Best Softball Books for Girls 9-12 (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Finding the best softball books for girls 9-12 starts with the reader: some girls want a story about their team, others want help after a bad game, and coaches want drills. We compared stories, a mindset journal and a coaching guide by listed reading age, grade level, print length and series position, so you can match the book to the reader.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The books

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Softball Strikeout by Jackson	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Flush It by Roupe	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Softball Switch-Up by Maddox	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Softball Surprise by Maddox	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Softball Skills & Drills by Garman	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Softball Strikeout by Jackson

Ben Jackson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A softball story about a new girl earning a pitching spot, for a reader aged 9 to 12

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Reading age 8 to 12 covers 9 to 12
• Book 1 of 3, with more volumes to follow
• 120 pages, between the short stories and the coaching guide

Cons

• No grade level is stated on the listing
• A series opener, not a standalone book
• No drills or coaching instruction stated

2

Flush It by Roupe

Rachel Roupe·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A guided journal teaching a reset routine for players who dwell on mistakes

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 2026 edition, the newest edition among the picks
• Guided prompts and a reset routine for bad games
• 130 pages focused on one routine

Cons

• Stated ages 10 to 18 run past the 9 to 12 reader
• A journal, not a softball story
• No grade level is stated

3

Softball Switch-Up by Maddox

Jake Maddox·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A short softball story about sharing the pitching role, for a younger reader

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Reading age 8 to 11 reaches the 9 to 12 range
• 72 pages for a reader who wants a short story
• Teamwork story about sharing the mound

Cons

• Grade level 2 to 3 below the 9 to 12 reader
• A series story, not a standalone book
• Published July 31, 2019, older than two newer picks

4

Softball Surprise by Maddox

Jake Maddox·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A short softball story about loyalty and a hard team choice, for a reluctant reader

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Short chapters and an accessible format suit striving and reluctant readers
• 72 pages, a quick softball story
• Teamwork and loyalty theme, about choices

Cons

• Grade level 2 to 3 below the 9 to 12 reader
• Reading age 8 to 10, marked as from customers, before age 12
• Published January 31, 2014, the oldest volume among the picks

5

Softball Skills & Drills by Garman

Judi Garman·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A coaching guide covering softball skills and drills, for a coach or parent

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 328 pages covering hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and catching
• More than 230 drills for practice
• Full-color photo sequences show technique step by step

Cons

• Reading age 18 and up, outside the 9 to 12 reader
• Second edition published February 14, 2011, an older coaching volume
• Coaching instruction, not a softball story

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• You Got This! by IckesMental game skills for young softball players aged 8 to 10Check on Amazon
• Izzy Quinn by StantonA softball story about a 12 year old pitcher and familyCheck on Amazon
• Pitch Perfect by JacksonBook 2 of 3 for readers aged 8 to 12Check on Amazon
• Inspiring Softball Stories by De Luca21 true tales of softball players for young fansCheck on Amazon
• Inspirational Softball Stories for Kids15 inspiring true softball stories for young readersCheck on Amazon

Compare the list

Book details as published on each listing, collected 3 November 2026.

How the Shelf Score was applied

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. 4 of the picks list a reading age, and 2 list a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best softball books for girls 9-12

Match the reading age and grade level to the reader

A listing can give both a reading age and a grade level, and the two do not always point the same way. Softball Surprise lists grade level 2 to 3 beside a reading age of 8 to 10 years, marked as from customers, so check both figures against the reader before you buy. For more choices by level, browse all middle grade books.

Pick a story, a journal or a coaching guide

A story suits a reader who wants softball fiction, while Flush It suits a player who wants a reset routine after bad games, and Softball Skills & Drills suits a coach or parent, with a listed reading age of 18 years and up. For coaching titles, browse all nonfiction books.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing.
• For a series, buy Book 1 and confirm the series number.
• Compare the listed reading age and grade level with the reader.

FAQ for readers

Where should a reader start the Softball Strikeout series?

Start with Softball Strikeout: The New Girl, listed as Book 1 of 3, before moving to Pitch Perfect, listed as Book 2 of 3.

What age do these softball books suit?

The stories list 8 to 10 years and 8 to 12 years, while Softball Skills & Drills lists 18 years and up.

Which book helps a player after a bad game?

Flush It is a guided journal built around a reset routine, with guided prompts for players who dwell on mistakes.

Still deciding? Our top pickSoftball Strikeout by Jackson

Check price on Amazon

More lists like this

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: nonfiction books, young adult books, picture books.