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Dyslexia-Friendly Football Books for Young Readers: Inspiring Girls in Sport

Updated: Aug 24

If you're searching for empowering, accessible stories that celebrate girls in football while supporting struggling or reluctant readers, you're in the right place. These dyslexia-friendly titles combine fast-paced plots, emotional depth, and inclusive representation, all designed with readability in mind.

Published primarily by Barrington Stoke, a leader in accessible fiction, these books feature tinted paper, a dyslexia-friendly font, and carefully edited layouts to reduce visual stress.


Top Hi-Low Football Books Featuring Girls in Sport


The cover of Secret FC, a dyslexia-friendly football story for girls by Tom Palmer, which is an illustration of two children playing football (Her Boots, Her Books)

Secret FC 

When Lily discovers a hidden football team with a mysterious past, she’s drawn into a story of courage, community, and sport. A gripping read with a strong female lead and themes of friendship and resilience.


The cover of The Dog that Saved the Worl Cup, a dyslexia-friendly football story for girls by Phil Earle, which is an illustration of a girl in football kit and a dog, in front of a big trophy (Her Boots, Her Books)

The Dog That Saved the World (Cup) 

Maisie’s life is turned upside down when her beloved dog is banned from the local park. With the World Cup looming, she must find a way to fight back. Funny, heartfelt, and full of football spirit.


Cover photo of Seeing Red,a  dyslexia-friendly soccer story for girls by Eve Ainsworth, which is an illustration of a girl in green and blue football kit on a red background (Her Boots, Her Books)

Seeing Red 

Ruby struggles with anger and self-control, but football offers her a lifeline. This emotionally intelligent story explores mental health, teamwork, and self-belief, perfect for readers who want more than just match-day drama.


Cover of Game Changer, a dyslexia-friendly soccer story for girls by Yom Palmer, which is an illustration of two girls scowling at eachother, holding a ball between them (Her Boots, Her Books)

Rocky of the Rovers: Game Changer 

Rocky Race is ready to step out of her brother’s shadow and prove she’s got what it takes. A fast-paced, empowering read that blends football action with themes of identity and ambition.


Cover of Armistice Runner, a dyslexia-friendly football story for girls  by Tom Palmer, which is the silhouette of a fell runner and a soldier (Her Boots, Her Books)

Armistice Runner 

Lily is a passionate fell runner, but anxiety and family worries threaten to derail her focus. When she discovers her great-grandfather’s WWI diaries, she finds unexpected strength and connection. A moving dual-timeline story about sport, memory, and resilience.


Cover of Gus the Famous Football Cat, a dyslexia-friendly football story for girls by Tom Palmer, which is an illustration of a cat holding a football on a plinth, surrounded by people looking at him (Her Boots, Her Books)

Gus the Famous Football Cat 

Yusra’s pet cat Gus becomes a viral sensation when he starts predicting World Cup scores. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. A funny, heartwarming tale of football, friendship, and finding your place - perfect for emerging readers.


Cover of Typhoon, a dyslexia-friendly football story for girls by Tom Palmer, which includes the silhouettes of two soldiers beneath a drawing of a fighter plane (Her Boots, Her Books)

 Typhoon (Wings #3

Sisters Jess and Maddie are at football summer school, but they’re barely speaking. When a fighter jet interrupts their game, they must work together to survive. A thrilling mix of sport, sibling drama, and high-stakes action.



Looking for more books that combine high-interest themes with accessible formats? Check out this curated guide to high-low fiction that hooks struggling readers - perfect for building confidence, fluency, and a love of reading!


Want to discover more women's football books? Visit the main list here.


 
 
 

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