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

Are you looking for the perfect way to ignite a passion for soccer in your young athlete? Look no further! Our curated list of soccer books for 10-year-olds is packed with exciting reads that will keep them hooked, both on and off the field. Whether your child is a budding soccer star or just loves a good story, these books are sure to score. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also inspire your young soccer enthusiast.

Fun Soccer Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1: Kevin the Star Striker by Joachim Masannek, illustrated by Jan Birck
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Kevin and his soccer team who must play against the unbeatable girls' team led by Mickey the bulldozer. The story is filled with action and the determination to win.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of soccer, making reading fun and engaging for young sports enthusiasts.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love sports, especially soccer, and enjoy action-packed stories.

• Frankie's Magic Soccer Ball #1: Frankie vs. the Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Frankie and his friends find a magic soccer ball that takes them to play against pirates in a high-stakes soccer match.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with soccer, offering a fun and imaginative reading experience that can spark a love for reading through exciting adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy, magic, and soccer.

• Sean Wants to Be Messi by Tanya Preminger
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young boy, Sean, who dreams of becoming as great a soccer player as Lionel Messi and learns about hard work and dedication.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and relatable for young readers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with hard work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and any child who dreams big.

• Soccer School Season 1: Where Soccer Explains (Rules) the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book uses soccer to explain various aspects of the world, from biology to history, making learning fun and relevant.
  • Why we recommend this book: It educates on a wide range of topics using soccer as a theme, which can keep readers engaged and help them learn new facts in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that love soccer and enjoy discovering new things through a familiar and beloved sport.

• Soccer Duel by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two rival soccer players must learn to work together to help their team win the championship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with themes of rivalry, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which are great lessons wrapped in an exciting story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who play sports or enjoy reading about teamwork and overcoming challenges.

Educational Soccer Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Cultural Awareness
  • Synopsis: Set in a dusty South African township, this story follows a group of friends who share a passion for soccer and how they come together to protect their new soccer ball from bullies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, understanding of teamwork and community, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of friendship and community through the universal language of soccer, offering a heartwarming and inspiring tale.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about other cultures and the unifying power of sports.

• Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on a high school soccer team that gains unexpected strength when Somali refugees join the team, leading to an exploration of integration and teamwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural integration, team dynamics, social issues
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful look at the challenges and triumphs of diversity and teamwork in a relatable setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about sportsmanship, diversity, and overcoming social challenges.

• The Soccer Fence: A story of friendship, hope, and apartheid in South Africa by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of apartheid, this book tells the story of a young boy who learns about racial segregation and reconciliation through his love for soccer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, understanding of apartheid, themes of reconciliation
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses the context of soccer to teach important historical lessons and the power of sport to unite people.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and how sports can play a role in social change.

• Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Renato Alarcão
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This book follows Paulo, a young Brazilian boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star, while facing the challenges of poverty and family responsibilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of global social issues, perseverance, goal-setting
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a passion for soccer with real-life challenges, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love soccer and stories that inspire resilience and determination.

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: Written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, this book teaches children about the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship through her own experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sportsmanship, perseverance, self-discipline
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers valuable life lessons from one of soccer's greatest female players, encouraging kids to never give up.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and fans of soccer, especially those who admire strong role models in sports.

Challenging Soccer Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Striker Boy by Jonny Zucker
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: 13-year-old Nat Dixon becomes the youngest player for Hatton Rangers, only to discover he must solve a mystery that could save the club.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines advanced soccer tactics with a complex mystery plot, requiring higher-level thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and provides a mix of sports action and detective work, engaging young readers in a multifaceted story.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans who enjoy mysteries and suspenseful stories.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: The story of world-famous goalkeeper, El Gato, who tells of his rise from the mysterious depths of the South American rainforest, where he was taught by a ghostly mentor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is sophisticated, blending realistic sports fiction with elements of magical realism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique, enchanting take on sports stories, encouraging imagination and a deep love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a blend of sports and fantastical elements in their stories.

• Booked by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Nick, a talented soccer player, navigates challenges both on and off the field, expressed through dynamic verse.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is written in verse, providing a unique literary experience that enhances vocabulary and poetic understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively uses poetry to explore themes of sportsmanship, personal growth, and family dynamics.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate poetry and sports, offering a fresh and engaging narrative style.

• Offside by M.G. Higgins
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Adnan, a talented soccer player, struggles with family expectations and his own dreams, as he tries to balance life and soccer.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes of cultural identity and personal aspirations, requiring readers to engage with emotionally mature content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the challenges young athletes face, promoting empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories that combine sports with deep personal and cultural issues.

• The Flea - The Amazing Story of Leo Messi by Michael Part
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: The inspiring story of Lionel Messi’s rise from a young boy with growth deficiencies to one of the greatest soccer players in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: This biography includes technical descriptions of Messi’s play style and career challenges, requiring a higher level of reader comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's motivational, showing how perseverance and dedication lead to achieving great success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young soccer players and fans of Lionel Messi, offering both inspiration and enjoyment.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading about soccer can be just as thrilling as playing it, especially for 10-year-olds who dream of becoming the next soccer star! To make the most out of soccer books and develop good reading habits, here are a few engaging exercises:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps in completing books.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Soccer Word Glossary
  • What it is: Write down new soccer-related words and their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the game.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to this glossary and review it regularly.

• Match Summary
  • What it is: Summarize soccer matches read about in books.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of what's read.
  • Tips: Try to write the summary right after reading to keep details fresh.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a character from the book and relate their experiences to personal life.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement with the story and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Choose characters that resonate or inspire you personally.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Read passages or chapters out loud to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Practice different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps visualize the story.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to bring your drawings to life.

With these exercises, young readers can not only enjoy their soccer books more but also improve their reading skills significantly. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to incorporate these activities into your daily reading routine. Happy reading, future soccer stars!