SOCCER: Books in Time for The World Cup—About Being the Best On AND Off The Field
It’s World Cup time! Soccer unites, it takes a team, people are electrified, underdogs are rooted for, leaders lead, we have our favorites, and more. Here’s a booklist with that soccer magic and then some. Award-winning author and educator Torrey Maldonado shares a diverse soccer list that’s guaranteed to pay off for readers and help us feel as if we’re scoring life goals. What is soccer without a team effort, right? So, Torrey got experts in the field of Kid Lit into the game. (Torrey’s new book is Just Right, illustrated by Teresa Martinez. Watch him on KidLitTV! )
Here are his suggestions, plus recommendations from acclaimed authors Kelly Starling Lyons and Traci Sorell, Texas school librarian Rachael Welsh, Ohio school librarian Beth Parmer, and Illinois school librarian Lori A. Martin.
Madison Hammond: Soccer Star, by Dr. Katrina M. Phillips (Red Cliff Ojibwe) (North Star Editions), ages 7–9.
This book introduces readers to the life, career, and impact of soccer star Madison Hammond. Lots of fun, including a “Topic Spotlight” special feature, several “Did You Know” facts, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.
Book Themes: Biography / Memoir, Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Careers / Hobbies
World Soccer Kings, by Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick Press), ages 7–12.
An exuberant collection of poems about soccer stars around the world crackles with Charles R. Smith’s indomitable wordplay, matched by graphic, dynamic photos of the players in action.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, Biography / Memoir, Careers / Hobbies
Where Ella Went, by Laurie Morrison (ABRAMS / Amulet Books), ages 9–Teen (12+).
A clever, funny multimedia mystery from author Laurie Morrison, about soccer teammates trying to solve the disappearance of their beloved team captain―and facing a few secrets of their own.
Book Themes: Mystery / Thriller, Sports / Games / Recreation, Friendships, Social Emotional Learning
Booked, by Kwame Alexander (HarperCollins / Clarion Books), ages 9–Teen (12+).
In this electrifying follow-up to Kwame Alexander’s Newbery winner The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage. A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award Longlist nominee, now in a graphic novel edition featuring art from Dawud Anyabwile.
Book Themes: BIPOC Characters and Creators, Sports / Games / Recreation, Family / Community, Friendships
The Beautiful Game, by Yamile Saied Méndez (Hachette Book Group / Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), ages 9–Teen (12+).
A powerful story about family, fútbol, and playing like a girl, perfect for fans of Front Desk, The Academy, and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret from the award-winning author of Furia.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Coming of Age, Family / Community
Akata Witch, by Nnedi Okorafor (Penguin Young Readers / Speak), Teen (12+).
One of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy and Young Adult Books of All Time • A young Nigerian girl discovers her extraordinary destiny in this heart-pounding tale of finding one’s place in the world.
Book Themes: Fantasy, Mystery / Thriller, Places / Travel, Sports / Games / Recreation
The Perfect Match, by Adiba Jaigirdar (Hachette Book Group / Orion Spring), Teen (12+).
An enemies-to-lovers and angsty queer Bend it like Beckham meets Cross the Line jampacked with quirky side characters who cannot help but intervene to push their uptight managers together.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, Romance, LGBTQIA+, Humor
Yasmin The Soccer Star, by Saadia Faruqi; illustrated by Hatem Aly (Capstone / Picture Window Books), ages 5–9.
Everyone in Yasmin’s gym class is excited to play soccer, except for Yasmin. She’s seen the pros play, and it looks scary! When Yasmin is chosen as goalie, will she step up or back out? Courage, Yasmin!
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Religion / Spirituality, Friendships
Offside, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez; illustrated by Mari Costa (Scholastic / Graphix), ages 7–12.
From the author of the USA Today and Indie bestselling Invisible, a must-have graphic novel about five very different students who may just have more in common than they thought. Winning is everything.
Book Themes: BIPOC Characters and Creators, Sports / Games / Recreation, Humor, Friendships
The Field, by Baptiste Paul; illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara (NorthSouth Books), ages 3–9.
The world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul’s picture book— highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Illustrations by children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this field.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Places / Travel, Friendships
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, by Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick Press), ages 7–12.
A unique account of the amazing Thai cave rescue told in a heart-racing, you-are-there style that blends suspense, science, and cultural insight.
