10+ Best Football Story Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to ignite a passion for football in your young reader? Dive into our latest blog where we explore the best football story books for 8-year-olds. From thrilling match-day adventures to inspiring tales of teamwork and perseverance, we've curated a list that will surely capture the imagination of any budding football enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Football Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Football Boy Wonder by Matt Oldfield
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Charlie Fry, a young football enthusiast who battles cystic fibrosis. Despite his health challenges, Charlie's dream of playing football for a professional team comes alive with a magical twist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that showcases resilience and the power of dreams, which can motivate young readers to pursue their passions regardless of obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and any child who loves stories about overcoming challenges.

• Frankie's Magic Football: Frankie vs The Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Sports
  • Synopsis: Frankie and his football-loving friends find themselves on a magical adventure playing against pirate teams to win back a stolen trophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of football with adventurous scenarios that keep the pages turning. It's great for engaging reluctant readers with a fun, imaginative plot.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and magical adventures.

• Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of an extraordinary boy whose love for football leads him from playing in the streets of London to playing for Chelsea FC, before his life is turned upside down by World War II.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at history through the lens of football, providing educational value alongside entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and sports, particularly football.

• The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig by Emer Stamp
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Pig dreams of playing football, but his best friend Duck has other plans! The diary-format story follows Pig as he navigates friendship and his football dreams with lots of laughs along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious read that will keep children laughing while encouraging them to read more.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love funny stories and animals, and those looking to have a good laugh while reading.

• Kickers: The Ball Hogs by Rich Wallace
  • Genre(s): Sports, Teamwork, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow nine-year-old Ben and his soccer team as they go from being the worst team in their league to striving to make it to the top, learning about teamwork and sportsmanship along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to themes of teamwork and sportsmanship, wrapped in an engaging and relatable story for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and any child learning the value of working with others.

Educational Football Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Sean Wants to Be Messi by Tanya Preminger
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book follows young Sean, a huge football fan, who dreams of becoming just like his idol, Lionel Messi. The story explores his journey, the challenges he faces, and his determination to pursue his dream.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Goal-setting, perseverance, understanding the importance of practice and dedication
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages children to dream big and work hard towards achieving their goals.
  • Perfect for: Young football fans and any child who dreams of becoming a professional athlete.

• Football School: Where Football Explains the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton
  • Genre(s): Educational, Sports, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book uses football to explain various aspects of the world, including history, biology, and mathematics, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, science, history, and math through the lens of football
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates football with educational content, making it easier and more fun for kids to learn about different subjects.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and are curious about how the world works.

• My Football Team by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Patrick Ballesteros
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Teamwork
  • Synopsis: The story follows Tammy as she joins a football team and learns about teamwork, friendship, and the joy of playing together.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, social skills, understanding the dynamics of playing a sport
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of teamwork and cooperation in a simple and relatable way for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are new to team sports and need to understand the value of playing together.

• Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show by Mark Sperring, illustrated by Sarah Warburton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A humorous tale about Max, who uses his football skills in imaginative ways to avoid going to bed. The story combines football with bedtime routines in a playful, imaginative manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, routine building, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun story that mixes sports with everyday challenges, making bedtime routines enjoyable and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and parents who want to add a twist to bedtime stories.

Challenging Football Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Striker Boy by Jonny Zucker
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: 13-year-old Nat Dixon becomes the youngest player ever for Hatton Rangers. While aiming to help save the club from relegation, he also uncovers a shocking secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes like grief and corporate conspiracy, woven into a sports context, which adds depth beyond typical children's sports narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling combination of sports action and mystery, encouraging advanced reading skills and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of sports, suspense, and complex storylines.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of El Gato, a world-famous goalkeeper, who tells the story of his rise from the mysterious and magical jungles of South America.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a non-linear narrative and incorporates elements of magical realism, which can be conceptually challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enchanting tale that blends real-world sports with fantasy elements, offering a unique reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that combines football with a touch of magic and mystery.

• The Big Game by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Danny Owens is dedicating his seventh-grade season to his Super Bowl-champion father, who recently passed away. Tensions rise on and off the field as Danny faces challenges that test his loyalty and ethics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex issues like ethics in sports and personal loss, providing material for deeper reflection and discussion.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about integrity, perseverance, and the importance of making tough choices.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any reader dealing with personal challenges or interested in ethical dilemmas.

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Young Troy White has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they occur on the field. This talent leads him into exciting and dangerous situations as he tries to help his favorite team.
  • Why this book is for advanced readers: The plot involves sophisticated themes of espionage and strategy within the sports world, demanding higher-level comprehension and inferential skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of football with gripping suspense and strategic thinking, engaging readers in a fast-paced narrative.
  • Perfect for: Fans of football and mystery who enjoy fast-paced, thought-provoking stories.

• Offside by M.G. Harris
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old twins, Andres and Sofia, are pulled into an adventure involving a mysterious football memorabilia theft. They must use their wits and football knowledge to solve the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with multiple characters and a dual narrative, requiring readers to keep track of various storylines and perspectives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story promotes problem-solving and critical thinking through a captivating mystery intertwined with the world of football.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and football fans who love solving puzzles and mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of football storybooks with your 8-year-old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books a great way to engage with sports, but they also offer wonderful opportunities to develop strong reading habits. Here are some exercises that can help young readers get the most out of their football storybook adventures:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the plot and characters of the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps children visualize the story's structure.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different story elements like characters, settings, and major events.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to express what the character might be feeling or thinking.

• Football Glossary
  • What it is: Create a list of football terms found in the book.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and enhances understanding of the game.
  • Tips: Use the glossary to discuss each term and how it applies both in the story and in real football games.

• Predict the Play
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before reading further.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Discuss why certain events might happen and explore different outcomes.

• Reading Time-Outs
  • What it is: Set specific times to read together daily.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and prioritizes reading.
  • Tips: Make these sessions enjoyable, perhaps after playtime or right before bed.

By incorporating these fun and educational exercises into your reading routine, you'll help your child develop not only a love for reading but also a deeper understanding of football and storytelling. Enjoy the journey through each page and play!