This month is a great time for tennis! The weather here may be snowy, but Australia has been enjoying a summery Australian Open, and more competitions are going on around the world. You can travel around the world and into the past through books to learn more about tennis players who broke barriers and broke records. You can also learn more about the game and maybe get inspired to try it yourself or hone your skills!
Althea Gibson by Megan Reid; illustrated by Laura Freeman
This book is a spirited portrait of Althea Gibson, the first Black Grand Slam tennis champion at Wimbledon. It describes how she rose from a fearless athlete in 1940s Harlem to a barrier-breaking star. Suggested for grades 1–3.
Billie Jean! by Mara Rockliff; illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Enjoy a fun and inspiring picture book biography of tennis legend and women’s rights activist Billie Jean King. Suggested for kindergarten through grade 3.
Doubles Trouble by Jake Maddox
To play tennis with his local rec team, Deion agrees to play doubles, even though it feels like a different game. But he has the nagging feeling that he is holding his partner, Cole, back until they both accept help from Deion’s stepfather, who turns out to have wicked aim. Suggested for grades 3 and up.
Evonne Goolagong by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara; illustrated by Llisa Koesterke
This title in the Little People, Big Dreams series chronicles the life and career of the Indigenous Australian tennis player, Evonne Goolagong. Suggested for ages 4–7.
Game Changers by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by James Ransome
This book shares the Williams sisters’ story, including their special relationship, their constant training as children and their incredible success in professional tennis. Suggested for ages 4–8.
Game, Set, Sisters! by Jay Leslie; illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Enjoy an uplifting biographical picture book about the unwavering bond between sisters and tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Suggested for ages 2–3. This book is on order and will be available soon!
I Am Billie Jean King by Brad Meltzer; illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This book presents an illustrated biography of the tennis star, from her childhood and early competitive career to her role as an activist for equality in sports. This book is part of the Ordinary People Change the World series (shelved with juvenile graphic novels) and is suggested for kindergarten to grade 3.
I Look Up To… Serena Williams by Anna Membrino and Fatti Burke
It’s never too early to introduce your child to the people you admire! This board book distills tennis superstar Serena Williams’s excellent qualities into an eminent, shareable read-aloud text with graphic, eye-catching illustrations. Each spread highlights an important trait and is enhanced by a quote from Serena herself. Kids will grow up hearing the words of this powerful, determined woman and learn what YOU value in a person! Suggested for babies and toddlers.
Lives Of the Athletes by Kathleen Krull; illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt
This book presents twenty true stories of athletes–mostly admirable, occasionally quirky—including tennis star Arthur Ashe. Suggested for grade 4 and up.
Martina & Chrissie by Phil Bildner
This DVD (based on a nonfiction picture book) takes you behind the scenes of the friendship and rivalry of tennis stars Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. In the 1970s and 1980s, they faced off in epic duels and classic showdowns. Since they retired from tennis, they have remained friends and support each other in their efforts and endeavors. Suggested for ages 7–10.
Match Point by David Sabino; illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbe
Readers get a court-side view of a tennis match. Along the way, they’ll learn all about the history of tennis, dating all the way back to France in the 16th century! A special section in the back of the book is chock-full of even more facts about the game and its storied history and players. This book is part of the Game Day series for beginning readers, suggested for kindergarten through grade 1.
Nothing But Trouble by Sue Stauffacher
This is a biography of Althea Gibson, the first Black tennis player to ever compete in what is now known as the U.S. Open and in the Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, England. Suggested for ages 5–8.
Roger Federer by Jeff Savage
Roger Federer is called the greatest men s tennis player of all time. He has won more major tournaments than any other player in history. He has played more than 1,000 professional matches over 20 years, yet has trained his body and mind with such focus that he has never withdrawn from a match due to injury. Learn how Federer continues to set records and defy the odds. Suggested for grades 3–6. This new book is in processing and will be ready soon!
Serena: The Littlest Sister by Karlin Gray; illustrated by Monica Ahanonu
A relatable exploration of the early life of Serena Williams shares insights into her experiences as the youngest of five sisters and how her family life played a part in her becoming a star athlete and empowered woman. Suggested for ages 8–11.
Serena Williams by Adrianna Morganelli
(We have other biographies of Serena Williams, this is just the newest!)
One of the top tennis players of all time, Serena Williams is both a powerhouse athlete and a philanthropist. This energizing title tells her inspiring story, from learning to play tennis with her sister Venus from their father in Compton, California, to Serena’s record-setting 23 individual Grand Slam titles. Serena’s dedication, perseverance, and global activism on behalf of underprivileged people and for equal justice make her a role model for people around the world. Suggested for grades 4–6.
Sisters And Champions by Howard Bryant; illustrated by Floyd Cooper
An inspiring picture book sports biography about two of the greatest tennis players of all time! Suggested for ages 3–7.
Sisters: Venus & Serena Williams by Jeanette Winter
Presents the lives of the American sisters who became famous tennis players, from their father’s coaching and their early tournaments to their overcoming of physical obstacles and their emergence as world-class champions. Suggested for kindergarten through grade 3.
Tennis by Clive Gifford
Describes the equipment, courts, training, moves, and tennis competitions and offers detailed descriptions of moves. Suggested for grades 4–8.
Tennis by Kara L. Laughlin
A very simple introduction to the sport of tennis, the equipment used, and how it is played. Suggested for kindergarten through grade 2.
Who Are Venus And Serena Williams? by James Buckley Jr.; illustrated by Andrew Thomson
Describes the lives and careers and the tennis stars and sisters, discussing their Grand Slam wins, Olympic success, trend-setting, and rivalry. Suggested for grades 4 and up.
You can also find children’s eBooks about tennis on the apps Axis 360 (eRead Illinois), and hoopla. Older viewers can also find videos about tennis on Kanopy.