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By My Brother's Side
Tiki and Ronde were each other's best friends. Together from the start, these twins might not have been the strongest or the tallest, but they were fast and worked hard at what they loved. And they loved sports, especially football.
Then one day Tiki badly hurt his knee in a biking accident, and he was sure he'd never be able to play again. Their mother had always told them, "You are each other's best friends. Stick together, believe in yourselves, and you can do anything." They kept her words in their hearts and never gave up.
Based on the childhood of National Football League superstars Ronde and Tiki Barber, this inspiring book about the values of family, hard work, and determination is the story of what it takes to be a champion.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2004
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Tiki Barber
32 books29 followersTiki 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 5, 2016
Another underrated non-fiction book, By My Brother’s Side is a must read particularly for young boys interested in football. Children in America often grow up idolizing football players, so to read the inspiring story of Tiki and Ronde Barber would be a fantastic way to encourage whatever dreams they may have. The story is written by the two football stars and explores the complex relationship between the two brothers when they were children. Both are extremely active and competitive, but an unfortunate accident puts their relationship and dreams to the test. One of the boys becomes detained from doing all the activities he loves, and his brother is negatively affected as well. With such a close relationship, how does this affect each boy differently? How did the two brothers push past it to become some of the greatest football stars? It is a very charming book and it details the bonds of brotherhood realistically with carefully chosen dialogue and a genuine story.
The first notable thing about it are the illustrations. There are quite a few similar books that choose only to highlight the main characters, but the pictures display even the tiniest details of the environment the boys grew up in. This is effective in two ways; readers feel as if they are siblings of the two boys as well, and they realize how even two football stars used to be average kids with average lifestyles. The size of the book is rather large and gives off an energetic vibe with the two boys running with a football on the front. Much of the text seems overshadowed by the graphic pictures behind it. Some children might find this too be a little too distracting, but the text is detrimental to understanding the plot. While the pictures are stunning, they make sure not to offer too much information. Some barely show the boys and what they are going through, so the text is a vital part of the book’s comprehension. Children’s autobiographies, partial or not, risk being overly simplistic, but this one offers only sincerity. The language might be difficult for children ages 7 and below, but as kids begin to explore more complex vocabulary, this would be a good book to integrate them into it. The characters are not so young that older kids would be deterred from reading it but are not so old that they are hard to understand. Everything was carefully balanced so readers of all types can enjoy the true story of the now grown and successful men.
The first notable thing about it are the illustrations. There are quite a few similar books that choose only to highlight the main characters, but the pictures display even the tiniest details of the environment the boys grew up in. This is effective in two ways; readers feel as if they are siblings of the two boys as well, and they realize how even two football stars used to be average kids with average lifestyles. The size of the book is rather large and gives off an energetic vibe with the two boys running with a football on the front. Much of the text seems overshadowed by the graphic pictures behind it. Some children might find this too be a little too distracting, but the text is detrimental to understanding the plot. While the pictures are stunning, they make sure not to offer too much information. Some barely show the boys and what they are going through, so the text is a vital part of the book’s comprehension. Children’s autobiographies, partial or not, risk being overly simplistic, but this one offers only sincerity. The language might be difficult for children ages 7 and below, but as kids begin to explore more complex vocabulary, this would be a good book to integrate them into it. The characters are not so young that older kids would be deterred from reading it but are not so old that they are hard to understand. Everything was carefully balanced so readers of all types can enjoy the true story of the now grown and successful men.
September 27, 2007
This was a real hit with Meade and with his classmates when I read it aloud to them. It touches on many important themes--perserverence, brotherly love, doing your homework, overcoming adversity and football. The writing isn't the most scintillating, but oh well. The fact that it's "a true story" and the subject matter--football. That's all it takes.
Native Virginians Ronde and Tiki Barber are identical twins (who were born small as many twins are--since Meade is small, I like the fact they mention these future NFL stars were small, too) who grew up to play football for UVA, 45 minutes down the road from Meade's school (a lot of the boys' parents went there, although the boys weren't born when they played there), then went on to play in the NFL. Most of the boys seemed not to be familiar with the Barbers, and this story, which was about Tiki breaking his leg as a child, seemed to appeal to the boys. The Barbers have written three more books about their childhood which I plan to get--the parents have to read to the class once a month at lunch and those books will get me through 3 more sessions.
