Powerful Stories That Celebrate Teamwork, Determination, and Big Dreams on the Field
From touchdown dances to Friday night lights, football holds a special place in many hearts. Whether your child plays flag football at recess or cheers from the stands, football-themed books offer exciting stories filled with grit, growth, and goal-line glory.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite football books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included football-inspired activities and thoughtful questions to help kids connect with the lessons and excitement of the game. Let me know which football favorite you’ll be adding to your reading huddle!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Football?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Football
- 11 Football Books For Children
- What Football Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Football?
Football books teach more than plays and points—they highlight resilience, teamwork, and belief in yourself.
Kids see characters overcome fears, practice hard, and learn how to support their teammates. They explore how failure can lead to growth and how big goals are reached one yard at a time.
Reading about football encourages physical confidence, emotional strength, and lifelong learning.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Football
Books about football model perseverance, leadership, and how to win—or lose—with character.
These stories often feature kids of all skill levels discovering their place on the team, learning to trust others, and realizing that effort matters most. Some also introduce real football legends and the challenges they overcame.
Football books help build social-emotional skills and show how powerful it is to lift others up while chasing your own dreams.
How to Use Books about Football with Children
Here are some high-impact ways to bring football stories to life:
- 🏈 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What does being a good teammate mean to you? or How did the character grow during the season? In a classroom, Turn and Talk is perfect for game-day reflections.
- 🎨 Engage in Football-Themed Activities: Create team pennants, design a jersey for a book character, act out a story play-by-play, or write a pep talk as if you’re the coach.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons on effort, failure, or courage, connect back to the game. Say: Remember how the quarterback kept trying after throwing an interception? That’s a great example of resilience.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Suggest reading a football story as a family, then playing a backyard scrimmage, making game-day snacks, or watching a game and cheering for good sportsmanship.
11 Football Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Let’s Play Football! by Ginger Swift
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A sturdy board book with fun sound buttons, perfect for introducing toddlers to football sounds and vocabulary.
Activity Suggestion: Set up a mini football field at home with stuffed animals as the players!
Discussion Questions:
- What sounds did you hear in the book?
- What do football players wear?
- Do you want to try playing football?
#2 My First Book of Football by Sports Illustrated Kids
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With action photos and clear explanations, this book is perfect for young readers learning how football works.
Activity Suggestion: Use toys or cutouts to act out a football play.
Discussion Questions:
- What positions are on a football team?
- What’s your favorite part of the game?
- Why are rules important in sports?
#3 Goodnight Football by Michael Dahl
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A gentle bedtime story that follows a little fan through a big game day.
Activity Suggestion: Make your own football-themed bedtime routine checklist.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens on game day in the book?
- How do fans show their team spirit?
- What’s your favorite part of getting ready for bed?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 What Is the Super Bowl? by Dina Anastasio
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This early reader chapter book explores the history and excitement of the Super Bowl.
Activity Suggestion: Host your own “Super Bowl” with family games and snacks.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is the Super Bowl important?
- Who performs during halftime?
- Would you rather play or watch the big game?
#5 Don’t Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler
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A young boy who’s underestimated becomes a football hero in this uplifting early reader.
Activity Suggestion: Write your own story of an underdog who wins in the end.
Discussion Questions:
- Why didn’t they want to throw it to Mo at first?
- What helped Mo succeed?
- Have you ever surprised someone with your abilities?
#6 The Dog That Stole Football Plays by Matt Christopher
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An adventurous and funny sports mystery where a clever dog helps out on the football field.
Activity Suggestion: Draw a comic strip of a pet who joins a sports team.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes this story silly or fun?
- How would you train a football-loving dog?
- What other sports might this dog be good at?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Football Biographies for Kids by David Halprin
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A collection of mini biographies of real-life football legends, perfect for young readers.
Activity Suggestion: Pick a player and make a mini poster about their career.
Discussion Questions:
- Who inspired you the most?
- What qualities make someone a great athlete?
- What sport would you write your biography about?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers by Kurt Taylor
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Short stories about athletes (including football stars) who overcame adversity with heart and grit.
Activity Suggestion: Create a motivational quote poster based on one story.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did the athletes face?
- What is “perseverance”?
- What’s something you want to get better at?
#9 Big Book of WHO Football by Sports Illustrated Kids
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Packed with player facts, stats, and records—it’s a must-have for curious football fans.
Activity Suggestion: Make football trading cards using player facts from the book.
Discussion Questions:
- Which player do you admire most?
- What are football “stats”?
- What would your football card say about you?
#10 It’s a Numbers Game! Football by Eric Zweig
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This STEM-focused book uses football to explain math concepts in a fun, kid-friendly way.
Activity Suggestion: Create your own football scoreboard and do simple math with it.
Discussion Questions:
- What numbers do we see in football?
- How does math help athletes?
- What’s your favorite number and why?
#11 Football GOATs by Bruce Berglund
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Learn about the “Greatest Of All Time” football players and what made them legendary.
Activity Suggestion: Design your own GOAT trophy and decide who deserves it.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be a GOAT?
- Who would you put in a football hall of fame?
- What makes someone great—not just good?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Football Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Football books for kids deliver powerful messages wrapped in excitement, heart, and community. Whether you’re raising a future player or a lifelong fan, these stories inspire young readers to show up, give their best, and play with heart.
Which football book will be your next reading MVP? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite reads, endzone crafts, or family touchdown traditions!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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