Books Every Parent and Athlete Should Read
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Reading is one of the best ways to build confidence, sharpen your mindset, and fuel performance on and off the field. After talking with some of our other contributors, we thought it would be fun to share a selection of books that inspire athletes (and parents) to grow, focus, and thrive, from OG Carol Dweck’s Mindset to Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence and beyond. Whether you’re at home, in the locker room, or on the road to a game, these titles are perfect for reading in print or listening to as audiobooks, turning travel time into an opportunity.
Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence is all about unlocking your best performance through mental skills, focus, and self-discipline. For athletes in the SPORTéA community, it’s a practical guide to building confidence, managing pressure, and staying resilient. This book complements the affirmations and mindset messages on SPORTéA gear, helping girls translate mental strategies into real-world results.
Get it on Amazon - Inner Excellence
Mindset by Carol Dweck
A must-read for every young athlete, Mindset teaches the power of a growth mindset—believing that skills, strength, and performance can improve with effort. SPORTéA fans will love how this book reinforces the importance of persistence, embracing challenges, and celebrating progress, not just wins. It is a bit of a slower read, but if you can get through it, it is perfect for girls learning to see setbacks as stepping stones, on and off the field.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The Anxious Generation dives into how smartphones and social media are reshaping the mental health of today’s youth. For young athletes in the SPORTéA community, this book is a wake-up call about the pressures, anxieties, and social challenges that come with constant connectivity. Haidt offers insights and strategies for managing digital stress while maintaining confidence and focus. It’s a valuable read for parents, coaches, and athletes alike, reinforcing the importance of mental fitness and self-awareness alongside physical training.
Get it on Amazon - The Anxious Generation
Why No One Will Play With Me: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive by Caroline Maguire
Caroline Maguire’s Why Will No One Play With Me? is an honest, research-informed, and deeply practical guide for parents who want to help their children build real, lasting friendships. Drawing on her “Play Better Plan,” Maguire breaks down the social skills kids need, like reading cues, joining groups, managing emotions, and handling rejection, with warmth, humor, and compassion.
This isn’t just another parenting book; it’s a hands-on toolkit for teaching empathy, communication, and confidence. If you’ve ever worried about your child fitting in on a new team, in class, or on the playground, Maguire’s approach offers both understanding and actionable steps. It’s a powerful reminder that social success, like athletic success, takes guidance, practice, and encouragement.
Get it on Amazon - Why No One Will Play With Me
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Small, consistent choices lead to big results. The Compound Effect breaks down how daily habits shape long-term success. SPORTéA readers will find this inspiring for both sport and life, showing that dedication, focus, and intentional action compound over time. Whether it’s training drills, healthy routines, or mindset practices, this quick read proves that consistency pays off.
Get it on Amazon - The Compound Effect
We'd love to put together a list of reads for younger athletes as well. If you have any other recommendations that you'd like to share with our community, please leave a comment below!
Happy reading!
