10+ Best Football Story Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to keep your young football fan hooked? Look no further! Our curated list of football story books for 11-year-olds is packed with thrilling tales that capture the excitement of the game and the spirit of teamwork. Whether your child is a budding player or a passionate fan, these books are sure to score big. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also inspire your young reader!

Fun Football Story Books for 11-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. Amidst environmental disasters and a challenging family dynamic, Paul joins his school's soccer team and discovers his strengths both on and off the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with deep personal growth, making it a compelling read for young readers. The novel encourages resilience and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and young readers looking for a story about overcoming challenges.

• The Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young football fan 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, Troy learns valuable lessons about trust and teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting peek into the world of professional football through the eyes of a kid, blending real-life sports intrigue with fiction.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and anyone who dreams of being involved in professional sports.

• Shooting Star by Fredrick McKissack Jr.
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Jomo Rogers is a talented football player hiding a secret about his age to play in a youth football league. As he navigates the challenges of sports and school, Jomo learns about integrity and the importance of honesty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses ethical dilemmas in sports in a way that's accessible and relatable for young readers, promoting honesty and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and readers who enjoy stories about sportsmanship and personal integrity.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel is a fictional interview with the world's best goalkeeper, El Gato, who tells the story of how he went from a poor South American kid to a top football star, thanks to the guidance of a mysterious mentor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and inspiring tale that blends the excitement of soccer with a mysterious, almost mythical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Soccer fans and young readers who love stories that mix reality with a touch of the supernatural.

• Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: D.J. Schwenk, a high school girl, takes over her family's small Wisconsin dairy farm. She unexpectedly tries out for the high school football team, facing challenges and finding unexpected romance along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and humorous look at rural life, gender roles in sports, and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like strong female protagonists and stories about breaking stereotypes.

Educational Football Story Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Offsides by Erik E. Esckilsen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tom Gray, a young soccer enthusiast, decides to join his high school's football team, facing the challenge of balancing his love for soccer with the rough-and-tumble world of American football.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, adaptability, understanding of American football rules
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on sports, emphasizing the importance of versatility and open-mindedness in athletics.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and soccer fans exploring other sports.

• The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel centers around Tom Gallagher, who is tasked with saving his town's legendary baseball field by winning a crucial game. The story intertwines baseball with themes of community and heritage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, community involvement, baseball knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that combines the love of baseball with a larger narrative about saving one's local heritage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about baseball and stories with a strong sense of community.

• Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Scott Parry, a not-so-athletic student, uses his brains rather than brawn to make a place for himself on the football team, discovering that intellect can be as powerful as physical prowess on the field.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, sports strategy, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases that success in sports can also come from mental agility and intelligence, not just physical strength.
  • Perfect for: Students who may feel overlooked in athletics but want to contribute in meaningful ways.

• Football Hero by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Young Ty Lewis is thrust into the spotlight when his exceptional football talents are discovered, but his rise to fame is complicated by his brother's dangerous ties to organized crime.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of personal ethics, resilience, football tactics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with gripping family drama, making it a page-turner for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories that blend sports with suspense and ethical dilemmas.

• The Rookie Bookie by L. Jon Wertheim and Tobias Moskowitz
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: Using math and economic principles, seventh-grader Mitch Sloan sets up a football betting ring at school, only to learn tough lessons about friendship and the complexities of gambling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Economic concepts, math skills, ethical decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about economics and ethics in a context relatable to sports-loving kids.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in math, economics, and sports.

Challenging Football Story Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: High school quarterback Bobby Framingham, one of the best young football talents, faces the challenge of coming out to his teammates and friends in a predominantly masculine sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex issues of sexual identity and societal expectations in the high-pressure world of high school sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a powerful look at personal integrity and the courage it takes to be oneself, providing a meaningful narrative that goes beyond the typical sports story.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories that combine sports with significant social issues and personal growth.

• Football Champ by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Troy White, a young football prodigy, now works with his favorite NFL team. He faces new challenges as he deals with fame, school pressures, and a scheming sports reporter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores more complex themes such as media influence, fame, and maintaining integrity under pressure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling look into the professional sports arena from a kid's perspective, emphasizing the importance of honesty and character.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of action and ethical dilemmas.

• Pop by Gordon Korman
  • Genre(s): Sports, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Newcomer Marcus Jordan unknowingly befriends a former NFL star, Charlie Popovich, now suffering from Alzheimer's. Their bond through football helps Marcus face the challenges in his new town.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with mature themes like Alzheimer’s disease and the ephemeral nature of sports careers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story mixes the excitement of football with heartfelt drama, offering a poignant look at friendship and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate sports stories with deep emotional layers and real-life challenges.

• Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl by John Feinstein
  • Genre(s): Sports, Mystery, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Teen sports reporters, Susan Carol and Stevie, uncover a scandal involving steroids in professional football while covering the Super Bowl.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex issues like drug use in sports and media ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that provides insights into the darker side of sports, encouraging critical thinking and ethical considerations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and enjoy a good mystery.

• Force Out by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Joey and Zach have been best friends and baseball stars for years, but when Joey is offered a scholarship that only one of them can get, their friendship is put to the test on and off the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of competition, jealousy, and the strain these elements can place on friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into the complexities of friendships in competitive sports, offering a narrative that is both exciting and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in stories about friendship, loyalty, and the pressures of sports.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of football storybooks and you're around 11 years old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books packed with action and adventure, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to improve your reading skills. Here are some exercises that can help you make the most out of your reading experience. These are simple, fun, and tailor-made to help you develop great reading habits while enjoying your favorite sport!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading activities.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family who are interested in football stories.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what emotions and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in the book as if you were watching them in a movie.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Pay close attention to the descriptions of settings and characters to help form vivid images.

• Match Reading with Watching
  • What it is: Read a book about football, then watch a game or a movie based on football.
  • How it helps: Helps connect the dots between the book's content and real-world football.
  • Tips: Look for similarities and differences between your reading and what you watch.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up words you don’t understand.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Write down the new words and their meanings in your reading journal.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and anticipation while reading.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others or jot them down in your journal.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your life. Remember, the more you read, the better you get, and the more you'll enjoy it. So, grab your football storybook, get comfortable, and let the adventures begin! Happy reading! 📚⚽