Game Day (Barber Twins)

Just as football season kicks off, NFL stars and twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber return to the picture-book field with a tale of their formative days in Pee Wee Football League. In the follow-up to this creative team's "By My Brother's Side", Ronde, deep down, knows he's a talented player. He repeatedly makes key blocks that enable his brother to break away and run with the ball. But Ronde is tired of being the unsung hero and watching Tiki, the leading scorer, get all the glory. When a mild injury sidelines Ronde for a game and Tiki's performance suffers, people take notice of Ronde's contributions. And in the very next game, a trick play wins the day -and gives Ronde his own glorious moment. The tone here is equal parts sunny reminiscence and inspirational game-day pep talk; the text sails along like a skillfully thrown spiral. Kids will quickly grasp the overt message of teamwork, and budding athletes will thrill to know that NFL players experience real childhood struggles, too. Root's slightly fuzzy, earth-toned watercolors capture the speed, action and colors of autumn Saturday afternoons as well as the subtler shadings of the boys' realistic emotions. Ages 6-10. (Oct.)

Copyright 2005 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission

Gr 1-3 The Barber twins, both NFL superstars, teamed up with Burleigh to write an engaging memoir that touches on themes of cooperation and individual differences. When the brothers played football in their hometown Pee Wee league, a local reporter interviewed them and seemed to focus his attention on Tiki, the touchdown hero. Ronde knew his brother could not score without his own strong defense clearing the way, but no one seemed to notice his skill. Feeling jealous and unappreciated, Ronde finally gained perspective on his contributions when he was sidelined with a minor injury. However, it was Tiki who showed him the meaning of teamwork. Root's rich illustrations, done in watercolor and gouache, realistically portray the action. This book is sure to be of interest to young athletes, but the lessons of self-acceptance and working together to contribute to the success of the group are universally valuable. Use this title to spark discussions of personal strengths and abilities." -Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.