10+ Best Football Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the thrilling world of football to your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of Football Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with exciting titles that are sure to capture their imagination and fuel their love for the game. Keep reading to explore our diverse list of picks that will score big with any budding football fan!

Fun Football Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Football Fiasco by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Zach and Zoe Walker, twin siblings who love to solve mysteries and play sports, especially football. In this story, they must find out who is behind the missing football before their big game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of football with the thrill of solving a mystery, making reading fun and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and budding detectives.

• Touchdown Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cory loves football, but when his family moves to a new town, he has to prove himself on a new team. With the help of his new friends, he aims for a touchdown in the biggest game of the season.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of teamwork and perseverance, showing kids that hard work can lead to great achievements, both on and off the field.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to town or trying new things, and who love football.

• Family Huddle by Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Archie Manning, illustrated by Jim Madsen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Family
  • Synopsis: This book takes a look at the football-filled childhood of the Manning brothers, from backyard games to family road trips for games.
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives a personal glimpse into the lives of famous football players when they were kids, encouraging young readers to dream big and value family.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of the Manning family and children who enjoy family stories.

• My First Book of Football: A Rookie Book by The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: Designed to introduce the game of football to newcomers, this book explains the basics of the game with simple language and fun illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great starting point for kids who want to understand football rules and the excitement of the game, making reading both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Beginners to football who are eager to learn more about how the game is played.

• Kickoff! by Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twins Tiki and Ronde are ready for their junior high football season. They have worked hard all summer, but when the team starts off with a bad season, they must find a way to turn things around.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of teamwork and leadership in sports and in life, inspiring young readers to be resilient and cooperative.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and young leaders, and fans of the Barber twins.

Educational Football Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Magic Football by Matt Oldfield
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Leo discovers a magical football in his backyard that grants him extraordinary soccer skills. He uses these new abilities to help his school team face their biggest rivals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, self-confidence, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of football with magical elements, making it an exciting read that also teaches valuable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and sports.

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Set in a dusty South African township, a group of friends gather to play soccer and share their dreams of future glory. Their love for the game shines through despite the challenges they face.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, friendship, aspiration
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a glimpse into a different culture through the universal language of football, promoting understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in learning about different cultures through sports.

• Sean Wants to be Messi by Tanya Preminger
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book follows the story of a young boy, Sean, who idolizes the famous footballer Lionel Messi and dreams of becoming just like him, facing all the challenges and hard work that it involves.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Dedication, sportsmanship, goal-setting
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and motivates kids to pursue their dreams with hard work and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans and aspiring athletes.

• Benny McGee and the Shark: The Shark Report by Derek Anderson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Humor
  • Synopsis: Benny McGee is terrified to play football, but when a shark joins his team, he learns that there might be scarier things than catching the ball. This humorous take on overcoming fears is both delightful and inspiring.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Overcoming fears, humor, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and a unique storyline to encourage children to face their fears and try new things.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might be hesitant to participate in sports or other activities due to fear.

• Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Renato Alarcão
  • Genre(s): Sports, Drama
  • Synopsis: Paulo dreams of becoming a soccer star and escaping the poverty of his Brazilian favela. As he faces challenges both on and off the field, he learns valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social issues, perseverance, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story that shows how sports can provide hope and change lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story of triumph against the odds and fans of international soccer.

Challenging Football Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the story of a young quarterback, Chris, who must lead his school team to victory amidst various challenges both on and off the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates detailed play-by-play football action and strategies, which are more complex and detailed than typical children's sports books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the tactical aspects of football, enhancing a young reader's understanding and appreciation of the game.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts who are keen on understanding the intricacies of football plays and strategies.

• The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1: Kevin the Star Striker by Joachim Masannek, illustrated by Jan Birck
  • Genre(s): Sports, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kevin and his friends form a soccer team to compete against the unbeatable girls' team led by the formidable Vanessa. As they train, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes complex character development and moral dilemmas, providing a more sophisticated reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of equality and perseverance through an engaging and action-packed storyline.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dynamic team-based sports stories and exploring themes of gender equality in sports.

• Soccer Duel by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two rival soccer players, Renny and Bryce, discover they are now teammates. They must learn to set aside their differences and work together for the team's success.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book deals with themes of rivalry and cooperation, requiring readers to understand nuanced interpersonal dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important life lessons about competition, teamwork, and the value of sportsmanship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are dealing with or interested in themes of rivalry and teamwork, both in sports and personal relationships.

• The Field by Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
  • Genre(s): Sports, Culture
  • Synopsis: A group of children in a rural Caribbean village play soccer from sunrise until the last light of day, overcoming various obstacles to keep their game going.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes Creole language phrases and showcases a different cultural perspective, providing a more enriching and diverse reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the joy of playing soccer and resilience, all set against a vibrant cultural backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in sports and learning about different cultures through engaging storytelling.

• Defense! by Sandra Owens
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Casey, a young soccer player, must solve the mystery of her missing lucky headband to regain her confidence on the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: The combination of mystery and sports requires readers to engage with a dual narrative, enhancing their cognitive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling mix of suspense and sports, encouraging problem-solving alongside enjoying the game.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and sports enthusiasts who love a good mystery intertwined with athletic endeavors.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to combine the thrill of football with the joy of reading for your 7-year-old, you've come to the right place. Developing good reading habits early can really set the stage for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to engage young readers who love football. These activities will not only keep them interested but also enhance their reading skills.

• Create a Football Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special area in your home where your child can read football books.
  • How it helps: Creates a dedicated and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Decorate the corner with football posters and cushions to make it appealing.

• Football Book Club
  • What it is: Start a weekly book club where your child and their friends discuss a football book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension skills and encourages social interaction.
  • Tips: Let the kids choose the books to read to boost their enthusiasm.

• Match Recap Writing
  • What it is: After watching a football match, have your child write a brief summary of the game.
  • How it helps: Improves writing skills and helps retain information.
  • Tips: Discuss the match together first to give your child some ideas on what to write.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite scenes or characters from football books.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with understanding character motives and storylines.
  • Tips: Use props like footballs or team jerseys to make the role-play more fun.

• Vocabulary Goals
  • What it is: Create a list of new words from each football book read and discuss their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension of football-specific terms.
  • Tips: Use the new words in sentences related to everyday life to reinforce learning.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading an exciting part of your child's love for football. By integrating these activities, you're not only fostering a love for books but also enriching their understanding and enjoyment of the game. So, let's get the ball rolling and turn those eager young football fans into avid readers!