Player Spotlight: The World of Sam Kerr's Books
- Nell D
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Looking for empowering children's books that celebrate football, friendship, and fierce female role models? This curated list of books by and about captain of the Australian Matildas and global football icon Sam Kerr, offers engaging, accessible stories perfect for young readers aged 7–12. From her bestselling Kicking Goals series to her inspiring autobiography My Journey to the World Cup, Sam Kerr’s titles blend sport, school life, and self-belief in ways that resonate with reluctant readers and aspiring athletes alike.
Whether you're a parent seeking inclusive sports literature, a teacher building a diverse classroom library, or a librarian curating football-themed booklists, these Sam Kerr books deliver high-interest content with authentic representation and emotional depth.
Books by Sam Kerr

My Journey to the World Cup
Sam Kerr
Kerr shares her path from Aussie Rules heartbreak to global soccer stardom, blending personal anecdotes, family support, and motivational insights. It’s an empowering read for aspiring athletes and dreamers of all ages.

Kicking Goals Journal
Sam Kerr
More than a book, this is an interactive journal from Aussie star Sam Kerr. With prompts, activities, and motivational quotes, it helps readers set goals, reflect on progress, and stay inspired.

Kicking Goals: Finals Fever
Sam Kerr
Sam’s team is headed to the finals, but her best friend Dylan’s nerves as captain threaten their chances. Amid missing gear and a mystery involving her dog, Sam must juggle friendship, leadership, and soccer dreams

Kicking Goals: New Knight
Sam Kerr
Sam adjusts to life with the Knights soccer team while facing unexpected challenges like a school bully and a dreaded wedding dance. With friendship tensions and new team dynamics, she learns to balance sport, self-confidence, and growing up.

Kicking Goals: Sports Day
Sam Kerr
Sam is determined to get soccer added to her school’s Sports Day lineup, rallying her friends to form the first-ever team. But with family chaos, a surprise party to plan, and a grand final looming, even a future Matilda finds herself juggling more than just goals.
Kicking Goals: The Flip Out

Sam Kerr
After being excluded from her Aussie Rules team, Sam reluctantly tries soccer, but bullies, new rules, and self-doubt threaten to derail her. With help from her friends, she discovers that flipping sports might just flip her whole future.
Books about Sam Kerr

Football Superstars: Kerr Rules
Simon Mugford, ill., Dan Green
This unofficial graphic-style biography celebrates Sam Kerr’s journey from Aussie rules to global football fame, packed with stats, jokes, and cartoon commentary. It’s a fun, accessible read for football-loving kids and reluctant readers aged 6+.

Sam Kerr: Football Legends
Kit Cross, Leigh Hedstrom
This illustrated biography for young readers showcases Sam Kerr’s record-breaking career and global influence. With fun facts and inspiring milestones, it captures her rise from Aussie hopeful to international icon.

The Amazing Sam Kerr: How did she get so good?
James Knight, ill., Jules Faber
This illustrated middle-grade biography explores Sam Kerr’s journey from backyard goals to Matildas captain and global superstar. With humour, inspiration, and sporty energy, it’s perfect for readers who prefer action-packed stories over classroom reads.

Mastering the Game: Biography of Sam Kerr
Gilbert Martin
From backyard goals in Perth to record-breaking stardom, Sam Kerr’s career is a masterclass in grit and flair. This biography captures her rise, leadership, and legacy as one of the most electrifying forwards in the sport.
Interested in books written by other football players? Check out this list of inspiring non-fiction for children, as well as this list of fiction written by football players.
Want to discover more women's soccer books? Visit the main list here.
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