Sports Books for Kids
recommended by children's authors, chess teachers and kids
Last updated: March 14, 2025
Sports and reading are some of the most enjoyable things in life, and sometimes there's nothing better than to combine the two and read books about sports.
In this section we have book recommendations from chess teacher and master Andrew Green to help people of all ages learn to play chess. We also have two interviews about football books for kids: one with award-winning Children's author Dave Cousins, and one with 11-year-old Alexander.
Best Football Books for Kids and Young Adults, recommended by Dave Cousins
As World Cup fever builds to irresistible levels, there is no better time to get kids reading by presenting them with a few books about ‘the beautiful game.’ Award-winning children’s author and self-confessed football fanatic Dave Cousins, recommends five fantastic football books for kids and young adults.
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1
Winning Chess Strategy (for Kids)
Jeff Coakley, Antoine Duff (illustrator) -
2
Steps Method chess workbooks
by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden -
3
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Bobby Fischer, Stuart Margulies, Donn Mosenfelder -
4
Chess for Tigers
Simon Webb, Edward McLachlan (illustrator) -
5
The Chess Player's Bible
James Eade, Al Lawrence, Carol & John Woodcock (illustrators)
Best Chess Books for Beginners, recommended by Andrew Green
Best Chess Books for Beginners, recommended by Andrew Green
Chess is one of the most enduringly popular games in the world, transcending language barriers and teaching valuable life skills. Chess teacher and master Andrew Green recommends books (plus a few websites) to help beginners of all ages learn the game.
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1
Goalkeepers Are Different
by Brian Glanville -
2
The Illustrated History of Football
by David Squires -
3
The Kingfisher Football Encyclopedia
by Clive Gifford -
4
Kane (Ultimate Football Heroes)
by Matt & Tom Oldfield -
5
Football School Season 1: Where Football Explains the World
by Alex Bellos, Ben Lyttleton & Spike Gerrell
Best Football Books for 11 Year Olds, recommended by Alexander
Best Football Books for 11 Year Olds, recommended by Alexander
There are a lot of books about football for sale in bookshops these days, but which ones are any good? 11-year-old Alexander, who loves football as well as reading, shares his choices of the best football books for kids as part of our ‘By Children for Children‘ series.
