Goal Line by Barber, Tiki, Barber, Ronde (2011) Hardcover

by Tiki Barber

First Edition

Genres: Sports, Realistic Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Tiki Barber is a record-holding retired running back for the New York Giants. Mr. Barber is currently a correspondent for NBC's Today show and an analyst for NBC's Football Night in America.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it - I unfairly pre-judged, and I was quite wrong. Even though I have read many kids sports books, even by this (these) author(s), I find myself surprised at the values and themes contained within. This one was no exception.

So my youngest son and I have been reading the series of the early life and pre-career of Tiki and Ronde Barber, twins who both made it to the NFL. Although in these series, they are largely in the 8th and 9th grade.

This book has them at the opening of the 9th grade, thinking about how to Play Proud, on the football field as well as in life. They have become leaders, role models, and they learn how to play proud encountering more life challenges than just football.

In this latest novel, they have to contend with a growth spurt and personal individual attention, which has the twins fir the first time ever, truly individual. Tiki becomes acclaimed for his advice giving - something his smaller twin Ronde shines at. Football, which has been the only thing - is on the line.

Its funny, but Tiki from the earliest books in the series, has been the one who was the writer. Like many retired professionals, writing one's story is just something you do. But I love seeing the sparks of this passion emerge long before it was something "discovered." Tiki was always a writer.

*I don't always review the children's books I read. But if they were over 150 pages and had great values - everything I love in the other books I read, then hey, okay!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's their ninth grade year, and twins Tiki and Ronde Barber are ready to defend their state football championship. But the summer and fall have brought some changes in their lives since Tiki has experienced a growth spurt, making him taller, heavier and stronger than Ronde. When Tiki unexpectedly wins a school essay contest, using his mother's mantra to play proud, the school newspaper editor suggests that he write an advice column. Tiki is flattered, but after awhile, it's clear that he can't handle all the responsibilities in his life without losing focus on his goal to win the state championship.

Football fans will relish all the gridiron action, and there's even an explanation of football terms in the back of the book for newbies to football. It's interesting to read a story inspired by the formative years of brothers who went on to success in the NFL. While neither boy is painted as being perfect, they clearly have each other's backs and the support of their hard-working mother. I especially liked how each one contributed to the team in different ways, both on the offense and defense, respectively. Reluctant readers are likely to gobble up these stories since they are filled with dialogue, and much of the description has to do with football practice and game days. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles end up winning the state title.

[Trey M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this book for people who like sports and perseverance stories. In the story it starts out as the last day of the summer and the Barber twins are playing football in their driveway hoping that football season comes quicker. There is a school wide essay contest, Tiki Barber wins; he did so well that the school wants him to write an advice column for the school newspaper. Being the star on the football team, reading and answering advice letters, and keeping up with his grades is a lot to handle for Tiki. He starts to lose focus in football, his teammates and his coach start to notice. You will need to read the book Goal Line by Ronde Barber, Tiki Barber, and Paul Mantell to see if he can overcome all of his challenges and lead his team to the championship and if he continues to do the advice column so well.

[Robert Garrido · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was awesome i loved the characters and how the story was made.

[Ratforcekids · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a sports fan, Goal Line , by Tiki and Ronde Barber offers a lot of football action as they learn to deal with the trials and tribulations of school, sports, friends and family.

[Freddy Full · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goal line is an exciting, realistic read for young people(middle school) who are looking for a good series of books to read. There are about 3 or 4 books in the series by Tiki Barber, detailing his young life and growing interest in football, explaining how he and his brother Ronde became the greats that they are. He describes in detail their childhood together an the struggles they went through to become NFL stars. In the book Tiki starts to struggle because there is so much pressure on him with schoolwork, football, and some extracurricular activities as well.

I am currently in 11th grade, but even though this seemed like a book for younger kids it was still interesting because it detailed the lives of two NFL players. The cover makes it look like a kids book because of how small the players are, but it was actually a very detailed read. This book is part of a series , and even though i haven't read the other books , I can tell they are going to be interesting reads as well and I recommend others to read it as well.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a student or kid who LOVES football then this is the book. Lots of detailed descriptions of games. If your looking for it to be a feel good over the sports not so much. A good lesson overall but won’t be for everyone.