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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a young football fan? You’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of Football Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds. These stories blend the thrill of the game with adventures that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to score big with any young reader who dreams of football glory!

Fun Football Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Tangerine by Edward Bloor
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Paul Fisher, a visually impaired middle schooler who moves to Tangerine County, Florida. Despite his impairment, which he got from a mysterious incident, Paul becomes a goalie on his school's soccer team and confronts challenges both on and off the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of sports with deeper themes such as family dynamics, bullying, and overcoming adversity. It's a great mix of action and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and readers who like stories about overcoming obstacles.

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Troy White has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they happen, which catches the attention of the Atlanta Falcons. As he becomes involved with the team, he faces challenges and opportunities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an exciting look into the world of professional football through the eyes of a kid, blending thrilling sports action with lessons about trust and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and any kid who dreams of being involved in professional sports.

• The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tessa Dooley has always loved playing football, and when an opportunity arises to play on her high school team, she jumps at the chance. Alongside her boyfriend and teammates, she navigates the challenges of being the only girl on the team.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivating story about breaking stereotypes and pursuing your passions, no matter the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about empowerment and sportsmanship.

• Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Chris Conlan is the nicest guy on the football team, and Scott Parry is a brainy newcomer with a golden arm. Together, they form an unlikely friendship and help each other in unexpected ways, both on and off the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of helping others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and stories about friendships.

• 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 football prospects. However, they soon learn that being a part of the team means more than just playing well.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by NFL superstars, it gives an authentic insight into the challenges and victories of team sports.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for relatable role models and exciting sports action.

Educational Football Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen, illustrated by Eduardo Garcia
  • Genre(s): Sports, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: When star quarterback Brett is injured during a key game, backup quarterback Miles must step up to lead the team. The comic book format captures the drama and excitement of high school football.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, understanding graphic novel format
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually engaging story that highlights the importance of readiness and teamwork in sports.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy graphic novels and action-packed sports stories.

• The Rookie Bookie by L. Jon Wertheim and Tobias Moskowitz
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Using their math skills and sports knowledge, seventh-graders Mitch and Jamie start a fantasy football league at school only to find themselves caught up in the excitement and challenges of managing it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Math skills, critical thinking, entrepreneurship
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with lessons on probability, statistics, and the business of sports.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in sports and math.

• The League by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Wyatt Parker has decided to quit playing football, but when he moves to a new town, he finds himself drawn into an underground football league.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, peer pressure, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of peer pressure and making choices that are right for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Middle schoolers facing transitions and choices about extracurricular activities.

• Touchdown Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cory knows he can play football, but being on a championship team at a new school means facing big pressures and high stakes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Team dynamics, coping with pressure, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story about overcoming adversity and proving oneself, both on and off the field.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good underdog story and are passionate about football.

• Backfield Boys by John Feinstein
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Best friends Jason Roddin and Tom Jefferson are a perfect quarterback-receiver duo, but when they attend an elite sports academy, they uncover disturbing racial undertones in the team's dynamics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, teamwork, investigative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important social issues while delivering an engaging sports mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy sports stories that also address deeper societal issues.

Challenging Football Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Out of Bounds by Fred Bowen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nathan, a talented young football player, faces a moral dilemma when he discovers that his team's playbook was stolen from their rivals.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces complex moral questions and ethical dilemmas, challenging young readers to think critically about right and wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to consider the importance of sportsmanship and integrity, both on and off the field.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and readers who enjoy stories that challenge their sense of morality and ethics.

• Defense Wins Championships by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sammy, known for his aggressive defensive play, must learn to balance his on-field intensity with teamwork after his behavior starts affecting the team.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into complex themes of self-control, teamwork, and personal growth, presenting these in a way that challenges young readers to think about their own behavior.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great story for understanding personal development through sports, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in competitive situations.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in personal development and the psychological aspects of sports.

• The Extra Yard by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Teddy, a middle schooler, struggles with the pressure of being the quarterback for his football team while trying to meet his father’s high expectations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the pressures young athletes face and the complex dynamics of parental expectations, providing a deeper, more introspective look at youth sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into the challenges of balancing sports, school, and personal expectations, making it a valuable read for young athletes.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with parental pressure and the stress of balancing multiple responsibilities.

• Play Makers by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ben McBain is not just a good quarterback; he’s a great one. But when a new kid, Chase, joins the team with talents that could replace Ben's position, Ben must deal with his fears and learn about teamwork and leadership.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book tackles the themes of jealousy, competition, and leadership among young athletes, presenting complex emotional and social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and dealing with competition in a healthy way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in leadership roles and managing competitive environments.

• Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl by John Feinstein
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Teenage reporters Susan Carol and Stevie investigate a series of suspicious incidents involving star players at the Super Bowl, uncovering a deeper conspiracy.
  • Why this book is challenging: Combining sports with a mystery involves complex plot twists and requires critical thinking to solve the puzzles alongside the protagonists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging blend of sports action and detective work, promoting analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and sports enthusiasts who enjoy a good mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of football fiction books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books super fun, but they can also help you develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals, like one chapter a night.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific spot at home where you can read comfortably.
  • How it helps: Enhances your concentration and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think more deeply about what you read and share your ideas.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, maybe once a week, and discuss your favorite parts.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps you visualize the story and improves your comprehension.
  • Tips: You don’t have to be a perfect artist; just have fun with it!

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and eager to see if your predictions are right.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down to see how often you’re right!

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, write a short summary of what happened.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point.

Wrapping up, these exercises are not just about making reading more fun; they're about making it a part of your life. By setting goals, creating a special reading space, or even starting a book club, you're building habits that can turn you into a lifelong reader. So grab your football fiction book and get started today!