Growing up as a Mexican American in Kansas, I saw firsthand how deeply fútbol mattered to my Latino community as they gathered to watch World Cup matches and the Copa de Oro. In my house, we always rooted for Mexico. We danced with joy when they won and cried when they lost.
Angela Cervantes holding her latest novel: The Mystery of The Stolen World Cup Trophy.It’s a fact that the FIFA men’s world cup final game is the most watched sports event in the world. It transcends borders, languages, religions, and is watched by billions! No other sport can boast this. But did you know that the World Cup can also be a powerful entry point to reading this summer for your children?
When a child sees their favorite sport, a sport that is deeply rooted in their cultural identity, as something worthy of a book, it signals true belonging. Lucky for us, there are plenty of books that celebrate fútbol and the world cup for your young reader to enjoy this summer!
Besides my own mystery novel, The Mystery of The Stolen World Cup Trophy, here is a list of soccer-themed books to add to your home bookshelf or school library to get young readers excited about soccer and reading.
Recommended Reads
- Yasmin the Soccer Star by Saadia Faruqi (Picture Window Books; Ages 5-8)
- Stealing the Game by Sylvia Liu (Scholastic; Ages 8-12)
- Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez (Graphix; Ages 8-12)
- Sol Goes for Gold by Julio Anta (Random House; Ages 8-12)
All of the recommended books are available at your public library and local bookstores. I hope they spark joy among you and your young readers and reminds them that they belong on the pitch and the page. Keep reading all the books, mi gente!
