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Age Group: KS2

Following the meteoric rise in popularity of girls’ and women’s football over the past few years, we are delighted to bring you this list of the best children’s books featuring girls’ and women’s football teams.

From historical fiction to non-fiction texts written by some of today’s brightest footballing stars, this list has something to offer all football-mad readers. So why not kick off your reading with these inspiring books about girls’ football?

Chapter book

A heart-warming, inclusive and funny new story about three big F’s: friends, following your dreams and football!

Hi! I’m Charligh, and one day I’m going to be a big star. I’m full of PIZZAZZ after all, and everyone I’ve ever met tells me I’m unforgettable. In a good way, I think . . .

I’ve always loved attention, but at the moment, there’s a teeny tiny chance I’m getting it for all the wrong reasons.

For starters, me and my very-nearly-world-famous team, the Bramrock Stars, are trying to win big against our rivals in the new league. But I can’t stop tripping over the ball!

And although I’ve got my dream part in the school play, the words just won’t stick in my head. What’s going to happen if I can’t learn my lines?

Luckily for me, my best friends really are the bestest, and I know they’ll help me whatever it takes. It’s time for me to step into the spotlight, and prove girls really can do anything!

Chapter book

Join Girls FC as they show the world what it really means to play “like a girl”!

“Hi! We’re twins Dylan and Daisy McNeil. We’re meant to write the match-reports for our football team, but we keep getting muddled – our granny says we’re something called ‘dyslexic’…” Daisy and Dylan love playing football, but their captain Megan isn’t very happy when they make a mess of the match-reports. The twins can’t seem to arrive on time for their matches, either – though living in a chaotic household, which includes ballet-mad twin brothers and countless pets, certainly doesn’t help. Luckily, their Scottish granny knows just how they can turn things around! This is the fourth in a twelve-book series about women’s football, with each charmingly-written book focusing on a different member of the football team and a different issue – all building up to the final book, which explores the future of the team as the original Girls FC moves on to secondary school.

Chapter book

A stand-out novel inspired by the incredible true stories of female football legends like Lily Parr and Alice Woods.

They can take our ball, but they can never stop the game.

Polly Nabb is no stranger to trouble.

When her brother Joe is sent to serve in the trenches, all Polly wants is to kick a ball about and forget the war. Mam has other ideas, and makes her stay home to help with endless chores. But football is something Polly is prepared to fight for – it’s her life! She’s determined to do whatever it takes to fulfil her dream and show the world that football is not just for boys . . .

The war years: a time of trailblazing female footballers, like the legendary Lily Parr, who played to sell-out crowds. Polly’s dramatic wartime story celebrates those bold young players who changed attitudes to women on the pitch and salutes the unsung heroes on the Home Front too.

Chapter book

MIA TANG IS PLAYING TO WIN!

The Women’s World Cup is coming to California, and everyone has football fever – especially Mia! But when her PE teacher gives her a C, Mia has to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when… 1. Th 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.

The fourth book in the FRONT DESK series – following Mia Tang as she plays to win!

Non-fiction

The story of the Lionesses from the No.1 football series – over 1 million copies sold.

Celebrating the success of the phenomenal Lionesses, this book follows four key players in their journey from the playground to the pitch, as they prepare for the biggest match of their lives.

Learn how star players Lucy Bronze, Ellen White, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead stepped up to help the Lionesses secure the title of European Champions 2022.

Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

Non-fiction

DREAM BIG. PLAY THE GAME YOU LOVE. LET THEM HEAR YOU ROAR.

Football hero Beth Mead grew up playing football on the pitches of North Yorkshire. She went on to become a football champion, role model and Golden Boot winner at the 2022 European Championships. She’s here to help you find your sporting passion, work hard and achieve your dreams.

From finding something you love, having fun and setting superstar goals to raising your game, working as a team and flicking your superstar switch, sport has the magic to help you achieve success in all areas of your life. But it’s also about fun, freedom, friendship, focus and flair, and it is for EVERYONE.

So stretch your legs, lace up your boots and discover Beth’s insider tips, tricks and activities and for dreaming big and playing the sport you love.

Written with bestselling children’s author Matt Oldfield.

Chapter book

The remarkable story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies is brought to young readers for the very first time by award winning and CILIP Carnegie nominated Eve Ainsworth.

It’s 1917, and Britain is at war. Shy teenager Hettie wants to help the war effort, and signs up to work in the local Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory. She’s nervous, but she has no idea quite how much her life is about to change … For, inside this factory are young women who are about to make sporting history. Can Hettie find the courage to join them, and in doing so, find her own place in the world?

Based on the thrilling true story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies team – football’s forgotten legends.

Chapter book

A shy but talented footballer navigates challenging friendships and anxiety at school in this touching tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

Lily always feels a little bit left out. Shy and anxious, she finds school really hard, particularly as most of the other girls all seem so confident. Most of the time, Lily wishes that she could just disappear. But during a game of football in PE, Lily’s teacher spots her natural talent and invites Lily to join the local girls’ team, where she starts to make friends with some of the other players. Finally, she thinks she’s found a place where she fits in, but will a vicious argument with one of her teammates put all her progress in jeopardy?

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