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, authored by Jimmy McCall, is the ultimate gift for young football fans aged 9-12. The book provides a detailed exploration of the history, iconic games, and legendary players of American football, such as Tom Brady and Jerry Rice. It covers the rules, roles, and strategies of the game, and includes profiles of football giants and accounts of famous games like the 'greatest game ever played' and 'THE ICE BOWL'. This comprehensive guide aims to educate young readers and transform them into football experts, making it a perfect read for aspiring athletes and passionate fans.
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.