Football+Favorites

FOOTBALL BOOKS for ALL AGES:

We all know how important it is to find that "hook" to draw the reluctant reader into the "world of reading". Whether it be horses, dancing, fantasy or sports, finding the genre that brings reading to life is essential. Here's my list of FOOTBALL books that may open the door for your child, grandchild, or friend.


 * 1) __T is for Touchdown, A Football Alphabet__, by Brad Herzog. “A is for amazing athletes, All-American. Z is for Zebra Stripes worn by referees.” This is a neat way to introduce football to a beginning reader, and for Mom or Dad to guess what each letter will stand for before turning the page to the given letter.
 * 2) __My Football Book__, by Gail Gibbons – This picture book is for the very young who need to learn about the uniform parts, the field markings, how many players on the field etc.
 * 3) __The Everything Football Book__, by Shane Frederick. This is published by Sports Illustrated for Kids. Much like the #2 entry, but more detailed for the older elementary age child. It describes each player position, biggest upsets in the NFL, record making plays and even a two page spread on Fantasy Football.
 * 4) __Mom, Can I Play Football?, A Introspective View of the Game for Parents and Coaches,__ by Jerry Norton. This is a book that will remind parents/coaches how to model appropriate behavior, how to help kids ENJOY the game in an organized way, with winning not necessarily being the primary focus.
 * 5) __Football Genius, A Novel__, by Tim Green. This is a New York Times Bestseller. This is a novel about a boy with an extraordinary talent of predicting any football play BEFORE it happens. His single-mom gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons – this is her son’s dream of helping the team out of their slump.
 * 6) __Football Champ,__ by Tim Green – a sequel to #5. Atlanta Falcons are on their way to the playoffs, thanks to Troy (the young boy with the great talent of knowing the opposing team’s next move). But as soon as a reporter gains knowledge of this talent, the team is smeared in the media. This threatens Troy’s existence as a member on the sidelines…will he be banned from the NFL forever? Will his Mom loose her job?
 * 7) __Million Dollar Throw__ by Mike Lupica – New York Times Bestselling Author, sets the scene for a 13 year old star quarterback to win a million dollars if he can throw a ball through a target at a Patriots game on live TV. This money will help his parents pay the bills…the pressure is on.

My list can not be complete without a salute to the Tiki and Ronde Barber books for kids. All of the stories come from their personal experience as high school football players in Virginia, before they make a career for themselves in the NFL. __GAME DAY__, a picture book, is about Tiki always crossing the goal line and getting all the glory, while Ronde makes all of the tackles and blocks so that his brother can score for the team. Ronde feels a bit unappreciated. How will he be praised for his good works? Tiki and Ronde move into the chapter book field with a series of favorites. __GO LONG__ is about the two boys who are ready to reach the Championship, but how can they do it without their favorite coach who has been moved up to the Varsity Team and left them with their Science Teacher as his replacement? What does a Science Teacher know about football? __RED ZONE__ is another story about the entire team seeing the championship within reach when all of a sudden everyone has red spots all over their skin...you guessed it...CHICKEN POX. Finally, __GOAL LINE__ is about Tiki trying to balance his love for football with his academic talent of writing for the school newspaper. How can he display his greatness in both? It is so refreshing to see football icons using their fame in a positive way. Granted, I'm sure they are profitting from their second career as writers, but when I see a reluctant reader excited about picking up one of this team's contributions to the children's literature world, I can only applaud their talent. The books are good reads and my students love them.