Book Review: The Day I Went to My First Football Game

By Sally Meadows

The Day I Went to My First Football Game
By M. Larson, illustrated by FX Color Studios

When Finn’s grandparents give him a football jersey and tickets to his first professional game for his seventh birthday, he is both excited and a little nervous. Football is a favourite of Finn and his two brothers, but he has heard the team has the “loudest, craziest fans.” Still, he soaks up the experience with his parents and older brother at the stadium.

Author Melanie Larson captures the thrill of attending a major league football game for the first time. While the team isn’t named specifically, Saskatchewan readers will recognize the familiar green-and-white jerseys, fan antics, and quirky traditions—from green hair to watermelons worn on heads. Larson shows that a football game is more than the action on the field. The story highlights tailgate parties, meet-and-greets with former players, the opening jet flyover, snacks, half-time Indigenous powwow dancing and music, and more.

Drama unfolds when a thunderstorm interrupts the game and a gopher wanders onto the field, forcing the referee to intervene. The game itself is tense, with the green team down by 14 points heading into the fourth quarter. Readers are left wondering whether Finn will witness a first win or a first loss.

The book is a charming introduction to a Canadian tradition enjoyed by generations. Even those unfamiliar with football may be inspired to attend a game themselves.

Melanie Larson, a farm wife and environmental consultant in southeast Saskatchewan, is the mother of three. Her books promote education, adventure, safety, and humour. The Day I Went to My First Football Game is the fourth in her Adventures of the Barnyard Boys series.

The book is available at local bookstores or online at www.skbooks.com.