Native Virginians Ronde and Tiki Barber are identical twins (who were born small as many twins are--since Meade is small, I like the fact they mention these future NFL stars were small, too) who grew up to play football for UVA, 45 minutes down the road from Meade's school (a lot of the boys' parents went there, although the boys weren't born when they played there), then went on to play in the NFL. Most of the boys seemed not to be familiar with the Barbers, and this story, which was about Tiki breaking his leg as a child, seemed to appeal to the boys. The Barbers have written three more books about their childhood which I plan to get--the parents have to read to the class once a month at lunch and those books will get me through 3 more sessions.
November 19, 2012
By My Brother's Side is an inspirational story about NFL Superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber. This story provides a great message about perseverance, hard work, and most importantly, true love and dedication to family.
The story begins when Tiki and Ronde are very young. The two boys do everything together and are very athletic and adventurous. One day, Tiki and Ronde are riding bikes with friends when Tiki has a terrible accident breaking his leg. Though Tiki's doctor tells his mother that he may never play sports again, Tiki is determined to get back on his feet. Ronde is very supportive of Tiki and continues to spend all of his time with him and promising him that one day he will be able to play football again. Two weeks before football practice is to begin, Tiki's doctor removes his brace and Tiki begins practicing and strengthening his leg. Tiki and Ronde are both allowed to play for their school's football team and learn the importance of hard work and love and support for family. Though it is not stated in the story, the biographies at the end of the book mention that Ronde and Tiki both grow up to become fantastic football stars in the NFL.
I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the success of one young boy. It is inspirational to read a story, especially a true story, that portrays a character overcoming adversity to become successful, or in Tiki's case, a star. The moral of the message was wonderful and showed the importance of family, homework, hard work, and most importantly the message that you can do anything you put your mind to. Though I enjoyed the message of the story, I found much of the writing very bland and boring. There was not very much description given to details and much of the dialogue between characters felt "fake" and "forced." There was nothing I could find simply outstanding about this story: most of it was simply average. I did enjoy the illustrations that portrayed the twins well. The illustrations were not completely life like, but were enjoyable to look at. Many of the colors were muted and looked to be painted instead of computer generated or sketched.
I do not really see a way to incorporate this book into a lesson. It might be good to read as a prelude to writing personal narratives as it is a completely true story and based off of personal experiences of two "real" people. This provides a good message for young boys that are interested in sports or simply athletics.
The story begins when Tiki and Ronde are very young. The two boys do everything together and are very athletic and adventurous. One day, Tiki and Ronde are riding bikes with friends when Tiki has a terrible accident breaking his leg. Though Tiki's doctor tells his mother that he may never play sports again, Tiki is determined to get back on his feet. Ronde is very supportive of Tiki and continues to spend all of his time with him and promising him that one day he will be able to play football again. Two weeks before football practice is to begin, Tiki's doctor removes his brace and Tiki begins practicing and strengthening his leg. Tiki and Ronde are both allowed to play for their school's football team and learn the importance of hard work and love and support for family. Though it is not stated in the story, the biographies at the end of the book mention that Ronde and Tiki both grow up to become fantastic football stars in the NFL.
I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the success of one young boy. It is inspirational to read a story, especially a true story, that portrays a character overcoming adversity to become successful, or in Tiki's case, a star. The moral of the message was wonderful and showed the importance of family, homework, hard work, and most importantly the message that you can do anything you put your mind to. Though I enjoyed the message of the story, I found much of the writing very bland and boring. There was not very much description given to details and much of the dialogue between characters felt "fake" and "forced." There was nothing I could find simply outstanding about this story: most of it was simply average. I did enjoy the illustrations that portrayed the twins well. The illustrations were not completely life like, but were enjoyable to look at. Many of the colors were muted and looked to be painted instead of computer generated or sketched.
I do not really see a way to incorporate this book into a lesson. It might be good to read as a prelude to writing personal narratives as it is a completely true story and based off of personal experiences of two "real" people. This provides a good message for young boys that are interested in sports or simply athletics.
