10+ Best Football Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young football fan? Dive into our curated selection of Football Fiction Books for 12-Year-olds that capture the excitement and drama of the game, while delivering stories that resonate with young readers. Keep reading to discover a variety of titles that are sure to score big with any budding football enthusiast!
Table of Contents
Fun Football Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Tangerine by Edward Bloor
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: The story centers around Paul Fisher, a visually impaired middle schooler who moves to Tangerine County, Florida, and uncovers dark family secrets and societal issues while trying to fit into his new soccer team.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling sports scenes with deep, thought-provoking themes about disability, family, and courage, making it a compelling read for young readers.
- Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories with a mix of mystery and personal growth.
- Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The novel follows Nate Brodie, a 13-year-old aspiring football quarterback who wins the chance to throw a pass for a million dollars during halftime at a New England Patriots game, all while dealing with his family's financial struggles and his friend's worsening eyesight.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story about friendship, bravery, and the love of the game, which can motivate young readers to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
- Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and kids who love stories about overcoming challenges.
- The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult
- Synopsis: The story focuses on Tessa Dooley, who enjoys playing football with her friends but faces challenges when she decides to try out for her high school team. As she navigates the complexities of being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, she learns valuable life lessons.
- Why we recommend this book: It addresses important themes like gender roles in sports and self-identity, encouraging readers to break stereotypes and follow their passion.
- Perfect for: Young girls and boys interested in stories that challenge gender norms and sports lovers looking for a fresh perspective.
- Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Chris Conlan, the nicest kid in school, has a secret: he's terrible at football. When he befriends Jack, the star quarterback with a not-so-secret problem of his own, they help each other in ways they never imagined.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and understanding, combined with exciting football action, making it a great pick to keep readers engaged and inspired.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about teamwork and the underdog triumphing.
Educational Football Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Kickoff! by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Twins Tiki and Ronde Barber have just started junior high and are excited about the new challenges and opportunities, including making the school football team. However, they quickly learn that being a part of the team takes more than just athletic skills.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, transition from elementary to middle school
- Why we recommend this book: Written by NFL superstars, it provides real-life insights into the world of football and the importance of hard work and teamwork.
- Perfect for: Young sports fans and readers transitioning into middle school.
- Game Changers by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Ben McBain is every football team's dream player. He's a jack-of-all-trades guy that can handle almost any position. When the coach asks him to be the starting quarterback, Ben isn't sure he's up for the challenge.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership skills, sportsmanship, problem-solving
- Why we recommend this book: It focuses on overcoming personal doubts and the importance of sportsmanship in football.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and sports.
- Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen, illustrated by Eduardo Garcia
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Graphic Novel
- Synopsis: Star quarterback Blake Cooper is playing the biggest game of his season, but the stakes are even higher when he finds out a scout from a major college is watching him. Blake must deal with his nerves and play the best game of his life.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making under pressure, strategic thinking, visual literacy through graphic novel format
- Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format engages readers visually while delivering exciting football action and life lessons.
- Perfect for: Readers who prefer visual storytelling and fans of graphic novels and football.
- The Extra Yard by Mike Lupica
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Teddy, a middle schooler, dreams of being a great football player, possibly even the quarterback of his school team. With the help of his friends and his former NFL player uncle, Teddy learns what it truly takes to be a leader on and off the field.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, resilience, athletic skills
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the value of hard work and leadership in sports and life.
- Perfect for: Middle schoolers who dream of playing football and leading their teams.
Challenging Football Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl by John Feinstein
- Genre(s): Sports Mystery, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Teen sports reporters, Stevie and Susan Carol, are sent to cover the biggest game of the year: the Super Bowl. When they uncover a scandal that could ruin the game, they must navigate the tricky waters of journalism and ethics to expose the truth.
- Why this book is challenging: It combines advanced themes of corruption, ethics, and professional sports, requiring readers to think critically about real-world issues.
- Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling mystery wrapped around the beloved game of football, enhancing readers' understanding of journalistic integrity and the complexities of professional sports.
- Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and aspiring journalists who are also football fans.
- Payback Time by Carl Deuker
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Thriller
- Synopsis: Mitch True, an overweight and underappreciated high school reporter, suspects something is off about the new football star, Angel. As Mitch digs deeper, he uncovers secrets that could endanger his own life.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes like identity, ethics in sports, and social justice, challenging readers to consider deeper societal issues.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping thriller that teaches about perseverance, the pursuit of truth, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense thrillers and are interested in investigative journalism.
- Defense! by Joseph Monninger
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: When a high school football team gets stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, they must use their skills and teamwork to survive against harsh conditions and wildlife.
- Why this book is challenging: The survival aspect introduces complex problem-solving and ethical dilemmas, providing a more sophisticated plot for advanced readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of football with survival adventure, teaching about leadership, teamwork, and resilience in extreme situations.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love stories of survival and teamwork.
- The League by Thatcher Heldring
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
- Synopsis: Wyatt Parker has opted out of playing high school football to focus on academics, but when he discovers an underground football league, he's tempted by the thrill and camaraderie. As he gets involved, he faces challenges that test his morals and determination.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores the conflict between personal desires and moral decisions, prompting readers to think about their own choices and consequences.
- Why we recommend this book: This book provides a unique look at the pressures of high school sports and the importance of making tough decisions.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about moral dilemmas and personal growth.
- Swagger by Carl Deuker
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Jonas Dolan is on the path to basketball stardom when his family moves and he has to switch to playing football. He faces new challenges on and off the field, especially when he learns about a disturbing secret involving his coach.
- Why this book is challenging: It tackles serious issues such as abuse and the responsibilities of bystanders, encouraging readers to think critically about ethics and integrity.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story that not only entertains but also educates about standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in a deep, morally complex story intertwined with high-stakes sports action.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of football fiction books, you're in for some exciting reads. But why not make your reading experience even better? Here are some fun and effective exercises designed just for 12-year-olds to help develop great reading habits while enjoying their favorite football stories. Let's get started!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your reading.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
- How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the story.
- Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.
- Visualize the Story
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
- How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
- Tips: Think of yourself as a movie director who visualizes scenes before shooting.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to others.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you understand the story better.
- Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make it more fun.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
- Match Reading with Actual Games
- What it is: Read a chapter before watching a football game.
- How it helps: Connects the excitement of real games with the plots of your books.
- Tips: Try to predict what might happen in the game based on your reading.
Wrapping it up, these exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading your own personal adventure. Whether you're visualizing the winning goal or discussing a character's decision with friends, each step you take builds a stronger, more enjoyable connection with your books. Grab your next football fiction favorite and get started today! Happy reading!