by John Feinstein

Jason and Tom are best friends, so they’re thrilled when they find out they’ve both been accepted to an elite boarding school on football scholarships. But when they get there, Jason, who’s Jewish and a great wide-receiver, is made a quarterback, while Tom, who’s black and has an incredible arm, is put in as a receiver. It doesn’t make any sense, but are they willing to call out the racist choice and potentially jeopardize their futures?

RUNNER: Harry Jerome, World’s Fastest Man, by Norma Charles

This novel is based on the inspiring and poignant true story of black Canadian track star Harry Jerome, who became the “fastest man in the world” for eight years in the 1960s, succeeding in spite of all the racism he faced.

Girl Overboard, by Justina Chen

Syrah is living a blessed life, or so it seems, until an accident keeps her from snowboarding, and she has to figure out who she is without the sport. This book, a rare depiction of an Asian girl in the white-male-dominated extreme & winter sports world, explores adoption, Chinese history, self-esteem, and activism, and it’s also fluffy and fun.

After the Shot Drops, by Randy Ribay

Bunny and Nasir used to be best friends and great teammates, but then Bunny gets a scholarship to a fancy private school, while Nasir is left behind at public school, hanging out with his cousin Wallace, who’s dealing with an eviction. This book grapples with race, poverty, privilege, and toxic masculinity, and is also a great heartwarming sports story.

The Necessary Hunger, by Nina Revour

Nancy is a Japanese-American basketball star entering her senior year of high school, dealing with the college recruitment process and trying to figure out what her future holds, when she meets Raina, an all-state shooting guard who has some serious talent of her own (and who Nancy just might have a huge crush on)…whose mother is dating Nancy’s father. As their families merge, they must deal with their growing rivalry and friendship, family issues, all of it in the context of tensions between the Asian and Black communities in L.A.

See No Color, by Shannon Gibney

Alex has always known that she’s adopted, that she’s biracial, unlike her white parents, and that she’s meant to be a baseball star, just like her dad. But things start to change when she meets a black guy she might want to date, she finds a secret letter from her biological father, and her growing body starts to betray her. Can she handle all of this, figure out her identify, and still become a star?

Barely Missing Everything, by Matt Mendez

Juan, a Mexican-American basketball player, has big plans to get out of El Paso on a basketball scholarship, but he’s faced with a string of bad luck — a run-in with the cops, a sprained ankle, and a math grade that could get in the way of his dreams. But that’s nothing compared to letters from a man on death row who just might be his father. Told in alternating points of view by Juan, his best friend, and his mother (who was a teen mom), this book explores race, following your dreams, and the meaning of family.

Dragon Hoops, by Gene Luen Yang (non-fiction graphic novel)

Best-Selling Graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang didn’t get sports, at least not until he started talking to the basketball team at the high school where he teaches and got to know the stories of the young all-stars. He tells their stories here, interspersed with tales from his own personal life and the history of basketball, specifically focusing on racism and progress in the sport over the years. It’s also a thrilling sports story, and you’ll certainly be rooting for the Dragons by the end.

[Cover images courtesy of the publishers.]