July 19, 2011
Tiki & Ronde are best friend twin brothers who love playing sports. One summer day, a bike accident leaves Tiki with a broken leg. He watches Ronde practice ball and run all summer. The leg heals right in time for football practice in the fall. The twins work hard, have a positive attitude, and a supportive mother who tells them that they can achieve anything that they want to in life. The two brothers talk and dream of playing together, side by side, in the Super Bowl.
The story doesn’t actually state it, but in the biographies of the two authors on the back cover, both boys grow up and eventually do play in the Super Bowl. Ronde plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tiki for the New York Giants.
The story doesn’t actually state it, but in the biographies of the two authors on the back cover, both boys grow up and eventually do play in the Super Bowl. Ronde plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tiki for the New York Giants.
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April 28, 2016I loved this book! This book is about a set of twins who did everything together. They played every sport together and loved playing outside. One day one of the twins suffered a terrible leg injury and was out all summer until football season. The other twin vowed he would never leave his brothers side. The brothers worked together to get the leg healed and became better than ever.
I really liked this book because of the twins. My best friends growing up were fraternal twins and they had the same connection as the twins in this book. I think it is so sweet how the brothers take care of each other and want each other to succeed.
This would be a great book to read to brothers. This would also be a good book to teach about teamwork and encouraging your teammates.
I really liked this book because of the twins. My best friends growing up were fraternal twins and they had the same connection as the twins in this book. I think it is so sweet how the brothers take care of each other and want each other to succeed.
This would be a great book to read to brothers. This would also be a good book to teach about teamwork and encouraging your teammates.
May 6, 2016
By My Brother's Side by Tiki and Ronde Barber is about the football beginnings of future NFL stars. Tiki gets a major injury and has to sit out of sports for a while. His twin brother Ronde was always there to help him through it. And when Tiki got better, they got to play football and watch out for each other.
This is a really sweet book about brotherhood and kindness. I'm really close to my sisters, so I think it's cool to hear stories about other people being close to their siblings.
I would want to have this book in my classroom. It would definitely be a great book for appealing to boys. But it's also just a great story of watching out for someone you care about.
This is a really sweet book about brotherhood and kindness. I'm really close to my sisters, so I think it's cool to hear stories about other people being close to their siblings.
I would want to have this book in my classroom. It would definitely be a great book for appealing to boys. But it's also just a great story of watching out for someone you care about.
September 3, 2014
I think this is a good learning book for children. It talks about a child getting hurt and being told he is not going to be able to play sports anymore but he never gives up. This book will teach children that if they don't give up and keep trying, anything can happen. Also I think this book is a good family book because the two brothers are very close and they are close to their mother. I think this book will inspire children and that determination and hard work can change your life.
December 3, 2007
Children's picture book. Professional football players, Ronde and Tiki Barber, are the subjects for this fun story. Tiki injures himself and has to sit out of sports for awhile. This story shows the connection between two brothers (twins) and the support of their mother. Use in a unit on family, friendship or positive character traits.
November 19, 2008
This book is based on NFL players Tiki and Ronde Barber. Although these two were not the biggest and strongest, they were taught to always work hard and be determine. In this book , it shows what can come out of hard work and determination.
Reading Level- Transitional Readers
Curricular Uses- Read aloud or independent reading
Social issues- hard work and determination lead to success
Reading Level- Transitional Readers
Curricular Uses- Read aloud or independent reading
Social issues- hard work and determination lead to success
May 21, 2009
I like that book cause when the brother broke his leg the brother helped him play f ball
LOVE ASHANTI
LOVE ASHANTI
April 11, 2011
1. Good book for little boys who aspire to be athletes to read.
2. Teaches students to work hard at something that they like to do to become better at it and don’t let people hold them back from doing whatever it is that they like to do.
3. Promotes love and caring for ones sibling.
2. Teaches students to work hard at something that they like to do to become better at it and don’t let people hold them back from doing whatever it is that they like to do.
3. Promotes love and caring for ones sibling.
June 13, 2012
Based on the childhood of two current NFL superstar twin brothers, this book will be an instant hit for reluctant boy readers! It is told chronologically and uses a cause and effect text structure to teach the reader that trial and error is normal when accomplishing your dreams!!
