These Books are inspired by the childhood of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber. As a father of boys, Tiki said he noticed there weren't many books that encouraged little boys to read. He wanted to do something to change that.
The brothers have done just that with their collection of sports books. Here are nine children's books about football, teammates, and life that kids will enjoy. Most of these books are recommended for ages 8-12.
For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions with each book.
Tiki struggles to recover from a game day fumble until his brother helps him out in this story about perseverance.
Tiki can’t believe it when the ball is knocked out of his hand in the Cave Spring Viking’s last preseason game against their rival Knights. And when nobody wants to talk to him the next day at lunch, he feels even worse. Can his brother and coach help him regain his confidence? Find it here
Tiki and Ronde were the stars of their Pee Wee football team, the Cave Springs Vikings. But middle school is much bigger than elementary school and it’s a whole different game—on and off the field.
When Coach Spangler takes a job coaching for the high school team and Tiki’s old science teacher Mr. Wheeler is tapped for the middle school coaching job, the beginning of the school year and the football season is off to a bumpy start. But through working together, the boys discover that the whole team is bigger than any of its parts. Find it here
Tiki and Ronde's twelfth summer is winding down -- the nights are getting shorter and the evenings cooler. That means two things: The first day of junior high is just a few days away, and it's almost the start of football season at last. With two championships and an 8-2 season last year, Tiki and Ronde are ready to graduate from the Peewee League and hit the field as starting players for the Hidden Valley Eagles.
But junior high is a lot bigger than elementary school. The competition for starting spots is stiff, and seniority rules. If Tiki and Ronde make it past tryouts and cuts, will they get the chance to play, or will they have to spend the season watching from the bench with the other seventh graders?
Inspired by the childhood of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber, Kickoff! is a story of teamwork, perseverance, and what it takes to be a champion. Find it here
Based on the childhood of National Football League superstars Ronde and Tiki Barber, this inspiring picture book about the values of family, hard work, and determination shows what it takes to be a champion.
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 hurt his knee badly 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. Find it here
The Hidden Valley Eagles have high hopes for the football championship in this middle grade novel from NFL superstars and bestselling authors Tiki and Ronde Barber.
Tiki and Ronde are ready to end junior high with a win—a big win! Their dream is to see their team in the championship, and with the Hidden Valley Eagles’ undefeated season, their chances are strong.
But when Manny, the star quarterback, starts having headaches, the doctor says he has a minor concussion, and he is out for two weeks. The whole school is counting on the team, but with pressure building, Tiki and Ronde are starting to lose their confidence. More than that, they think their good luck is going to run out. Will the team let an injury keep them from the championship? Or can they learn to work together to bring home a win?
From real-life NFL superstar brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, this is an inspiring story of teamwork and triumph. Find it here
Balancing priorities presents a challenge in this heartwarming novel about teamwork and perseverance from NFL superstars and bestselling authors Tiki and Ronde Barber.
Tiki and Ronde have grown a lot during the spring and summer. At the start of ninth grade, they’re not only wiser and more mature, but they’re also taller and stronger—with bigger muscles and bigger hands to grab and hold the ball. Factor in the return of their beloved Coach Wheeler, and the boys couldn’t be readier for football season.
But when Tiki wins an essay contest and gives an inspirational speech in front of the whole school, he becomes sought after for guidance and advice. The school paper even wants him to do a Dear Tiki column! However, Tiki would prefer to make his mark on the field—and with the Eagles starting 4-0 and a perfect season in sight, he’ll have to put a lid on his advice column and concentrate on football. Find it here
The Hidden Valley Eagles have the championship in sight—but will chicken pox get in the way?
The Hidden Valley Eagles are on track to make the playoffs. Full of focus and determination, every player is at his best, and the team is working better together than ever before. But when a bout of chicken pox threatens to overtake the team, will their playoff dreams disappear? Find it here
Ronde and Tiki are a team. They are twins, they are each other’s best friends and biggest fans, and they play on the same football team in this picture book based on a true story.
Tiki has had seven long touch-down runs this season, and Ronde is proud of his brother, but he can’t help feeling a little down when Tiki gets all the glory. If Ronde hadn’t been leading the way with his blocks, Tiki wouldn’t have been clear to score. Ronde thinks nobody notices the guy who blocks; they only notice the guy who scores. Will the day ever come when Ronde will get his chance?
Written by two NFL superstars, this story of perseverance and teamwork will inspire. Barry Root’s glowing illustrations bring to life all the excitement and energy of a great game and a team working together. Find it here
Every Child is a Reader
Sometimes it may seem like some children don't like to read, but we've found that there are many factors that can affect that circumstance. Finding books with the subjects, stories, and at the right reading level can spark a love of reading in children.
Thankfully there are a lot of options to choose from. Check out some of our past posts for ideas. You may find this post about adding more reading to your child's day helpful as well.
More Books from Tiki and Ronde Barber
Tiki Barber have written dozens of books for both children and adults. Find more of their books here.
Looking for more great read aloud ideas? Visit these fabulous book lists:
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