This is exactly what it promises to be: a comprehensive, visually-rich soccer reference book from a trusted publisher. If your kid is obsessed with soccer or just joined their first team, this is a solid educational resource that'll actually get used.
The National Geographic Kids 'Everything' series has a proven format—tons of photos, digestible facts, cool infographics—that works well for this age group. It's not going to win literary awards, but it doesn't need to. It's a tool for learning about a sport, and it does that job well.
The main limitation is that it's a 2014 book about a sport where players and teams constantly change. The fundamentals (rules, positions, history) are timeless, but don't expect current rosters or recent World Cup coverage. Still, at a 4.7 Amazon rating, parents and kids seem satisfied with what they're getting.
Bottom line: If your house is already full of soccer balls and shin guards, add this to the shelf. If your kid couldn't care less about sports, this won't convert them.






