The Football Book for Boys 9-12: The History of the Game, Biographies of the Greatest Players of All Time, Stories of Amazing Games, and Incredible Facts
#1 in The Football Book for Boys Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Football Book For Boys, crafted by Jimmy McCall, is the perfect gift for young football enthusiasts aged 9-12. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of football's history, iconic games, and legendary players like Tom Brady and Jerry Rice. It delves into the rules, roles, and strategies that make American football a beloved sport, while also providing profiles of football titans and descriptions of iconic games such as the 'greatest game ever played' and 'THE ICE BOWL'. This book is designed to turn young readers into football fact-machines, making it an ideal read for budding athletes and avid fans alike.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a great football player?
Can you name a memorable game from the book? What made it unforgettable?
Which football player's story inspired you the most, and why?
What have you learned about the history of football that you didn't know before?
How do you think football has changed from the past to today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation during a casual setting like mealtime or a car ride.
Share your own favorite football memories or players to foster a two-way conversation.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book, and express genuine interest in their responses.
Link discussions to current football events or games to make connections between past and present.
Praise their insights and understanding to boost confidence and encourage deeper exploration of the topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book highlights historical games and how teams worked together to achieve victories, showcasing that no single player can win the game alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in sports, school projects, or family activities, fostering a sense of community and shared objectives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Through biographies of the greatest football players, the book emphasizes how they overcame challenges and setbacks to reach their goals, inspiring readers with their determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily in the face of difficulties, be it in learning new skills, dealing with academic challenges, or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: History and Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of football, helping young readers understand the evolution of the game and its impact on cultures around the world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to respect and appreciate diverse cultures and histories, enhancing their global awareness and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Explanation: Stories of amazing games often include critical moments where players had to make strategic decisions. These narratives serve as practical examples of thinking under pressure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thoughtful decision-making and can incorporate these skills in everyday choices, from academic questions to personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Achievement and Goal Setting
Explanation: The book’s coverage of player successes provides clear examples of setting objectives and working systematically to achieve them, illustrating the path from dream to reality.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to set their own goals, be it in academics, sports, or personal development, and to understand the steps necessary to achieve them.