10+ Best Soccer Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a young soccer enthusiast? Look no further! Our carefully curated list of soccer books for 12-year-olds is packed with titles that capture the thrill and passion of the game. Whether your young reader is a budding star or just loves the sport, these books are sure to score big. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Soccer Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Booked by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This novel in verse tells the story of 12-year-old Nick who navigates challenges both on the soccer field and off, dealing with his parents' looming divorce, bullies, and the power of words.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic format makes it a quick and engaging read, perfect for capturing the attention of young readers and keeping them hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans and readers who appreciate stories told in a unique format.

• Tangerine by Edward Bloor
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Paul Fisher sees the world from behind glasses so thick he looks like a bug-eyed alien. But he’s not so blind that he can’t see there are some very unusual things about his family’s new home in Tangerine County, Florida—where a sinkhole swallows his school, and mysterious things happen on the soccer field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports action with deeper issues like bullying, family dynamics, and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a blend of sports and significant life lessons.

• Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When his high school soccer team gains a wave of new members from Somalia, Tom Bouchard steps up as a leader both on and off the field, navigating cultural differences and forming new friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of teamwork, diversity, and acceptance, all through the universally accessible lens of soccer.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in stories about sportsmanship, multicultural integration, and leadership.

• The Kicks: Saving the Team by Alex Morgan
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Illustrator: Paula Franco
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Devin moves to California and finds her new school's soccer team lacking spirit. She takes it upon herself to turn things around and save the team from being cut.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by U.S. women's soccer team star Alex Morgan, it's an inspiring story that encourages leadership and perseverance in sports.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of women's soccer.

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Sports Fiction
  • Illustrator: A. G. Ford
  • Synopsis: A group of children in a South African township play soccer in the streets, dreaming of life beyond their immediate world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a different culture through the universal language of soccer, wrapped in beautiful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and dreams, and those interested in learning about different cultures through sports.

Educational Soccer Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Striker Assist by Neil Swaab
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Alex dreams of becoming the top striker on his soccer team, but when a new player joins and outshines him, he must learn to assist and support his teammate for the good of the team.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, sportsmanship, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of playing as part of a team and that personal glory often comes second to team success.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer enthusiasts who are learning the value of teamwork and cooperation.

• The Soccer Secret by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zac and his soccer team discover an old diary that leads them on a treasure hunt, testing their skills beyond the soccer field.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, historical knowledge, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of soccer with a mystery adventure, making it a captivating read that also educates.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love both soccer and adventure stories.

• Soccer Switch by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Sean and his twin sister Jill, both talented soccer players, devise a plan to switch places on their soccer teams to help each other overcome different challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, understanding gender roles, sports ethics
  • Why we recommend this book: This book tackles themes of gender equality and sportsmanship with a fun and engaging twist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever plots and exploring important social themes through sports.

• Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin
  • Illustrator: Renato Alarcão
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Paulo dreams of playing professional soccer, but life in his Brazilian favela makes it difficult. With the support of his community, he strives to overcome obstacles to achieve his dream.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, perseverance, community involvement
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the challenges faced by children in less privileged parts of the world, showing how community support can help individuals achieve their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in soccer and stories about overcoming adversity with the help of community.

Challenging Soccer Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Flea - The Amazing Story of Leo Messi by Michael Part
  • Genre(s): Biography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This biography explores the life of Lionel Messi, from his humble beginnings in Argentina to becoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the complexities of Messi's life and career, including his struggles with growth hormone deficiency and his rise in the competitive world of international soccer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication, showing how personal challenges can be overcome with passion and hard work.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer fans who admire star athletes and are interested in real-life success stories.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of El Gato, a world-renowned goalkeeper, who recounts his life's journey from the mysterious rainforests of South America to becoming a soccer legend.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure intertwines a sports story with mystical elements, requiring readers to engage with complex themes and a non-linear storyline.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of soccer with a deep, thought-provoking plot that challenges young readers to think beyond the surface.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of sports, mystery, and supernatural elements.

• Offside: My Life Crossing the Line by Sean Avery
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Sports
  • Synopsis: Though primarily focused on hockey, this autobiography provides insightful comparisons on sportsmanship, including soccer, detailing Avery's experiences with professional sports' physical and mental demands.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features mature themes and complex discussions about the realities of professional sports, which can be both enlightening and challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a raw, unfiltered look at the life of a professional athlete, providing valuable lessons on resilience and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers interested in the realities of sports and life lessons from professional athletes.

• Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Sports
  • Synopsis: U.S. Women's National Soccer Team star Alex Morgan shares her journey from a young soccer enthusiast to a world-class athlete, offering insights into her challenges and triumphs.
  • Why this book is challenging: Morgan discusses not only her successes but also the obstacles she faced, including injuries and pressure, requiring readers to consider the psychological aspects of sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering read that encourages persistence, teamwork, and striving for one's dreams, directly from a female athlete role model.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes, particularly girls, looking for inspiration and advice on pursuing sports professionally.

• The Beautiful Game: The Infographics Book of Soccer by John Andrews
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book uses infographics to illustrate the history, tactics, teams, and personalities in the world of soccer, providing a visual and statistical guide to the sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires analytical thinking to understand and interpret various data and statistics related to soccer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique visual exploration of soccer, enhancing understanding of the game through engaging and informative graphics.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love soccer and have a keen interest in data, statistics, and visual learning.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of soccer books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books exciting and full of action, but they can also teach you a lot about teamwork, perseverance, and the beautiful game of soccer itself. To get the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun exercises that can help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your soccer books.

• 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 committed to reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Soccer Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who enjoy soccer and read the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Meet regularly to discuss a chapter or a key event in the book.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, like you’re watching a soccer match.
  • How it helps: Improves memory of the story and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to vividly picture the events in your mind.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Relate events or tactics in the book to real-life soccer games or players.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of soccer strategies and history.
  • Tips: Keep notes on similarities between the book and real soccer events.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions that arise while you're reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Discuss these questions with others or look for answers as you continue reading.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading your soccer books as enjoyable as playing or watching a game. So, grab your favorite soccer book, try out these exercises, and kick off your reading adventure! Enjoy the journey as you explore the thrilling world of soccer through literature.