Teammates

November 1, 2006
Gr 1-4-The Barbers, both NFL players, present a follow-up to "By My Brothers Side" (2004) and "Game Day" (2005, both S & S). When young Tiki fumbles the football in a preseason practice game, his teammates begin to question his ability as a ball carrier. Coach Mike shows him a better way to hold it and reminds him that Practice makes perfect. Ronde creates a secret Morning Practice Club so his twin can perfect his technique during tackles. When the boys team plays its archrivals, Tiki holds on to the ball in a pileup, bringing the Vikings to victory. While the text is a little long, there is enough action to keep the plot moving along. Tiki and Ronde have a warm, supportive relationship, rare in tales featuring siblings. Roots watercolor-and-gouache full-page paintings in autumn tones, while stiff in some of the action scenes, are warm and accessible. Sports fans will welcome this addition."Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2006
Written by National Football League stars Tiki and Ronde Barber "with Robert Burleigh," this large-format picture book is the third installment in a series about the brothers as boys. After their team loses a game, Tiki feels bad about fumbling the ball. Their coach points out that mistakes happen less often to players who spend their practice sessions performing techniques the right way over and over, rather than just repeating their bad habits. The twins begin an early-morning practice routine that improves Tiki's ball handling, leading to an ending that is believable as well as happy. Any young sports player could benefit from the coach's good advice, but the Barbers' subsequent successes may give it added weight in the minds of football fans. Best of all, the story shows one brother quietly supporting the other in a practical way. Warmed with autumn golds, Root's vibrant watercolor-and-gouache paintings kick the story over the goalposts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)