10+ Best Soccer Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to fuel your 13-year-old's passion for the beautiful game? Look no further! Our curated list of soccer books for 13-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to captivate and inspire young soccer enthusiasts. From thrilling match-day tales to inspiring stories of soccer legends, we've got something for every young fan. Keep reading to discover our top soccer book recommendations that will keep your teen hooked!
Table of Contents
Fun Soccer Books for 13-Year-Olds
- Booked by Kwame Alexander
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Poetry
- Synopsis: This novel in verse follows 12-year-old Nick as he navigates the challenges of middle school, soccer, and family dynamics.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines soccer with poetic storytelling, making it an engaging read that also enhances appreciation for creative writing.
- Perfect for: Young soccer enthusiasts and readers who enjoy unique narrative styles.
- 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.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping mix of sports, suspense, and the challenges of growing up, making it more than just a soccer story.
- Perfect for: Teens who like stories that combine sports with a deeper look at social issues.
- Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: When a high school soccer star in a small Maine town suddenly faces the arrival of Somali refugees, his life is turned upside down both on and off the field.
- Why we recommend this book: It tackles themes of friendship, diversity, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of a soccer team.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in stories about sportsmanship, cultural diversity, and community.
- Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
- Genre(s): Picture Book, Sports Fiction
- Synopsis: A group of friends in a South African township work together to protect their new soccer ball and achieve their dreams of playing the game they love.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that highlights the power of teamwork and dreams, all beautifully illustrated to bring the story to life.
- Perfect for: Younger teens who enjoy heartwarming stories and vivid illustrations.
- The Kicks: Saving the Team by Alex Morgan
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Devin moves to California and has to turn her school's lackluster soccer team around, proving herself as a leader and a soccer player in the process.
- Why we recommend this book: Written by U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan, it’s a fun and motivating story that encourages leadership and perseverance.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and fans of women's soccer.
Educational Soccer Books for 13-Year-Olds
- Striker Assist by Jake Maddox
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Kyle dreams of being a top soccer player but struggles with his confidence on the field. When a new coach arrives with unconventional methods, Kyle learns the importance of teamwork and assists, not just scoring goals.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, confidence, sportsmanship
- Why we recommend this book: It focuses on the less glorified, but equally important, aspects of playing sports, such as assisting and supporting teammates.
- Perfect for: Young athletes looking to understand the value of every role in team sports.
- The Soccer Secret by Fred Bowen
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Liz and her soccer team discover that their soccer field is going to be sold to a developer. They must work together to uncover the mystery behind the sale and save their beloved field.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, civic engagement
- Why we recommend this book: It combines a thrilling mystery with the excitement of soccer, teaching readers about advocacy and community involvement.
- Perfect for: Soccer fans who enjoy a good mystery and stories about community action.
- Soccer Switch by Jake Maddox
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Sean is an excellent striker, but when his team loses a key player, he's asked to play goalkeeper—a position he despises. Throughout the season, Sean learns the critical role of every position on the field.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Flexibility, understanding different perspectives, sports strategy
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches adaptability and the importance of understanding all aspects of a game, not just the positions we prefer.
- Perfect for: Players who might be struggling with their roles on their teams or those who need to appreciate the versatility in sports.
- Off the Bench by Mark Freeman
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Middle Grade
- Synopsis: Ellie is usually a benchwarmer for her school's soccer team, but when several key players are injured, she must step up and fill in various roles. Ellie discovers her own potential and the critical importance of being ready to play.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, readiness, versatility in sports
- Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of every team member, regardless of how much playtime they get.
- Perfect for: Any young athlete who doesn’t always get to be in the spotlight but wants to learn how to shine when the opportunity arises.
Challenging Soccer Books for 13-Year-Olds
- The Beautiful Game by Jonathan Littman
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult
- Synopsis: The story revolves around a talented young midfielder, Leo, who moves from Brazil to England to play for a top youth academy. He struggles with cultural adjustments, high expectations, and his own ambitions.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as cultural identity, the pressures of professional sports, and personal growth.
- Why we recommend this book: This book provides a deep dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of moving abroad for sports, offering a mature perspective on personal and athletic development.
- Perfect for: Teens interested in a realistic portrayal of international sports careers and personal challenges.
- Under the Lights and In the Dark: Untold Stories of Women’s Soccer by Gwendolyn Oxenham
- Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: This book offers a collection of inspiring and often untold stories about women in soccer from around the world, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
- Why this book is challenging: It addresses real-world issues within the sports industry, especially the challenges faced by female athletes, including inequality and perseverance.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an eye-opening read that broadens understanding and appreciation for women's soccer, encouraging empathy and respect for female athletes.
- Perfect for: Readers passionate about equality in sports and those interested in the stories of inspiring female athletes.
- Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan
- Genre(s): Autobiography, Sports
- Synopsis: U.S. Women's National Team star Alex Morgan shares her journey from a young soccer enthusiast to a world-class athlete, providing insights and advice for young players.
- Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed discussions on the dedication required to excel at the highest levels of sports, as well as personal challenges faced along the way.
- Why we recommend this book: Morgan's firsthand experiences offer valuable lessons on hard work, resilience, and achieving dreams, making it a motivational read for young athletes.
- Perfect for: Young soccer players who dream of playing professionally and fans of Alex Morgan.
- Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
- Genre(s): Memoir, Sports
- Synopsis: This memoir details the author's fanatical support for Arsenal Football Club and his observations on soccer’s role in his life and British culture.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into the psychological impact of fandom and its sociocultural implications, which are complex themes for younger readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thoughtful and often humorous look at sports fandom, providing a deeper understanding of how soccer can influence personal and cultural identity.
- Perfect for: Soccer fans and readers interested in sports as a cultural phenomenon.
- 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 covers Messi's battles with growth hormone deficiency and his rise against significant odds, which are serious and inspiring subjects.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication, showcasing the rewards of hard work and passion.
- Perfect for: Aspiring soccer players and fans of Lionel Messi or anyone looking for a real-life hero story.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Reading about soccer can be as thrilling as watching the game itself, especially for a 13-year-old! To make the most out of soccer books and develop strong reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises. These will not only enhance your understanding of the game but also boost your reading skills.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading schedule and builds discipline.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.
- Create a Vocabulary List
- What it is: Write down new or interesting words you find in your soccer books.
- How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the game's terminology.
- Tips: Use these new words in your daily conversations or write sentences with them.
- Discuss With Friends
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also interested in soccer.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the game.
- Tips: Try to link book discussions with actual games or players to make it more engaging.
- Summarize Chapters
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
- How it helps: Enhances retention and helps you remember key events and concepts.
- Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main points and exciting moments.
- Predict Outcomes
- What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story or with a player's career.
- How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the content.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and check how accurate you were after reading further.
- Connect to Real Games
- What it is: Relate events or strategies in the book to real-life soccer games or news.
- How it helps: Deepens understanding of soccer tactics and history.
- Tips: Watch recent games or read current sports news to make relevant connections.
By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your soccer books more but also develop strong, lasting reading habits. Remember, the key is consistency and fun—so keep your goals realistic, engage with friends, and most importantly, enjoy every page as you dive deeper into the world of soccer!