Top-rated books by Sam Van Dam
Running Shoes
Age: 7-9
Books like Sam Van Dam’s
Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields (Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World)
Lynn Curlee, 2025
48 pages
Why to read
Vibrant art brings stadium history alive.
Blends sports facts with cultural lessons.
Stimulates curiosity about design and engineering.
Great springboard for family baseball talks.
Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields (Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World)
Lynn Curlee, 2025
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
Else Holmelund Minarik, 2025
32 pages
Why to read
Promotes kindness and gratitude.
Perfect length for beginners.
Funny animal antics entertain.
Beautiful, timeless illustrations.
A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
Else Holmelund Minarik, 2025
Award winning
Powwow Day
Traci Sorell, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Vibrantly celebrates Native American culture and community.
Showcases the importance of tradition and belonging.
Encourages resilience and determination in young readers.
Supports emotional and social development through storytelling.
Powwow Day
Traci Sorell, 2022
Beyond the Game: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone (Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World)
Andrew Maraniss, 2025
96 pages
Why to read
True tale of courage and activism.
Engaging sports action fuels interest.
Highlights Indigenous culture respectfully.
Promotes empathy and civic awareness.
Beyond the Game: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone (Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World)
Andrew Maraniss, 2025
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
272 pages
Why to read
Timeless friendship tale.
Vivid illustrations enhance imagination.
Advanced yet musical language.
Humor balances gentle life lessons.
The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
Award winning
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience and creativity in challenging situations.
Stresses the importance of family and togetherness.
Enhances mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
Celebrates cultural diversity and heritage.
