10+ Best Soccer Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to encourage your 9-year-old's love for soccer through reading? You've scored the right spot! Our roundup of soccer books for 9-year-olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to captivate young minds and deepen their passion for the game. Keep reading to discover a variety of soccer books that will keep your young player hooked, both on and off the field!
Table of Contents
Fun Soccer Books for 9-Year-Olds
- The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1: Kevin the Star Striker by Joachim Masannek, illustrated by Jan Birck
- Genre(s): Sports, Adventure, Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: This book introduces Kevin and his friends who form a soccer team called the Wild Soccer Bunch. They face off against the unbeatable girls' team, testing their skills and teamwork.
- Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and perseverance, making reading fun and engaging for young readers.
- Perfect for: Young soccer enthusiasts and kids who love stories about friendship and teamwork.
- Frankie's Magic Soccer Ball #1: Frankie vs. the Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Sports, Adventure
- Synopsis: Frankie and his friends find a magic soccer ball that whisks them away to play against pirate teams and other fantastical opponents.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines magic and soccer, providing a thrilling adventure that keeps pages turning while encouraging a love for reading.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fantasy, magic, and sports.
- Sean Wants to Be Messi by Tanya Preminger, illustrated by Elettra Cudignotto
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This book follows a young boy, Sean, who dreams of becoming as great a soccer player as Lionel Messi. It explores his challenges and dedication on and off the field.
- Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and relatable, showing the importance of hard work and passion in achieving goals.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and Messi fans.
- Soccer School Season 1: Where Soccer Explains (Rules) the World by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Sports
- Synopsis: This book uses soccer to explain various aspects of the world, from biology to history, making learning fun and accessible.
- Why we recommend this book: It educates on a wide range of subjects through the universally appealing lens of soccer, making it perfect for curious minds.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love soccer and have a thirst for knowledge about the world around them.
- Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
- Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Set in a South African township, this story revolves around a group of friends who protect their new soccer ball and find joy in playing together despite their surroundings.
- Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of sports to bring joy and unity, even in tough circumstances.
- Perfect for: Children interested in learning about different cultures through the universal language of soccer.
Educational Soccer Books for 9-Year-Olds
- Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Sports
- Synopsis: In this Magic Tree House adventure, Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet soccer legend Pelé and experience one of the biggest soccer matches in history.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, reading comprehension, and understanding of cultural significance in sports.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines history with the thrill of adventure and the love of soccer, making it a captivating read for young minds.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers who love soccer and time-travel stories.
- The Flea - The Amazing Story of Leo Messi by Michael Part
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports
- Synopsis: This biography for young readers tells the story of Lionel Messi, from his beginnings in Rosario, Argentina, to becoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Inspirational stories, biographical knowledge, perseverance, and soccer skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that shows how dedication and love for soccer can lead to achieving great success.
- Perfect for: Young soccer fans who look up to Lionel Messi and aspire to follow their dreams.
- Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins by Lincoln Peirce
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
- Synopsis: While not solely about soccer, this humorous tale includes a subplot where the characters form a soccer team to defeat their rivals in a medieval setting.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, strategic thinking, humor in storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that incorporates elements of soccer into a larger adventurous narrative.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter-filled adventures and occasional soccer action.
- Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Renato Alarcão
- Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Set in Brazil, this story follows a young boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star while working to lift his family out of poverty.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, empathy, and understanding of socioeconomic issues.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a heartfelt look into the challenges and dreams of young athletes in different parts of the world.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in inspiring stories of hope and determination through soccer.
- Kick by Mitch Johnson
- Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Budi, an aspiring soccer player living in Jakarta, who dreams of escaping his factory job and becoming like his hero, Kieran Wakefield.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of global social issues, resilience, and the power of dreams.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping and uplifting story that highlights the impact of determination and the universal appeal of soccer.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of underdog stories and soccer.
Challenging Soccer Books for 9-Year-Olds
- Striker Boy by Jonny Zucker
- Genre(s): Sports, Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Nat Dixon, a 13-year-old soccer prodigy, finds himself playing for a Premier League team while simultaneously trying to solve a mystery that could save the club.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of loss and resilience, woven into a suspenseful plot that requires higher-level comprehension skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling blend of sports action and mystery, which can captivate and maintain the interest of advanced young readers.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mystery along with their sports action.
- Booked by Kwame Alexander
- Genre(s): Sports, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Written in verse, this novel follows 12-year-old Nick as he navigates both the challenges on the soccer field and the trials in his personal life.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel’s verse format and the depth of emotional and social issues it explores require a mature understanding and appreciation.
- Why we recommend this book: Its poetic format and engaging story provide a unique reading experience that enhances literary appreciation and empathy.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a unique narrative style and those interested in soccer and deeper life lessons.
- Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction, Social Issues
- Synopsis: Tom Bouchard, a high school soccer star in a small Maine town, navigates the complexities of his team suddenly including Somali refugees and the community's mixed reactions to them.
- Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex social issues like immigration, integration, and racism, requiring readers to think critically about these topics.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful exploration of contemporary social issues through the universally popular lens of soccer, promoting both empathy and cultural awareness.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in social issues and how they intersect with sports.
- Defender! by Graham Salisbury
- Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Ben, a passionate soccer player, must cope with his parents’ looming divorce while striving to win a pivotal soccer tournament.
- Why this book is challenging: The book delves into personal and family challenges, which are depicted with emotional depth that requires mature comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of soccer with real-life issues, helping readers develop empathy and resilience.
- Perfect for: Young athletes who may be dealing with personal challenges of their own.
- The Soccer Fence by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Set in South Africa, this story traces the journey of a young boy, Hector, through the apartheid era to the post-apartheid years, highlighting how soccer can bring people together.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with the complex history of apartheid, requiring a higher level of historical understanding and empathy.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches important historical lessons through the engaging medium of sports, showing how common interests can bridge deep divides.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and how sports can influence social change.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to encourage a love of reading in your soccer-loving 9-year-old, combining their passion for the game with some engaging reading exercises is a winning strategy. Here are a few exercises that can help young readers develop good habits while enjoying soccer books. These activities are not only fun but also enhance comprehension and retention.
- Create a Soccer Book Club
- What it is: Start a book club focused on soccer books for kids.
- How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the material.
- Tips: Choose a regular time each week for discussions, and let the kids take turns leading.
- Soccer Star Biography Time
- What it is: Read biographies of famous soccer players.
- How it helps: Inspires kids by showing them the real-life stories of their heroes.
- Tips: After reading, encourage your child to talk about their favorite moments or lessons learned.
- Match Recap Writing
- What it is: Write a summary or recap of a soccer match after reading a chapter.
- How it helps: Helps with understanding content and remembering details.
- Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to these recaps, and decorate it with soccer stickers or drawings.
- Vocabulary Goals
- What it is: Keep a list of new words found in soccer books.
- How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of soccer-specific terms.
- Tips: Use these new words in daily conversations or in writing exercises.
- Reading Time-Out
- What it is: Set specific times for reading, like during half-time of a soccer game.
- How it helps: Builds a routine that makes reading a regular part of life.
- Tips: Make this reading time cozy and distraction-free, maybe with some soccer-themed pillows or posters around.
Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make their experience both educational and incredibly fun. Whether they're learning new words or discussing their favorite soccer player's biography, each activity is designed to boost their skills and deepen their love for reading. So, let’s get the ball rolling and turn those eager young readers into avid bookworms!