Book Themes: Action / Adventure, Sports / Games / Recreation, Places / Travel, Religion / Spirituality
Goal!, by Mina Javaherbin; illustrated by A.G. Ford (Candlewick Press), ages 5–9.
In a dusty township in South Africa, Ajani and his friends have earned a brand-new, federation-sized soccer ball. They kick. They dribble. They run. They score. These clever boys are football champions! But when a crew of bullies tries to steal their ball, will Ajani and his friends be able to beat them at their own game?
Book Themes: Places / Travel, Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Friendships
Ten, by Shamini Flint (HarperCollins / Clarion Books), ages 9–12.
Goal-oriented Maya has two main concerns: getting support and permission for girls’ soccer and keeping her unpredictable biracial family together. Fitting in, figuring out true friends, and dodging criticisms, Maya’s narrative will make readers want her on their team, and they’ll cheer her on as she discovers that winning is great—but losing doesn’t mean defeat.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, Cultural Diversity, Family / Community, Friendships
The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field, by Scott Riley; illustrated by Kim Lien & Nguyên Quang (Lerner Publishing Group / Milbrook Press™), ages 7–12.
On the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. How will a group of Thai boys play soccer?
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, Places / Travel, Construction / Transportation, Cultural Diversity
The Academy, by T.Z. Layton (Sourcebooks / Sourcebooks Young Readers), ages 7–12.
Now a New York Times bestselling series! The inspiring, action-packed first book, perfect for young readers 7-12 and sports fans of all ages looking for their next summer read.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, School / Education, Coming of Age, Places / Travel
Stealing the Score, by Sylvia Liu (Scholastic), ages 7–12.
Best friends Ethan, a competitive soccer player, and Sasha, an online footy gamer, are wary of privileged soccer influencer Mateo at first. But they can’t seem to stop crossing paths with him and reluctantly join forces. What starts as a strictly strategic alliance to solve the scavenger hunt clues takes a turn when El Botín’s real cleats go missing. The fate of the whole tournament could be in jeopardy―unless the new friends can uncover the truth!
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, Action / Adventure, Friendships, Mystery / Thriller
Sol Goes for Goal!: (A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel), by Julio Anta; illustrated by Gabi Mendez (Random House Children’s Books / Random House Graphic), ages 7–12.
It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team, but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!
Book Themes: BIPOC Characters and Creators, LGBTQIA+, Sports / Games / Recreation, Coming of Age
Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star, by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by James E. Ransome (Penguin Young Readers / Dragonfly Books), ages 3–9.
How did a poor boy named Edson—who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags—go on to become the greatest soccer player of all time? Here is the story of the boy who, with great determination, lightning speed, and amazing skill, overcame tremendous odds to become the world champion soccer star Pelé. The team of Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome brings an inspirational story vibrantly to life.
Book Themes: Biography / Memoir, Sports / Games / Recreation, Places / Travel, BIPOC Characters and Creators
The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy, by Angela Cervantes (Macmillan Publishers / Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)), ages 7–12.
From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament’s stolen trophy in time for the championship match.
Book Themes: Mystery / Thriller, Sports / Games / Recreation, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Action / Adventure
Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph, by Chris Barish; illustrated by Nate Sweitzer (ABRAMS / Abrams Fanfare), ages 7–12.
This thrilling new nonfiction graphic novel series offers a front row seat to the greatest moments in sports history, starting with Lionel Messi and his triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup against French superstar Kylian Mbappé.
Book Themes: History, Sports / Games / Recreation, Biography / Memoir
The FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Book, edited by Daniel Melamud (Rizzoli International Publications / Rizzoli Universe), all ages.
A gloriously fun, interactive pop-up journey through the FIFA World Cup—bringing to life the drama, players, and unforgettable moments of the world’s most popular sporting event.
Book Themes: Sports / Games / Recreation, History, Facts / Trivia, Art / Performing Arts
Thank you again to our generous author and teacher friend, Torrey Maldonado!
Just Right, by Torrey Maldonado; illustrated by Teresa Martínez (Penguin Young Readers / Nancy Paulsen Books), ages 3–7.
Toby’s mom always says there are people who make you feel just right. And while his dad can be hard to please, it’s a different story with his amazing uncle. Uncle showers Toby with smiles, hugs, and kind words, and his garage is like a second home to Toby after they play soccer! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to step up and score and make him feel just right. Learn more at torreymaldonado.com
Book Themes: Family / Community, Social Emotional Learning, Kindness / Generosity / Support
For more great reads, check out our Visual Lists!
