10+ Best Football Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to keep your football-loving teen hooked? Look no further! Our roundup of football books for 13-year-olds is tailored to captivate young minds with stories of teamwork, perseverance, and thrilling gameplay. Whether they're a player or a fan, these books are sure to score big. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will keep them turning the pages faster than a quarterback throws a touchdown pass!

Fun Football Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Troy White has a phenomenal gift: he can predict football plays before they happen. When the Atlanta Falcons take notice of his talent, Troy's life changes dramatically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with a compelling story of teamwork and determination. It's a great motivator for young readers to see how dedication and passion can lead to achieving one's dreams.
  • Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and kids who dream of being involved in professional sports one day.

• Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Scott Parry, not the most athletic type, teams up with the football star Chris Conlan in school. While Scott helps Chris in his studies, Chris aids Scott in discovering his own hidden talents on the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale about friendship, confidence, and finding one’s place. The story encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes and support each other's strengths.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and self-discovery, as well as those who enjoy a good underdog story.

• Kickoff! by Tiki and Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twins Tiki and Ronde Barber have just started junior high and are excited about their prospects on the school football team. However, they quickly learn that they must work hard to prove themselves on and off the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by NFL superstars, it offers authentic insights into the challenges and triumphs of school-level football. It's a motivational read that stresses the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of football who enjoy realistic sports stories with relatable characters.

• The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Tessa Dooley has always loved playing football. When she decides to try out for her high school team, she faces challenges and skepticism but also finds unexpected support and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh take on navigating traditional gender roles in sports, encouraging readers to pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories about breaking barriers and girls in sports.

• QB 1 by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jake Cullen is a freshman quarterback playing high school football in Texas, where football can be everything. Jake has to live up to his family legacy as he competes for the starting spot on the team.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the intense pressure young athletes face and the excitement of American football in Texas. The book is a compelling read that highlights family, competition, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and anyone who loves a good story about competition and overcoming challenges.

Educational Football Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
  • Genre(s): Sports, LGBTQ+, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bobby Framingham, the quarterback for his high school football team, faces the challenge of coming out as gay to his teammates and friends, fearing it might affect his relationship with them and his football career.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important themes of identity and acceptance in a sports setting, providing a powerful narrative about being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that combines sports with significant social issues.

• The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Motivational
  • Synopsis: A blend of inspiring quotes, motivational lessons, and personal anecdotes from the author's life, combined with dynamic photographs to encourage and inspire young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motivation, life skills, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses sports metaphors to teach valuable life lessons, making it a unique tool for personal development.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any teen needing a boost in motivation and self-confidence.

• Touchdown Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cory is a talented football player who struggles with the challenges of his family's financial difficulties and the high expectations at a new elite school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of socio-economic diversity, resilience, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at overcoming obstacles both on and off the field, promoting perseverance and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of triumph against the odds and fans of inspiring sports narratives.

• Football School Star Players: 50 Inspiring Stories of True Football Heroes by Alex Bellos, Ben Lyttleton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book profiles 50 of the world’s greatest footballers, exploring their backgrounds, the challenges they faced, and their achievements.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural awareness, inspiration
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers real-life examples of dedication and success, which can motivate readers to pursue their dreams with similar fervor.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring footballers and any young reader interested in the real-life stories behind some of the sport’s biggest names.

• Defense Wins Championships by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jax, a young defensive player, learns the importance of teamwork and defense in football as his team faces tough opponents in a pivotal season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, strategic thinking, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the less glamorized, yet crucial aspect of sports—defense, teaching young readers about its importance in achieving team success.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts who want to understand the comprehensive nature of team sports and the value of every role.

Challenging Football Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Covering the Field: A Story of High School Football and Transformation in the Heartland by Patrick O'Sullivan
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a small Midwestern town, this novel explores the life of a high school football team facing immense pressure to continue their legacy of success while dealing with personal and community issues.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes such as community identity, personal growth, and the pressures of high expectations, making it a profound read for young adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep look into how sports can influence personal and community values, offering readers a chance to see beyond the game itself.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in a deeper understanding of sports as a reflection of societal and personal challenges.

• The Linebacker's Assignment by Dean Hughes
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Focuses on a high school linebacker who must balance his responsibilities on the field with his academic performance and family life, all while uncovering a scandal within the team.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles ethical dilemmas and the balance of sports with academic and personal responsibilities, offering a multifaceted view of a teenager's life.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book challenges readers to think critically about integrity, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that combine sports action with deeper moral questions.

• Quarterback Comeback by Fred Bowen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this compelling tale, a young quarterback struggles with self-doubt after a series of poor performances but learns valuable lessons in leadership and resilience.
  • Why this book is challenging: The protagonist's journey involves intricate psychological and emotional development, presenting advanced concepts in a relatable way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that emphasizes the importance of perseverance, leadership, and self-belief in overcoming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and readers who appreciate stories about personal growth and overcoming self-doubt.

• Blitz: A Football Romance by Bella Scully
  • Genre(s): Sports, Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel combines the intensity of high school football with the complexities of young love, following two students from rival schools who must navigate their feelings amidst their competitive surroundings.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of sports and romance genres in a young adult context introduces complex emotional dynamics and social issues, making it a multifaceted read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of love, rivalry, and reconciliation, providing a rich narrative that extends beyond typical sports stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of romance and sports, and those looking for stories that explore emotional depth and conflict resolution.

• Under the Lights: A Day in the Life of a High School Football Team by Frank Nappi
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction, Documentary-style
  • Synopsis: This book provides an in-depth look at a single day in the life of a high school football team, from the morning preparations to the post-game reflections, capturing every detail of the experience.
  • Why this book is challenging: The documentary-style writing demands attention to detail and an understanding of nuanced aspects of football and team dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of high school football, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and the sport's impact on players' lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a realistic, detailed portrayal of high school sports and those curious about the day-to-day experiences of athletes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of football books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat! Football books not only tell exciting stories but also offer valuable lessons. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. Let's kick off!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable 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: Enhances concentration and makes your reading experience more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit, quiet, and comfortable.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends, family, or online book clubs.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked, what surprised you, and what lessons you learned.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pay close attention to the descriptions used by the author to help form the images.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to real-life football or personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding and makes the content more relatable.
  • Tips: Keep notes of any similarities you find interesting or inspiring.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to use different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Take Breaks
  • What it is: Allow yourself short breaks after a certain number of pages or chapters.
  • How it helps: Keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and maintains your interest.
  • Tips: Use break times to reflect on what you've read or just to relax.

Wrapping up, remember that reading should be fun, especially when it's about something you love like football! By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you’ll not only enjoy your football books more, but you’ll also build strong reading habits that will benefit you for years to come. Happy reading!