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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to spark a love of the game in your little one? Look no further! Our roundup of football fiction books for 7-year-olds is packed with stories that capture the excitement and camaraderie of the sport. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves a good story, these books are sure to score big. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will get young readers pumped about football!

Fun Football Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Berenstain Bears Play Football! by Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: The Bear family enjoys a fun-filled day playing football. Brother Bear and Sister Bear learn about teamwork and sportsmanship on the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to the concepts of team sports and fair play, presented in a simple, engaging style that's easy for young readers to understand.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and fans of the Berenstain Bears series.

• Sean Wants to Be Messi by Tanya Preminger, illustrated by Elettra Cudignotto
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A story about a young boy, Sean, who dreams of becoming as great a football player as Lionel Messi. Through his journey, Sean learns about dedication, hard work, and the importance of balancing school and sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires perseverance and dedication while showing the importance of balancing various aspects of life.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and Messi fans.

• My Football Team by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Patrick Ballesteros
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Follows a young boy as he navigates his first season on a football team, learning about the roles of various positions and the value of teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent tool for understanding the basics of football and the importance of working together as a team.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to football or team sports in general.

• Billy and the Mini Monsters Monsters Go to a Party by Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Melanie Williamson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Billy and his mini monster friends attend a birthday party where they end up playing a game of football, leading to hilarious and chaotic situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines fantasy and sports in a humorous way, making reading fun and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fantasy and humor, and those looking for a light-hearted introduction to football.

• Frankie's Magic Football: Frankie vs The Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Frankie and his friends get transported to a world where they must play football against pirate teams to win back a stolen trophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure and sports, encouraging imagination while instilling a love for reading and football.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventure stories with a sporting twist.

Educational Football Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Set in a dusty South African township, this story follows a group of friends who share a love of football. They come together to play with their new, federation-size soccer ball, despite the challenges they face from bullies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, teamwork, overcoming obstacles
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of children in a different part of the world, all woven together by the universal language of football.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about friendship and overcoming challenges through sports.

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book, written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, teaches children about the importance of not giving up. Mia loves playing soccer, but she hates losing and learns a valuable lesson about sportsmanship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sportsmanship, perseverance, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: Authored by a real-life soccer hero, this story inspires kids to stay in the game, no matter the outcome.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and fans of soccer who need encouragement to keep trying, even when it's tough.

• Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: In a fantastical prehistoric world, dinosaurs engage in a thrilling football game. The carnivores and herbivores face off in a gridiron match filled with fun and excitement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of game rules, team dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful combination of dinosaurs and sports, which is sure to capture the imagination of any child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dinosaurs and are interested in learning about football through a fun and engaging story.

• TJ's Secret Pitch by Fred Bowen, illustrated by Charles S. Pyle
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: TJ struggles with his football skills, especially his throw. With the help of a new coach, he learns a secret trick that could change his game forever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sports techniques, self-improvement, coaching
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches that with the right guidance and practice, anyone can improve their skills.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young football players who are looking for ways to improve their game.

• The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Tessa loves football and proves that she can play just as well as any boy at her school. But playing football also brings challenges both on and off the field.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender roles, determination, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story about breaking stereotypes and following your passion.
  • Perfect for: Girls and boys alike who need inspiration to break traditional molds and pursue their passions fearlessly.

Challenging Football Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Young Team by Zak Thomas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a group of young friends who form a football team to compete in a local league. As they face stronger teams, they learn valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and resilience.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces complex themes of strategy and resilience, using a more sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important life lessons through the engaging medium of football, encouraging readers to think critically and work collaboratively.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only interested in football but also in stories that offer deeper life lessons.

• Quarterback Comeback by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: In this exciting tale, young quarterback Brian faces a major setback after an injury. The story follows his journey back to the field, highlighting his determination and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with themes of perseverance and recovery, presenting a narrative that requires emotional understanding and resilience, which can be demanding for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspirational story that can motivate children to overcome their own challenges, in sports or in life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love sports and stories about overcoming adversity.

• Team Spirit by P.J. Denton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This story is about a young girl, Casey, who joins a football team and struggles to find her place among her teammates. Through various team activities and games, Casey learns the true meaning of team spirit and leadership.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text explores complex themes of social dynamics and leadership within a team setting, which are advanced concepts for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the importance of teamwork and leadership, valuable skills for young children as they navigate their own social environments.
  • Perfect for: Young readers, especially girls, who are interested in sports and leadership.

• The Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Troy has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they happen on the field. The book follows his attempts to use his unique talent to help his favorite team.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates detailed descriptions of football plays and strategies, which require a higher level of cognitive engagement and understanding of the sport.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of football with a unique storyline that stimulates the mind and encourages strategic thinking.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who have a deep interest in football and enjoy complex, thought-provoking stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 7-year-old excited about reading, especially with some fun football fiction books, here are some engaging exercises to help develop their reading habits. These activities are designed to be enjoyable and beneficial, making reading a thrilling part of their daily routine.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place at home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite football posters or cushions.

• Match Day Reading
  • What it is: Read a football book chapter before or after watching a football game.
  • How it helps: Connects the excitement of the game with the joy of reading.
  • Tips: Choose chapters that relate to the game they watched to enhance connection.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the football fiction books.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the story and characters better.
  • Tips: Use football gear like jerseys or a ball to make the role play more fun and realistic.

• Reading Relay
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters with your child.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a shared, interactive experience, and improves fluency.
  • Tips: Praise their reading efforts to boost confidence, especially with difficult words.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause at key moments in the story and guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will go a certain way, linking events and characters' actions.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading an adventure that ties in with their love for football. By integrating these activities into your child's routine, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. So, grab those football fiction books and start playing these fun reading games today!