Books About Football · 267 titles considered

The Best Football Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about football? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Red Zone
Slugfest
Unstoppable
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Football

Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Don't Throw It to Mo!

By David A. Adler, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mo Jackson series

A young football player proves himself despite his small size

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (2016)
32 pages· 427 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,042 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Mo, the smallest player on the Robins football team, faces teasing from rivals who call him 'butterfingers.' But his coach sees potential in Mo's size. Can Mo turn his disadvantage into a game-winning advantage? Discover how determination and clever strategy might lead to an unexpected victory on the field.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Goodnight Football

A child bids goodnight to the thrilling world of football.

32 pages· 229 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 442 ratings
$22.60Save 5%
Summary: Experience the thrill of a football game through a child's eyes as they say goodnight to the vibrant sights and sounds of the field. From kickoff to the final whistle, this rhyming journey captures the excitement and camaraderie of the game, celebrating football, friendship, and family. Will the love for the game linger even as the night falls?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Red Zone

Can the team overcome a chicken pox outbreak to reach the playoffs?

176 pages· 33,652 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 165 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: The Hidden Valley Eagles are on the brink of playoff glory, driven by teamwork and determination. But as a chicken pox outbreak looms, their dreams hang in the balance. Will they conquer this unexpected challenge, or will their championship hopes be dashed? With the state championship game approaching, the stakes have never been higher for these young athletes.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2007

Gym Candy

A young athlete risks everything for a competitive edge.

320 pages· 64,064 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,583 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Summary: Mick Johnson, driven by dreams of football glory, faces a daunting choice: stay natural or use steroids to gain an edge. As he battles for a varsity spot, the pressure mounts. Will Mick sacrifice his health and relationships for fleeting success, or find a different path under the relentless stadium lights? The stakes are high, and every decision could lead to triumph or disaster. In a world where one wrong move can shatter dreams, Mick must navigate the dark side of ambition and the true cost of winning.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2014

Fantasy League

A young fantasy football expert shakes up the NFL, facing fame and conflict.

304 pages· 65,562 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,502 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Charlie, a 12-year-old fantasy football whiz, becomes a sensation when his podcast catches the attention of a sports radio host. Befriending the owner of the L.A. Bulldogs, Charlie's bold move to back an aging quarterback thrusts him into the spotlight. As media frenzy and team tensions rise, Charlie must navigate newfound fame, school pressures, and his friendship with Anna. Will his football dreams lead to triumph or turmoil? Discover the thrilling journey of a kid who turns the NFL world upside down.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Slugfest

A top athlete must navigate summer school with misfit classmates to uncover a scandal threatening their future.

304 pages· 56,965 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,677 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Yash, a star athlete, faces an unexpected challenge: summer school for failing PE. Joined by a quirky group of classmates, including a brainy non-athlete, feuding twins, and a rebellious protester, Yash must navigate the chaos of 'Slugfest.' When a scandal threatens to make their efforts meaningless, Yash and his unlikely team must act fast. Can they uncover the truth and save their summer? And what secrets is their teacher hiding? Dive into a story of unexpected alliances and surprising revelations.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Left Out

A deaf boy battles to prove himself on the football field.

368 pages· 68,300 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,175 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Landon Dorch, a deaf seventh grader, dreams of fitting in by joining the football team. Despite his size advantage, his speech issues and cochlear implants make him a target for bullies. Just as hope fades, an unexpected ally emerges. Can Landon overcome the odds and silence the doubters, or will he remain sidelined forever?
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2659
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2014

Quarterback Rush

Why can't the Otters win when their quarterback throws perfectly?

72 pages· 1,463 words· Est. 14 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 220 ratings
$27.99Save 5%
Summary: The Otters excel in practice, but on game day, they falter. Receiver Steve Michaels suspects quarterback Aaron Corbin's fear of getting hit is the issue. As Steve and his teammates work to toughen Aaron up, they uncover a deeper problem. Can they solve it before the season slips away? Discover the true challenge behind the Otters' struggle and whether they can unite to turn their potential into victory.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Go Long!

Can a divided team rally behind a new coach to chase a championship dream?

