The World Cup is here in North America! Here’s a list of books to get you warmed up for the action: a mix of fiction featuring young soccer hopefuls with Cup dreams, and nonfiction featuring players, teams, and World Cup history. Soccer fans, rejoice! Future soccer fans, take notice… Curated by Katie Rivers.
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The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez
At twelve years old, Valeria “Magic” Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state.
Then everything changes at the State Cup semifinal. After an embarrassing moment on the field, Valeria’s team is unexpectedly eliminated and everyone who used to treat her as their secret weapon now sees her as their weakest link. Soon, she doesn’t have a team at all anymore. She’s not sure she has a relationship with her grandfather either.
Valeria’s a fighter, however. With the help of her grandmother and support of her cheerleader BFF, she finds herself on a girls’ team for the first time. But the Amazons aren’t exactly excited to have her there. After all, Valeria’s spent years ignoring their existence. With the next tournament looming on the horizon, Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl.
Soccer Snub by Jake Maddox
After working hard in the off-season, Quincy is thrilled to move up to a top-level soccer team and play with his friend Will. But the rest of his new teammates on the Vipers aren’t so excited. They give Quincy the cold shoulder, making it difficult for him to find his groove. But soon, Quincy begins to earn some respect. Then his coach shifts him into the starting lineup–and moves Will to the bench. Can Quincy find a way to get Will back in the game? Or will their friendship falter over the sudden soccer snub? Find out in this exciting, easy-to-read chapter book by Jake Maddox!
Key Player by Kelly Yang
Mia Tang is play to win!
The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever–especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when . . .
1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests.
2. Mr. Yao is back at the motel–as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure.
3. Mia’s parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought!
As Mia aims for her goals, she’ll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it’s Mia Tang!
Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi : Soccer Legends Face Off by Karen Bischer
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are soccer superstars! Between the two, Ronaldo has more career goals, but Messi leads in career assists. So which one is the all-time best? Young readers can decide for themselves by comparing the fantastic feats and stunning stats of two legendary pro soccer players.
Great FIFA World Cup Matches by Ethan Olson
The men’s World Cup was first handed out in 1930. The women’s tournament began in 1991. Every four years, the greatest soccer players on the planet gather to compete for the ultimate prize in the world’s most popular sport. Great FIFA World Cup Matches recounts the stories of four of the best championship matches ever witnessed in the global game.
US Women’s National Soccer Team : Winning On and Off the Field by Heather E. Schwartz
The US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) is among the best soccer teams in the world. Over the years, the team won gold medals at both the Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup four times. As the team’s success grew, fans started coming out in record numbers to watch them play. But even though the USWNT made many accomplishments, the team also faced challenges.
For many years after the women’s national team first began in 1985, it was underfunded. The USWNT had worse equipment and facilities and received less payment than the men’s national team. More than once, players of the USWNT took a stand. Until finally, in 2021, the US Soccer Federation made an agreement guaranteeing that the women’s and men’s teams would receive equal pay. Follow the journey of the USWNT on and off the field.
Soccer Superstar by Brandon Terrell
New-kid Javier Moreno makes a big splash on the soccer field when a video of his amazing goal goes viral. But now the fame is going to his head, and he’s hogging the ball and showing off. Will Javi’s solo act ruin the team’s chances at making the state championship? Dynamic full-color comic artwork sets the stage for this exciting Jake Maddox Graphic Novel, a winning choice for any young reader.
The Story of Soccer by Nick Hunter
How did soccer become the world’s most popular sport with billions of fans and millions of players? From its earliest beginnings to the most recent World Cup winners, readers will find out unforgettable facts about their favorite sport!
Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne
Goal! Jack and Annie have tickets to one of the most exciting soccer games ever—the 1970 World Cup! They are sure the famous soccer player Pelé will tell them a “secret of greatness.” The game is nonstop action and the stands are packed. But how will they find Pelé in a crowd of 100,000 soccer fans? Have they failed their mission? Or will the answer come when they least expect it?
José and Feliz Play Fútbol by Susan Rose
Jose and his dog play soccer in this fun early reader that uses both Spanish and English!
Jose has been selected for the school soccer team! Finally, he gets to be part of el equipo de fotbol. He starts practicing in his backyard right away. But when he kicks the ball toward the net, his best friend–who is also his dog, Feliz–runs after it! Can Jose find a way to bring his furry pal to his fotbol games without worrying el perro will chase el bal n? Join Jose as he teaches Feliz all the new commands he needs to know!
This early reader, co-written by notable Broadway producer Susan Rose and children’s book author Silvia L pez, is the perfect introduction for English-speaking children who have just begun learning Spanish. The inclusion of the Spanish/English translations at the end of the book also makes it an excellent teaching tool. Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.
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