10+ Best Books About Football for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to ignite a passion for football in your young reader? Look no further! Our roundup of books about football for 10-year-olds is packed with exciting choices that are sure to score with any young fan. From thrilling game day adventures to inspiring stories of teamwork and perseverance, there's something to capture the imagination of every budding football enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks in this fun-filled category!

Fun Books About Football for 10-Year-Olds

• Touchdown Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Cory, who dreams of being a football star. When he makes the team, he faces challenges both on and off the field, including team dynamics and personal hurdles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivating story that shows the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Cory's journey will inspire readers to chase their dreams despite obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes.

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Troy has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they happen, which catches the attention of the Atlanta Falcons. His skill sets him on an exciting path that also brings significant challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of football with a story of using unique talents to make a difference. It encourages readers to appreciate and utilize their unique skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and stories about using unique abilities to achieve success.

• The Million Dollar Kick by Dan Gutman
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Whisper Nelson hates sports, but when she wins a contest to attempt a field goal during halftime of a professional football game for a million dollars, she has to get ready for the biggest moment of her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book mixes humor with an inspiring story about overcoming fears and trying new things, even when they seem impossible.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh along with their sports stories, and anyone who needs a bit of encouragement to step out of their comfort zone.

• Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen, illustrated by Eduardo Garcia
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel follows a high school football team's quarterback facing both on-field pressure and off-field drama, highlighting the intensity and excitement of high school football.
  • Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format makes it an engaging read, and it captures the excitement and challenges of playing high school football.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of graphic novels, as well as kids interested in stories about high school sports.

• Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Chris Conlan is the nicest guy on the football team, but he's determined to prove that he can be more than just a backup quarterback. With the help of a new friend, he aims to show his true potential.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery on the football field, promoting values of determination and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story about sportsmanship, friendship, and personal growth.

Educational Books About Football for 10-Year-Olds

• Kickoff! by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, both NFL stars, share their experiences of their first year playing football in junior high, focusing on the challenges and triumphs they encounter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, autobiographical insight into professional athletes' lives
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look into the lives of young athletes, written by NFL players who experienced it firsthand.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and aspiring football players who enjoy real-life success stories.

• The Everything Kids' Football Book by Greg Jacobs
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers the basics of football, including the rules of the game, the history of the sport, and fun facts about professional teams and players.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of football rules, historical knowledge, sports trivia
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive guide to football that educates while entertaining, making it easier for kids to understand and appreciate the game.
  • Perfect for: Beginners to football and young fans eager to learn more about how the game is played and its history.

• My First Book of Football by Beth Bugler and Mark Bechtel
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports Instruction
  • Synopsis: Aimed at the youngest readers, this book simplifies football into an easy-to-understand format with fun illustrations, explaining the basic rules and aspects of the game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic rules of football, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple, clear explanations make it perfect for kids just starting to learn about football.
  • Perfect for: Young children and early readers who are new to football.

• Football Hero by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Ty Lewis can't believe his luck when he's recruited to play for a junior high football team, but his excitement is tempered by the pressures from his family's dark past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of personal challenges, resilience, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with deep, relatable personal struggles.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that blend sports with overcoming personal adversity.

• The Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Although primarily about baseball, this story includes themes of sportsmanship and determination that are applicable to all sports, including football.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sportsmanship, determination, self-confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that transcends the specific sports discussed, offering valuable life lessons through a sports narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and sports fans who appreciate stories of triumph and personal growth.

Challenging Books About Football for 10-Year-Olds

• The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Inspirational, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book combines uplifting quotes and stories from sports legends with Kwame Alexander's own poetic style to inspire kids to achieve their personal best.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of perseverance and personal development through the metaphor of sports, requiring readers to reflect on deeper life lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of sports anecdotes and motivational advice, encouraging readers to apply the lessons learned in sports to other areas of life.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and readers who enjoy a mix of poetry and motivational content.

• Football School Season 1: Where Football Explains the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book uses football to explain subjects like history, biology, and mathematics in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles a variety of academic subjects through the lens of football, making it a multidisciplinary read that challenges young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively links football to educational topics, making learning fun and relevant for football fans.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and are curious about how the world works.

• Unstoppable by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: The story of Harrison, a foster kid who becomes a star on the football field while battling a devastating medical diagnosis.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex emotional and physical challenges, providing a profound narrative that goes beyond typical sports stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of resilience and courage in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to fight through their own challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity and fans of emotionally gripping tales.

• The League by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Wyatt Parker has decided he's not playing football this year, but the arrival of a new league that plays old-school tackle football without adults changes his mind, leading to unexpected consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the ethical and physical implications of youth in tackle sports, prompting readers to think critically about personal and societal issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages discussions about safety, peer pressure, and the love of the game, making it a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the realities of sports and ethical decision-making.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of El Gato, a world-famous goalkeeper, who attributes his skills to a mystical encounter in the South American jungle.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends realistic sports fiction with elements of magical realism, offering a narrative that challenges the reader's perception of reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story that combines the thrill of sports with a touch of magic, appealing to readers' imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories where sports meet fantasy and those interested in diverse cultural settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into books about football and you're around 10 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun exercises that not only make reading more enjoyable but also help you retain what you learn from these exciting stories.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Helps you focus better and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same football book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the book through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the book and share your thoughts.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read about them.
  • How it helps: Improves your comprehension and makes the story more engaging.
  • Tips: Try to picture every detail of the football games and characters as you read.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps you remember what you’ve read and track the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story or characters that you think about while reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Share your questions with friends or family who might be reading the same book.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read passages or chapters out loud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves your reading fluency and helps you understand the text better.
  • Tips: Change your tone of voice to match different characters or situations in the book.

Wrapping it up, these exercises are designed to make your journey through football books not just fun but also enriching. Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is consistency, so pick the tips that suit you best and stick with them. Happy reading!