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Best Hi-Low Football Books for Reluctant Readers & Young Sports Fans

Updated: Aug 24

Is your child not a fan of long, wordy books? They’re not alone, and that it doesn't mean they have to miss out on great stories.


Hi-Low books – those designed with high-interest content but lower reading levels – provide the perfect gateway for reluctant readers, English language learners, and anyone seeking quick, compelling reads about their favourite sport. Educators have long recognised that football can be a highly effective tool for engaging pupils with learning, including reading, as students' existing passions can be harnessed to unlock their academic potential. The success of initiatives like Premier League Reading Stars, a 10-week literacy intervention designed to be delivered in schools, libraries and football clubs that has shown "80% of pupils making more than expected progress", demonstrates the power of combining sport with literacy education.¹ These titles spotlight women, from real-life athletes to fictional heroines, who play football:


Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like football, Dark Star by Tony Norman, which is a drawing of a space ship (Her Boots, Her Books)

Dark Star series

Tony Norman, Diego Jourdan & Mauro Serafini

In the Dark Star series, Janaki, Art, and Scooter awaken aboard a mysterious rocket ship with no memory of how they got there. As they confront the eerie Zardoz and uncover the secrets of the Dark Star, football becomes their anchor in a surreal space adventure designed to support early readers through phonics-rich storytelling.

Titles:

  • Dark Star: Part 1 - The Start

  • Dark Star: Part 2 - On the Dark Star

  • Dark Star: Part 3 - The Dark Secret

  • Dark Star: Part 4 - The Trick


Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like soccer, Extra Yime by Danny Pearson, which is an illustration of a rainbow going into a football stadium, which two children are running towards (Her Boots, Her Books)

Extra Time (Strange Town)

Danny Pearson & Steve Beckett

When Logan, Eva, and Otis finally reach Strange Town F.C.’s first match, they’re stunned to find the entire stadium frozen in time. With the final whistle approaching fast, they must solve the mystery and restart the game before it’s lost forever.



Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like football, Kick off to the Sun by Tony Norman, which is an illustration of three people with their arms around each other (Her Boots, Her Books)

Kick Off to the Sun

Tony Norman & Gaston Souto

This book follows Sol, Kit, and Ben on a space rocket journey toward a blazing sun, where football becomes their way to stay active and entertained. With vibrant illustrations and playful language, this sporty space adventure helps young readers build phonics skills while having fun.


Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like soccer, New Kid by Tony Norman, which is an illustration of a girl with short hair looking at a man (Her Boots, Her Books)

New Kid

Tony Norman & Davi Sales

Tess, the new girl at school, longs to join the football game but faces hesitation from the others. When she finally gets her chance, her skills shine through, proving she belongs on the pitch just as much as anyone else.



Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like football, Pink Football Boots by Ian MacDonald, which is an illustration of a girl reaching for a pair of pink football boots (Her Boots, Her Books)

Pink Football Boots

Ian MacDonald & Aleksandar Sotirovski

Shareen, the only girl on her school’s football team, faces teasing and exclusion when a popular classmate labels her uncool. When her prized pink boots mysteriously vanish just before a big match, she must navigate friendship, rivalry, and self-belief to reclaim her place on the pitch.



Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like soccer, The Rockets by Tony Norman, which is a woman in pink chasing a football, with a man in green behind her (Her Boots, Her Books)

The Rockets series

Tony Norman, Gaston Souto (Part 1) & Andrew Cosby (Part 2)

The Rockets series follows a group of football-loving friends who face unexpected challenges, from getting in trouble with the coach to dreaming they’ll miss the big game. With vibrant illustrations and phonics-based text, these engaging stories help struggling readers build confidence while enjoying the excitement of the football world.

Titles:

  • The Rockets: Part 1- Meet the Rockets

  • The Rockets: Part 2 - The Rockets On A High


Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like football, Coach Yanks by Rachel Yankey, which is a photo of Rachel Yankey with two children and a football (Her Boots, Her Books)

Coach Yanks

Rachel Yankey

In this engaging non-fiction read, top footballer Rachel Yankey shares her journey from playing for Arsenal and England to inspiring others as a coach. With vibrant photos and accessible text, the book introduces young readers to the world of professional football and the power of mentorship.

Cover of Hi-Low Book for young readers who like soccer, Yanks on Top by Rachel Yankey, which is a photo of Rachel Yankey kicking a ball in a match wearing an England Shirt (Her Boots, Her Books)

Yanks on Top

Rachel Yankey

This non-fiction book also follows Rachel Yankey’s rise to earning 80 caps for England. Designed for emerging readers, it blends exciting football facts with phonics-based text and full-colour photos to inspire confidence and curiosity.


Looking for sporty, confidence-boosting reads with dyslexia-friendly formatting?  Don’t miss this dyslexia-friendly football fiction roundup featuring girls who lead on the pitch and on the page.


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


References

  1. National Literacy Trust. (n.d.). Premier League Reading Stars helps pupils make five years’ progress. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from National Literacy Trust website: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/sport-and-literacy/premier-league-reading-stars-helps-pupils-make-five-years-progress/

 
 
 

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