SOCCER: Books in Time for The World Cup & About Being the Best On & Off The Field 

Yes, I am on break but when someone like Torrey Maldonado says, “hey, I have something for you”, I go with it. Especially something as timely as a list for soccer fans, new and old. Thanks, Torrey for providing such a well-rounded list.

Be well and do good!

It’s World Cup time! Soccer unites, it takes a team, people are electrified, underdogs are rooted for, leaders lead, we have our favorites, loss and winning and more happens. Here’s a book-list 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. Here are his suggestions plus the recommendations from a U.S. winning national team he’s assembled that includes 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.

Torrey Maldonado

The Academy (a series) by TZ. LAYTON
Now a New York Times bestselling series! The inspiring, action-packed first book, perfect for young readers 7-13 and sports fans of all ages looking for their next summer read. [ages: 8-10]

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
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.  [grades: 7-9]

All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
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. [ages: 10-12]

Booked by Kwame Alexander
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. [ages: 10-12]

The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez 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.[ages: 9 and up]

The Field by Baptiste Paul
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. [ages: 2 – 6]

The Floating Field by Scott Riley 
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? [ages: 5-10]

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin 
In a dusty township in South Africa, Ajani and his friends have earned a brand-new, federationsize 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? [ages: 6-9]

Just Right by Torrey Maldonadocci
Toby’s mom always says there are people that 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 and after they play soccer! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to step up and score and make him feel just right. [ages: 4 – 8; grades: preschool – 3rd grade). Learn more at torreymaldonado.com

Ten by Shamini Flint 
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. [ages: 1-12]

Yasmin The Soccer Star by Saadia Faruqi
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! [ages: 5-8]

Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome
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 Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome bring an inspirational story vibrantly to life. The theme of this Dragonfly Book is Sports. [ages: 4-8]

Filed under: Book List, Guest Author