Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2017 - Best Books with Facts The authors of this very entertaining book claim that there’s no better way to learn about the world than through football. Hence it is divided into ‘lessons’ – biology, history, physics etc – each of which is packed with fascinating football related information. Business studies looks at footballers’ wages, why they’re paid so much, and where the money comes from; zoology considers famous club mascots; drama looks at goal celebrations ( the Oscar goes to the Icelandic team of Stjarnan and it’s well worth googling them to see why). There are lots of diagrams and cartoon illustrations throughout too and as a football/trivia/information book this is really hard to beat. ~ Andrea Reece
Football School Season 1: Where Football Explains the World Synopsis
A groundbreaking new series from two bestselling writers that teaches you about the world through the prism of football. The first book is packed with awesome true stories, real science and fascinating facts and will make you laugh loads. When do footballers poo? Can you play football on Mars? What is a magic sponge? You will find the answers to these questions and more in chapters on subjects such as history, geography, biology and maths.
Illustrated throughout with hilarious cartoons and filled with laugh-out-loud gags this is the perfect book for any boy or girl who loves football.
Your coaches at Football School, Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, are journalists, broadcasters and award-winning science and sports writers. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and engaging writing make them the perfect team to teach you how to score with your head.
'This book will spark a love of learning in any child who reads it. It is intelligent, inspiring, funny, and deserves a large audience!' Martyn Heather, Head of Education and Welfare, Premier League
'The perfect book to get football-mad kids enthusiastic about reading' Paul Brackwell, Head of Education, Aston Villa Football Club
'Am very jealous of Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton I fear they have a bestseller here. Section on poo is especially good.' Simon Kuper, Financial Times
'This book is superb way for children to learn about such diverse subjects as geography, maths and psychology. I have really enjoyed reading it with my seven-year-old son - and he's not the only one who has been learning a lot Marcus Christenson, Football Editor, The Guardian
'Have you got football-loving kids? This got a massive thumbs-up from mine. Recommended reading.' Amy Lawrence, The Observer
My 8-year-old daughter can't put this down. It's brilliant! Raphael Honigstein, The Guardian
This brilliant new book is a treasure trove of fascinating football facts and trivia The Week Junior
A veritable treasure trove for footie mad kids (and adults) Justine Roberts, CEO and Founder, Mumsnet
Author
About Alex Bellos, Ben Lyttleton
Alex Bellos (left) is a bestselling writer and broadcaster. He writes about maths and puzzles for the Guardian and is the author of two works of popular science, Alex's Adventures in Numberland and Alex Through the Looking-Glass as well as the mathematical colouring book Snowflake Seashell Star. He has also written Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life, which was shortlisted for Sports Book of the Year at the British Book Awards, and he ghost-wrote Pele's Number 1 bestselling autobiography. He lives in North London. Explore Alex Bellos' website here.
Ben Lyttleton (right) is a journalist, broadcaster and football consultant. He is the author of Twelve Yards: The Art and Psychology of the Perfect Penalty and his articles about football have been published in The Sunday Times, Guardian, TIME International, Sports Illustrated and FIFA Weekly among others. He is a director of Soccernomics, a football consultancy that helps clubs and governing bodies improve performance and save money. He lives in North London. Follow Ben Lyttleton on Twitter here.