October 15, 2012
What NFL players and twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber lack in writing experience, they make up for in seemingly genuine commraderie and brotherly love, which is quite refreshing. While this is story that will appeal to sports fans, it's really about team work, hard work and selflessness.
September 23, 2008
Not the greatest children's book I've ever read, but I do love me some Tiki. Plus Ford gave it to me as a wedding gift, so it's special.
December 28, 2008
man i got scared wen i read the doctor said tiki wouldnt walk again.but tikis a role model he knew he could walk and later join football.hes my inspiration
January 5, 2009
This has been a great book to read.
October 5, 2009
The title says it all. Love your siblings always.
March 30, 2016
By My Brother's Side
Barber, Tiki
AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY two brothers tell their stories of growing up and learning the meaning of team work
Barber, Tiki
AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY two brothers tell their stories of growing up and learning the meaning of team work
June 19, 2012
This book was ok. It would be a great segue into a unit about athletes or working hard to achieve your dreams
April 9, 2013
I loved this book. It talks about these brothers lives as they grow up and how they became football players.
October 2, 2014
It was a good story but it was bad when he couldn't play on the all stars baseball team.
October 1, 2017
This book is about a pair of brothers who do everything together. However, when one brother hurts his leg, he is unable to keep up with his companion. Through it all, the brothers are never apart. They support each other in everything.
This book was a wonderful, true story of loyalty. This story would be a good one to share with siblings, or you could use it to teach about inclusion. Many children would benefit from learning that this story is not fiction. You could connect it with a lesson about autobiographies, as well.
This book was a wonderful, true story of loyalty. This story would be a good one to share with siblings, or you could use it to teach about inclusion. Many children would benefit from learning that this story is not fiction. You could connect it with a lesson about autobiographies, as well.
January 30, 2018
Follow twins, Tiki and Ronde, on their journey through summer sports: baseball and football, both of which they play on the same team. But one day when Tiki gets hurt riding his bike, his ability to play by his brother is in jeopardy. Will he ever be able to play sports again?
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I think it is cool that it was written by now NFL players on their past football experience.
I don't really think I could incorporate this into my classroom, other than suggesting to a boy who is into sports and not reading.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I think it is cool that it was written by now NFL players on their past football experience.
I don't really think I could incorporate this into my classroom, other than suggesting to a boy who is into sports and not reading.
September 13, 2022
This is a sweet story about a few months in Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber's childhoods. It features an incident that the brothers had to overcome in their paths to becoming well-known NFL players. The story is short and the watercolor and gouache illustrations lend an air of nostalgia to the book. Overall, it's an inspiring read for younger children.
January 18, 2017
Brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, both NFL stars, tell a fictionalized story from their childhood. The story is more of an anecdotal narrative about the summer Tiki hurt his knee, but it does provide a framework to highlight their positive attitude and commitment to each other. This is a picture book that will be appreciated by young football fans, especially those familiar with the brothers.
November 28, 2018
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 2-4
This book was very enjoyable. It shows the love that two brothers can have, and the struggle of gaining something or not being able to do something that the other brother can. It also shows how the able brother feels bad and wants his brother to join in on the fun. This book could be interesting for boys because it was written by a famous football player.
Grade Level: 2-4
This book was very enjoyable. It shows the love that two brothers can have, and the struggle of gaining something or not being able to do something that the other brother can. It also shows how the able brother feels bad and wants his brother to join in on the fun. This book could be interesting for boys because it was written by a famous football player.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2021
By My Brother's Side is about Tiki and Ronde Barber as children. One summer Ronde has a biking accident and breaks his leg. This is really difficult for the boys because they love playing baseball together. However, Ronde's leg eventually heals in time for football season and he is able to play. This book teaches a lot about the friendship that brothers can have. This book will be in my library.
December 17, 2020
Well illustrated and written autobiographical story of brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber and one's support of the other to overcome a boyhood injury and pave the road to their boyhood success together as brothers.
June 3, 2023
The travails of exploring are universally relatable, and the consequences of that are described pretty well. While I understand that the book cannot entirely be a downer, I think that there could have been a little more adversity along the way to make the ending of the book sweeter.
October 9, 2017
A good choice for football fans, as this is a glimpse of the boyhood of twin football players, Tiki and Ronde Barber, in a show of kind brotherly support. Good illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews