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Uncover everything you never knew about the beautiful game in this full color, illustrated soccer compendium—from the science of a perfect backspin to soccer heroes who changed the sport forever.
Colorful illustrations, fun infographics, and supercool trivia reveal all about the most popular sport in the world. Begin with the game’s startling origins or turn to any short chapter and dive in! You’ll discover historic firsts, trailblazing athletes, and the weirdest soccer records. Read unforgettable stories about players who pushed the boundaries of the game—sometimes by bending the rules—and learn why soccer had to become more welcoming before it could truly bring people together. Packed with charts, timelines, and further reading, Soccerology is a must-have that’s equally fascinating for soccer newbies and diehard fans.
Written by former sports broadcaster and award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester, Soccerology is a book about the Beautiful Game like nothing else!
“A fun, informative fan companion for newbies or hardcore fans alike, a must have for elementary and middle schools.”
—School Library Journal, 01/26
“Scores for frankness as well as scope.”
—Kirkus Reviews, 03/09/26
KEVIN SYLVESTER has written and illustrated more than thirty books for young readers, including the award-winning Apartment 713, the MiNRS trilogy, the Neil Flambé Capers, the Hockey Super Six series, and the nonfiction titles Follow Your Stuff, Follow Your Money, Basketballogy, and Baseballogy. He co-wrote, with Basil Sylvester, the Governor General’s Award-shortlisted The Fabulous Zed Watson! and The Night of the Living Zed. Kevin was once a sportscaster and radio host, and now spends much of his time avoiding work by walking his dog and watching sports. He was also a pretty good soccer player—a mean defender with a shot and zero dribbling skills. Then he got old. Kevin lives in Toronto.
Introduction
Part 1: Invention The early years of soccer and how it spread around the globe.
Part 2: Evolution How the rules, gear, and playing spaces have changed in modern times.
Part 3: Revolution How players work the laws of science—and bend the rules—to push the boundaries of the game.
Part 4: Expansion Soccer as a global force that brings players and fans together, but can also ignite conflict and even violence.
Part 5: Inclusion Explores barriers and challenges that players may face from a young age. (And there are stories of impressive trailblazers sprinkled throughout the book.)
Part 6: Just for Kicks All-time records, weird records, and a trivia test for readers.
References
Index
About the Author