10+ Best Football Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! If you're on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the exciting world of football to your little one, you've come to the right place. Our carefully curated selection of football books for 6-year-olds is packed with fun, engaging stories that are sure to capture the imagination of any young fan. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also ignite a lifelong love for the game!

Fun Football Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Kickoff! by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde are ready for their first football season on the junior high team. They face challenges but learn the value of teamwork and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written by NFL stars who are also twins, making it relatable and inspiring for young readers. The story teaches important life lessons through the exciting world of football.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and fans of stories about teamwork and overcoming challenges.

• Goodnight Football by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Christina Forshay
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A fun and heartwarming story that follows a family enjoying a football game, from the exciting kickoff to saying goodnight to the moonlit stadium.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of football with a soothing bedtime story, making it perfect for young readers who love sports.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy bedtime stories and have a budding interest in football.

• My First Book of Football by Beth Bugler and Mark Bechtel
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beginner's guide introduces young readers to the basics of football, from the roles of the players to the rules of the game, using simple explanations and engaging illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching the fundamentals of football in a way that's easy for kids to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are new to football and looking to understand the game better.

• Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Dinosaurs playing football! This imaginative book pits the Greenblade Grasshoppers against the Redscales in a prehistoric football match.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and exciting blend of dinosaurs and sports, which are both very popular themes among kids.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dinosaurs and enjoy energetic, imaginative stories.

• The Berenstain Bears Play Football! by Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Sports, Family
  • Synopsis: The Bear family enjoys a fun day playing football together, learning about sportsmanship and teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's part of the beloved Berenstain Bears series that combines family values with fun stories, perfect for encouraging a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy family-centered stories and those just starting to show interest in sports.

Educational Football Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Football with Dad by Frank Berrios, illustrated by Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This engaging story captures a day spent playing football between a young child and their dad, highlighting the joy and bonding over the game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of football basics, family bonding, physical activity
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a wonderful depiction of family time through sports, encouraging both physical play and emotional connection.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy spending time with family and are interested in sports.

• Let's Play Football by Jon M. Fishman
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: An introduction to football for young readers, explaining the game’s rules, player roles, and the importance of teamwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, basic football rules, sports terminology
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, simple explanations of how football is played, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Perfect for: Kids just starting to learn about football or those preparing to play on their first team.

• Touchdown Trouble by Fred Bowen
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sam loves football, but when he faces a moral dilemma during a critical game, he must decide what winning really means.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethics in sports, decision-making, understanding consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important issues like sportsmanship and integrity, wrapped up in an exciting football story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories that challenge them to think about right and wrong.

• Bunny Football by Lucy Floyd, illustrated by Gail Piazza
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A group of bunnies forms a football team, learning about teamwork and sportsmanship in a whimsical setting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, sportsmanship, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the fun of football with adorable characters, making it a hit for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are just getting interested in sports.

• The Football Fanbook by Gary Gramling
  • Genre(s): Sports, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with facts, stats, and history about football, designed to turn any young reader into a knowledgeable fan.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Football knowledge, historical understanding, statistical analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a comprehensive guide that’s both informative and engaging, perfect for budding football fans.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of football.

Challenging Football Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Science of Football by Matt Chandler
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book delves into how science plays a role in football, from the physics of throwing a football to the biology of players' training and nutrition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific concepts and terminology that are advanced for a 6-year-old, blending them with the sport of football.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective by combining sports with science education, fostering both a love for football and a curiosity about how things work.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only interested in sports but also show a keen interest in science.

• Quarterback Comeback by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this story, young quarterback Brian faces challenges both on and off the field, learning about perseverance and leadership.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex themes of leadership and overcoming adversity, which are more sophisticated concepts for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important life lessons through engaging sports storytelling, encouraging readers to think about personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about personal challenges and triumphs, and those interested in leadership roles.

• Football Genius by Tim Green
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Troy has a remarkable ability to predict football plays before they happen, which he tries to use to help his favorite team.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores strategic thinking and the complexities of football plays, which requires a higher level of cognitive engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling read that combines the excitement of football with a story about using unique talents to make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy a good mystery and strategy within the context of sports.

• The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tessa loves football and decides to try out for her middle school team, facing both support and opposition as she pursues her passion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses gender roles and stereotypes in sports, presenting themes of equality and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages readers to break barriers and follow their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers, especially girls, who are interested in sports and stories about breaking stereotypes.

• Stars of Football by Illugi Jökulsson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book profiles some of the greatest football players in history, detailing their careers, achievements, and impacts on the sport.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes biographical details and historical contexts that are typically more suitable for older readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides motivational stories of success and determination from real-life heroes of the sport.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans who aspire to learn from the best and dream of becoming football stars themselves.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little one into a budding bookworm with a love for football, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and engaging exercises designed specifically for 6-year-olds. These will not only improve their reading skills but also deepen their appreciation for the game. Let's get started!

• Picture Walk Before Reading
  • What it is: Look through the pictures in the football book before starting to read.
  • How it helps: Sets a visual context and boosts understanding and anticipation.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what might happen in the story based on the pictures.

• Match Words with Objects
  • What it is: Identify words in the book and match them with corresponding football-related objects at home or in illustrations.
  • How it helps: Enhances word recognition and vocabulary related to football.
  • Tips: Use football gear like a ball or a jersey for this activity to make it more interactive and fun.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading aloud from the football book.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and reading fluency; fosters a bonding experience.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by mimicking the excitement of a football game commentator.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book, with your child taking on the role of their favorite football player or character.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props like a football or team scarves to make the role-play more engaging.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and the structure of the story.
  • Tips: Use team colors to draw different parts of the map or timeline.

These exercises are not only fun but also educational, providing your child with a playful yet effective way to boost their reading skills while indulging in their love for football. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light-hearted and enjoyable, so your little one always looks forward to reading time! Happy reading!