By My Brother's Side

Rating:
Summary: By My Barber's Side
Review: Being a single, childless 47-year old man, I don't read many children's books; but `By My Brother's Side' is an inspirational story - for brothers, football fans, bicycle enthusiasts, and children alike. Written by Tonde & Riki Barber, two twin brothers who both play professional football (American-style), the book centers on Tiki's leg injury after a bike accident and his slow, aphorism-filled summer recovering with the support of his hard-working mother, the professional medical community, and his non-injured brother. The bond between the two brothers comes through in the childish dialogue, the motivating struggles and the water color art of orange skies and the frozen tundra of the football gridiron where the two brothers find their place on the field of life. Football, determination, inspiration, and twins. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Stick together and never give up!
Review: By My Brother Side is a wonderful story of the twin NFL superstars Ronde and Tiki Barber. The book tells a story of their childhood that illustrates the tight bond between the twins, their love for each other, sports and their determination to never give up even after a biking accident puts Tiki in a cast. This is a very inspiring book of values, and hard work. I especially like their mothers emphasis on "homework first", and her other encouraging words "you can do anything you put your mind to".

Rating:
Summary: We Can Do It
Review: BY MY BROTHER'S SIDE is a story about the childhood of Tiki and Ronde Barber. In the book, the two brothers are playing a little rough and Tiki injures himself. He must spend the rest of the summer healing from the injury, but through all the ups and downs he can rely on his brother. In addition, their supportive mother is always encouraging them to do their best, work hard and pursue their dreams.

NFL football stars Tiki and Ronde Barber have come together to create an autobiographical tale with strong, positive messages. This is a book that will appeal to all children, not just young football fans. It is a nice addition to the body of children's fiction because it of its appeal to boys and positive male role models. The plot teaches children that even if you are not the biggest or strongest, if you work hard it is possible to make dreams into reality. In addition, Tiki's character provides a positive example of how to handle adversity; while Ronde demonstrates how to support those you care about when they experience hard times. Most importantly, BY MY BROTHER'S SIDE highlights the special love and companionship shared between siblings.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay, Children's Editor
for The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: An Inspiration to All
Review: Three boys on bikes. One steep hillside. And one dare - a dangerous dare, as a young Tiki Barber finds out.

"It's a serious injury. I'm not sure he will ever play again," claims the doctor. Tiki is determined to prove him wrong.

I liked this book because it illustrates several virtues, like PATIENCE. During one looooooong hot summer, Tiki must watch his twin brother Ronde play ball while he waits for his leg to heal. And PERSEVERANCE. The twins, born premature, overcome their smaller stature to make the basketball team.

This book is filled with motivational sayings, like "Believe in yourself and others will, too." And "We have to keep working at it." Now Ronde plays for Tampa Bay and Tiki for the NY Giants, so they no longer play "side by side." But they still "Play Proud!" as their mama told them to do.

Similar to the Michael Jordan book Salt in His Shoes, this book will be inspiring to parents or children, boys or girls, athletes or spectators alike.