Will You Play With Me?
Books About Movement and Health For Kids
By Kena Hardin, MLIS, Children’s Library Associate, Central Library
Do you like to play outside? Are you participating in any sports or martial arts? Do you dream of training to become a stellar athlete in the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games? The books listed here can provide you with all sorts of reads to increase your love of reading and love of exercising!
Research shows that daily exercise is important for children’s physical and mental health. It is recommended by the World Health Organization that children ages 5 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. [1] Various styles of exercise will strengthen muscles, bones, and heart health in children as they grow older.
Families are important influencers of attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity. While there are numerous ways to use screen time for educational purposes, families that prioritize physical activities together can reduce sedentary time spent on recreational screen time. [2] The importance of regular exercise among children includes all children. Children with disabilities need the same choices and options for play, so it is beneficial for adults who teach physical education to offer all children sufficient opportunities to increase their physical activity. [3] Providing more options to engage in exercise if adaptations are needed, like equipment adaptations, or modifications to rules, environment, and instructions, is also essential in ensuring that all children can partake in active play.
Below are a few books that I’ve found inspiring and informative that I wanted to share with you!
I Am Strong - This story is about a young boy having a fun-filled day as he learns what it means to be strong. Despite his small size, he surprises his teammates and himself when he demonstrates mental, emotional, and physical strength to become the Field Day champion!
Get Moving - Get ready to move with your friends from Sesame Street! Young readers will learn the importance of exercise, fun ways to move, ideas for indoor activities, and more.
Help The Strong Cheetah - Viv and Sanjay use their ability to shrink themselves to go inside Zora the Cheetah's cramped leg muscle to help it relax. This book includes information on the structure of muscles, plus a visual appendix!
The Way Champs Play - Inspired by the Play Academy program, which instills confidence in and provides resources to young girls through sports, The Way Champs Play is an exciting and inspiring book for all kids in and out of the classroom who want to PLAY ALL DAY!
I Will Dance - Eva's cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to do many things, but she longs to dance and, finally, her dream is realized!
Adaptive Sports and the Paralympic Games - This book shares information about more than 35 adaptive sports that provide modifications to allow people with disabilities to live an active lifestyle. It also explores the Paralympic Games, which offers disabled athletes the chance to compete with their peers from around the world while building their confidence and self-esteem.
[1] “Physical Activity,” n.d. https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/physical-activity.
[2] Cohen, Anaelle, Justin J Lang, Stephanie A Prince, Rachel C Colley, Mark S Tremblay, and Jean-Philippe Chaput. “Are Adolescents Who Do Physical Activity with Their Parents More Active and Mentally Healthier?” Health Reports 36, no. 1 (2025): 19–33. https://doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202500100002-eng.
[3] Kian Vanluyten, Shu Cheng, Hamideh Taherikazaj, and Peter Iserbyt. “Physical Activity and Motor Skill Trials in an Inclusive Elementary Physical Education Setting: A Case Study.” Physical Educator 82, no. 2 (2025). EBSCOhost.