Just So Stories

It’s not called the World Game for nothing and while I’m not a fan myself, I not only have friends who are but have seen the enthusiasm of the kiddos I’ve taught, particularly in the past ten years of all ages from lower primary to the big ones in secondary. My PC boys at Nudgee College [2018 World Cup] were wildly excited when I organised our own tipping comp (a special ball as the ultimate prize) and provided various treats throughout the series. And even the kiddos who aren’t particularly fans of soccer are very likely to be fans of Horrible Histories – I mean, who isn’t??

So as the 2026 event plays on at the time of writing, there will be many keen youngsters who will relish every weird, gross, or just plain crazy historical fact about the game itself. From the fact that Mary Queen of Scots was not just a huge fan of the game but played herself – with the speculation that a 500 year old aged leather ball found hidden behind a wall in her bedroom was likely the one she played with – to the funny things that coaches have said, from the greatest players and player nicknames to the ever-changing gear worn and used by them and much, much more.

I breezed through it in about half an hour this afternoon but it is exactly the perfect dip-in-and-out of book that kiddos can cherry pick for quick facts at times that suit. It’s a lot of fun and packed with information that will delight and amaze readers and it’s a goal-scoring 5 ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽from me for readers from around 8 upwards.

Football: Horrible Histories – Terry Deary. Illustrated by Martin Brown.

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