10+ Best Football Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to fuel your 9-year-old's passion for football? Look no further! Our curated selection of Football Books for 9-Year-Olds is packed with exciting titles that are sure to capture the imagination of any young fan. From thrilling game-day adventures to inspiring stories of teamwork and perseverance, we've got it all. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also ignite a lifelong love for the game.

Fun Football Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Football Boy Wonder by Martin Smith
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows the story of Charlie Fry, a football-loving boy who battles with a chronic illness but finds magic and hope when he plays football.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that showcases resilience and the power of dreams, making it a great motivational read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and any child who loves underdog stories.

• Football School Season 1: Where Football Explains the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book uses football to explain various subjects like geography, biology, and history in a fun and engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning with the fun of football, making education enjoyable and relevant.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love football and learning new things.

• My Football Book by Gail Gibbons
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: An illustrated introduction to football, explaining the rules, plays, and basics of the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for beginners to understand and appreciate the game, enhancing both reading skills and sports knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to football or those looking to understand the game better.

• The Everything Kids' Football Book by Greg Jacobs
  • Genre(s): Sports, Reference, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Covers the essentials of football, including the rules, famous players, and tips for playing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an all-in-one guide that educates while entertaining, which can ignite a lifelong passion for reading and sports.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are enthusiastic about football and eager to learn more about the game.

• Kickoff! by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde face the challenges of their junior high football season, focusing on teamwork and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by NFL superstars, it offers authentic insights into the sport and valuable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of football stories that emphasize personal growth and teamwork.

Educational Football Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Sean Wants to Be Messi by Tanya Preminger
  • Genre(s): Sports, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows the journey of a young boy, Sean, who dreams of becoming as great a soccer player as Lionel Messi. Through his adventures, Sean learns about dedication, practice, and the importance of balancing schoolwork and sports.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Goal-setting, time management, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that encourages perseverance and hard work towards achieving one's dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans and any child striving to excel in both academics and athletics.

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: Written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, this book teaches children about the importance of not giving up, even when things get tough. It shares lessons from Hamm's own experiences on and off the field.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, teamwork, understanding of sports ethics
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers valuable life lessons from a female athlete role model, emphasizing that winning isn't everything and quitting is not an option.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes, especially girls, and any child needing encouragement to keep trying despite difficulties.

• The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero by Joan DiCicco, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
  • Genre(s): Biography, Educational
  • Synopsis: Though not strictly about football, this book tells the inspiring story of Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to public safety. His story is a testament to how determination and education can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of scientific principles, inspiration from historical figures
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches perseverance and innovation, qualities essential for success both on and off the field.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors, history buffs, and children interested in stories of overcoming adversity.

• Team Spirit: Life and Leadership on One of the World's Toughest Yacht Races by Brendan Hall
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Leadership
  • Synopsis: This book is about leadership and teamwork under extreme conditions, focusing on the author's experiences in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. It offers insights into managing and leading teams in challenging environments.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership skills, team dynamics, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: While it's about sailing, the leadership lessons are universal and applicable to sports like football, where teamwork and leadership are key.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders and any child involved in team sports or activities where cooperation is crucial.

Challenging Football Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Field by Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Set in a lively Caribbean village, this story celebrates the joy of playing soccer, highlighting the excitement and community spirit around the game.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates Creole language, offering a linguistic challenge while also immersing readers in a different culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vibrant and energetic portrayal of sports bringing communities together, encouraging appreciation for cultural diversity through football.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in sports and cultural diversity.

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: In a South African township, a group of friends comes together to play soccer, navigating their way through challenges both on and off the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex social issues like poverty and inequality, woven through a narrative centered around football.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only entertains but also educates about global social issues, fostering empathy and understanding through a common love for football.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that combine sports with deeper social messages.

• Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: High school soccer star Tom Bouchard faces challenges and changes when his team gains unexpected players from Somalia, leading to a season filled with conflict and camaraderie.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book tackles issues of immigration, integration, and racism, presenting these themes in a context relatable to young readers through soccer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful exploration of contemporary social issues, encouraging young readers to think critically about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers looking for a sports story that also serves as a conversation starter on important societal topics.

• Booked by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Through dynamic and rhythmic verse, this novel follows 12-year-old soccer enthusiast Nick as he navigates both the challenges of middle school and the ups and downs on the soccer field.
  • Why this book is challenging: Written entirely in verse, this format challenges readers to engage with the text in a different way, enhancing comprehension and interpretation skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic format is engaging and offers a fresh perspective on storytelling, making it a unique reading experience that blends sports, poetry, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a creative approach to storytelling and have a passion for soccer.

• Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Renato Alarcão
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Set in Brazil, this story follows young Paulo as he dreams of becoming a soccer star, facing obstacles such as poverty and the need to work to support his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents themes of socioeconomic hardship and familial responsibility, providing a platform for deeper understanding and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that highlights the power of dreams and determination, set against the universal backdrop of a love for soccer.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are soccer enthusiasts and those interested in stories about perseverance and overcoming challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old get the most out of their football books, here are some fun and effective reading exercises. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the game through the books they read.

• Create a Football Glossary
  • What it is: Build a personalized glossary of football terms and phrases found in the books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary specific to football and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Encourage them to add new words as they read and use the glossary to review before reading time.

• Summarize the Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and focus on main events or lessons.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a character from the book and relate their experiences or traits to personal life.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement and empathy by connecting literature to real life.
  • Tips: Discuss these connections during family time to reinforce understanding.

• Predict the Play
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, predict what might happen next based on the story so far.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Keep a notebook of predictions and compare with actual outcomes after reading.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw a favorite scene or action moment from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps with visual memory of the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to make it more engaging.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from the football books.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to make it interactive and fun.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine will not only make reading more interactive and enjoyable but also enhance their understanding of football. Give these a try and watch as your young reader becomes more engaged and enthusiastic about their books and the game!