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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect football books for 11-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding quarterback or an enthusiastic fan, finding the right books can fuel their passion for the game while providing entertaining and age-appropriate content. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of football books tailored specifically for 11-year-olds, guaranteed to score a touchdown in your child's reading journey!

Fun Football Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Troy White, a young boy who has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they happen. This skill catches the attention of the Atlanta Falcons as he tries to help his favorite team reach the Super Bowl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends exciting sports action with themes of teamwork and determination, making it a thrilling read that also imparts valuable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

• The Football Boy Wonder by Martin Smith
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Charlie Fry is an 11-year-old football lover who battles a mysterious illness. His life takes a turn when he discovers he has the incredible ability to play football better than anyone else, leading his team to victory after victory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that showcases how overcoming obstacles can lead to greatness, encouraging readers to never give up on their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love football and stories about overcoming challenges.

• Shoot to Win (Jamie Johnson Series) by Dan Freedman
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jamie Johnson is a young and talented footballer who dreams of becoming a top player. This book follows his struggles and triumphs both on and off the pitch as he tries to make it to the top.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and real-life dilemmas, helping readers understand the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of dynamic sports stories.

• Keeper by Mal Peet
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of El Gato, a world-famous goalkeeper, who narrates his rise from the jungles of South America to fame at the World Cup. The story is woven through with elements of magical realism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a riveting sports tale with a touch of magic, capturing the reader's imagination while inspiring them to reach for their goals.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of sports and adventure with a hint of the supernatural.

• Frankie's Magic Football: Frankie vs The Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Frankie and his friends find a magic football that takes them to different worlds where they must play high-stakes football matches. Their first adventure pits them against a crew of pirate pillagers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and fantastical series that combines football with exciting adventures, perfect for keeping young readers engaged and eager to read more.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love football and enjoy fantastical adventures.

Educational Football Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Football Book by Greg Jacobs
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers everything an 11-year-old needs to know about football, from the basics of gameplay to detailed explanations of the rules and history of the sport.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of football rules, history of the sport, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent resource that educates while entertaining, making the complex aspects of football accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are eager to learn more about football in a detailed yet understandable way.

• Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen, illustrated by Eduardo Garcia
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel follows a young quarterback who must lead his team to victory while balancing school and friendships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, time management, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: The engaging illustrations and relatable story make complex life lessons enjoyable and easy to digest.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love graphic novels and are interested in stories that blend sports with everyday challenges.

• Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, illustrated by Carol Thompson
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Written by soccer legend Mia Hamm, this book encourages kids to play sports with passion and perseverance, teaching them that the most important aspect of sports is to have fun and keep trying, even when they lose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sportsmanship, perseverance, self-discipline
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a valuable lesson from a real sports icon, emphasizing the importance of effort over winning.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and any child learning how to handle winning and losing gracefully.

• Touchdown Kid by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of Cory, who dreams of becoming a football hero but faces challenges both on and off the field. His journey is about overcoming adversity and proving that determination and heart are what truly make a touchdown kid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Determination, resilience, understanding of football strategy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story that combines thrilling sports action with valuable life lessons about perseverance and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of football glory and anyone who loves a story of triumph against the odds.

Challenging Football Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Offside: My Life Crossing the Line by Sean Avery
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Autobiography, Sports
  • Synopsis: This autobiography details the controversial and often misunderstood career of NHL star Sean Avery, known for his on-ice antics and off-ice opinions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes such as identity, the pressure of professional sports, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a raw, unfiltered look at the life of a professional athlete, providing insights that go beyond the sports field.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a deeper understanding of the personal challenges faced by athletes.

• 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 football players of all time.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed discussions of Messi's techniques and the strategies of football, which might be advanced for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication, showing how talent combined with hard work leads to success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young footballers and fans of inspirational sports stories.

• Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: In a fantastical city, the ancient and obscure game of football is revived. The characters navigate the challenges of organizing a team and uncovering the true meaning of the game.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pratchett's work includes a rich vocabulary and a satirical style that might be more suitable for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a love for the game, offering a unique take on sports and teamwork in a fantasy setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy, humor, and sports.

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Sports, Culture
  • Synopsis: Set in a dusty South African township, a group of young friends share their love for football, playing with a new, federation-size football amidst challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of poverty and social issues through the lens of sport, presenting a more profound narrative to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the joy of soccer and the power of teamwork in overcoming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories of friendship and resilience through sports.

• Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Tom Bouchard, a high school senior and star soccer player in his Maine town, as he navigates the challenges brought by Somali refugees, including a talented soccer player who reshapes his understanding of his team and community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex social issues like immigration, integration, and community dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thought-provoking look at the role of sports in cultural integration and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that combines sports with significant real-world issues.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of football books and you're around 11 years old, you've got an exciting journey ahead. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also increase your enjoyment of the books.

• 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 and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and helps you focus solely on your book.
  • Tips: Make sure it's well-lit and cozy. Adding a favorite blanket or a small plant can make it even more inviting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends, family, or a book club.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked, didn’t like, or what puzzled you about the book.

• Map Out the Story
  • What it is: Draw a timeline or a map of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of the plot and the development of characters.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points in the book.

• Predict the Next Play
  • What it is: Before you continue reading, try to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down and check how many of them were right as you read.

• Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Write down new words and their meanings as you come across them.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in sentences of your own.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and learn as much as you can. These exercises are just starting points. Feel free to tweak them to better suit your style or blend them into your existing reading habits. Happy reading!