About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts their first recreational soccer season or expresses a deep, budding curiosity about the world's most popular sport. It is the perfect bridge for a child who loves the physical game but needs to build a foundational understanding of the rules, history, and global culture that surrounds it. DK's signature visual style makes complex tactics and historical timelines accessible and engaging for young readers. Beyond just the stats, the book emphasizes themes of perseverance and the evolution of a global community. It provides a structured look at how individual skills, like dribbling and passing, contribute to a collective team effort. This is an ideal choice for building a child's confidence on the field while encouraging their research skills and historical wonder off the field. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy nonfiction that they can dip into at their own pace.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and objective. It avoids controversial political issues, focusing instead on the athleticism and cultural impact of the sport.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 10 year old who is a visual learner. This child likely spends their weekends on the pitch and wants to memorize facts to share with teammates or needs to see a breakdown of 'how to' techniques to feel prepared for practice.