160 pages· 31,254 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 296 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Tiki and Ronde face a challenging football season when their beloved coach leaves, and Mr. Wheeler, a science teacher with a sidelined college career, takes over. As key players, the brothers must unite their team and overcome doubts about their new coach's abilities. Can they inspire their teammates to embrace change and strive for the State Championship? This tale of teamwork and perseverance explores what it truly means to be a champion, inspired by the real-life childhood of NFL stars Tiki and Ronde Barber.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Unstoppable

A foster kid's NFL dreams face a shattering diagnosis. Can he overcome the odds?

352 pages· 49,725 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,141 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Harrison, a foster kid with dreams of NFL glory, finally finds hope with a loving family and a football coach dad. His talent makes him a junior high star, but a sudden injury reveals a life-altering diagnosis. As his world shifts, Harrison must summon every ounce of his determination to fight for his dreams. Will he find the strength to be truly unstoppable, or will fate's cruel hand prove too much? This gripping tale of resilience and courage explores what it truly means to overcome the impossible.
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Browse by age

Football Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about football for the youngest readers and listeners.

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Ages 1–12 · 2022

Discover athletes' journeys from struggle to triumph across diverse sports.

Touchdown for Danny Dozer

Ages 1–3 · 2009

Can Danny Dozer finish the stadium before the big game?

Football Baby

Ages 0–2 · 2021

Siblings race to score a touchdown before bedtime.

Little Football

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Solve rhyming riddles to uncover football's basics.

Let's Play Football

Ages 0–4 · 2017

Discover football basics with a book shaped like the game itself.

View all football board books
Browse by age

Football Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about football for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sean Wants to be Messi

Ages 5–10 · 2015

A young boy faces fears and bullies to chase his soccer dream.

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day

Ages 4–8 · 1985

A tough coach arrives to save a losing football team.

Hooray for Fly Guy!
Sale price
$799

Hooray for Fly Guy!

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A boy and his pet fly team up to play football.

By My Brother's Side

Ages 6–10 · 2004

Twins face setbacks but strive to achieve their football dreams.

The Stone Thrower

Ages 5–+ · 2016

A quarterback defies segregation, unbeaten but barred from the pros.

The Berenstain Bears Play Football!

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Can Brother Bear score the winning touchdown before the big game starts?

Dino-Football

Ages 5–9 · 2012

A football game between two teams of dinosaurs.

The Case of the Troublesome Turtle

Ages 6–8 · 2001

Balloons vanish every Friday. Can two detectives solve the mystery?

Family Huddle

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Join a football-loving family on a road trip filled with playful antics and sports memories.

Austin Plays Fair

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Will Austin choose fairness over victory when his team cheats to win a game?

Odell Beckham Jr.

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A football star's rise and the controversies that follow.

New Orleans Saints

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Discover the highs and lows of the New Orleans Saints' journey.

Browse by age

Football Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about football for developing and independent readers.

First Team

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A young quarterback's dreams clash with his father's past, threatening his new life.

Final Season

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young quarterback must choose between his passion for football and his father's health battle.

On the Line

Ages 8–11 · 2006

Can Robby overcome past injuries to lead his team to victory?

Speed Receiver

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Can Andrew outrun his brother's legacy to lead his team to victory?

QB 1

Ages 10–+ · 2013

A young quarterback struggles to escape his family's legendary shadow in Texas high school football.

The Miss Nelson Collection

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A mysterious substitute transforms a chaotic classroom. Can the students uncover her secret?

Kid Owner

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A middle schooler inherits an NFL team, facing family and football challenges.

Running Back Dreams

Ages 8–11 · 2010

A sidelined player must seize his unexpected chance to change the game's fate.

Touchdown Kid
Sale price
$999

Touchdown Kid

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A talented boy must prove himself in a world of privilege to change his future.

Quarterback Sneak

Ages 8–11 · 2008

A young football player must navigate the challenges of teamwork and personal ambition when his quarterback's uncle, a famous pro football player, starts giving him advice that puts the team's success at risk.

Perfect Season
Sale price
$999

Perfect Season

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A young football prodigy must overcome personal setbacks to lead a losing team to victory.

Deep Zone
Sale price
$1699

Deep Zone

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Two football prodigies face a dangerous web of deceit beyond the field.

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