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Game Day
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.
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.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2005
4 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Tiki Barber
33 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 5, 2017
My boys loved this book and this book had a great moral lesson!
"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, the Cave Spring Vikings. Ronde is #21 and Tiki is #22, always side by side.
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?"
This book is written by two NFL players.
I recommend this book for 1st grade or higher.
"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, the Cave Spring Vikings. Ronde is #21 and Tiki is #22, always side by side.
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?"
This book is written by two NFL players.
I recommend this book for 1st grade or higher.
February 14, 2014
This book is perfect for any child who loves football. It would be even more perfect for a child who is a fan of either of these players. This book teaches about teamwork and never giving up.
April 26, 2022
I read this because it was on the Reading Rainbow list. I read it even though I'm not a fan of football. But it was really hard to enjoy for someone who is not a huge sports fan. With all that said, it had a good message. Recommend to any child who enjoys sports or feels unappreciated or alone.
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November 2, 2015Title: Game Day
Author: Tiki Barber & Ronde Barber
Illustrator: Barry Root
Genre: Online Book/Tumblebooks
Theme(s): Football, Brothers, Biography, Team, Hard-work, Family
Opening line/sentence: “It was the play Coach Mike liked to call ‘Old Bread and Butter ’.”
Brief Book Summary: This book follows Pro-Bowl NFL players and brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber when they were little ones playing on the same Pop Warner team. Tiki is the running back while Ronde is the fullback. Tiki gets all the credit because he scores all the touchdowns. However, he wouldn’t be having the success he is if it weren’t for his twin brother leading the way. Ronde begins to become frustrated that he is not being noticed by his coaches or the fans. During the final game Ronde is given his chance to run with the ball, and he comes through, scoring a touchdown, and winning the game for his team.
Professional Recommendation/Review:
Horn Book Guide
(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Root. Twins Tiki and Ronde play and excel at Pee Wee football, but Tiki garners the most attention getting touchdown runs. Ronde, a blocker who feels under appreciated, finally understands he's also important to the team's success. This story of teamwork has strong appeal for boys despite some stilted writing and a pedantic message. The illustrations ably convey a sense of the game.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Elisabeth Greenberg (Children’s Literature)
“Clear and evocative text about twin brothers working as a team—and working through issues of whose contribution is noticed as they win football games—makes these two NFL superstars come to life for young readers. Ronde, the blocker, watches as Tiki makes a touchdown after touchdown and wins the kudos of the crowds and the respect and interest of sports reporters. Mother, coach, and friends all contribute to the life lessons: do your best with what you have got, it is a good thing to work together, and to win a game takes a whole team. Action-packed illustrations by Barry Root clarify game plays for those not fans of football and also capture the feelings—from excitement to wistfulness—of the twins.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I think that I tend to lean more towards Elisabeth Greenberg’s review. I think that the text is very easy to read and it displays a great message of teamwork and brotherhood. It is important for young readers to understand that when things get tough it is important to never give up, and instead work through the issues. I think that this is a great book for boys and girls because it has a great message about the importance of teamwork and working together.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I think that this book would be good for all elementary students to read, however I think the text is well suited for second graders. Some students may struggle at first with the text because it features a few tough words, but I think it would be good towards the end of the year when the students have made nice progressions in their reading. The pictures are drawn very precisely and show great detail that adds to the text. For example, in many situations it shows the players and their emotions, so it helps guide the text along when some students may not understand what the players are feeling. One great example of this is when Ronde is becoming frustrated and you can see it in his face in the illustration.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think one thing I would use this book for in my room would be to read it aloud in the beginning of the year before we start doing group work. I think the book has a great message of teamwork and would be a great example for children to see how a good group or team should look. I think later in the year this book would serve as a good book for individual reading once the students progress in their reading levels, because it may be a little tough for second graders.
Author: Tiki Barber & Ronde Barber
Illustrator: Barry Root
Genre: Online Book/Tumblebooks
Theme(s): Football, Brothers, Biography, Team, Hard-work, Family
Opening line/sentence: “It was the play Coach Mike liked to call ‘Old Bread and Butter ’.”
Brief Book Summary: This book follows Pro-Bowl NFL players and brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber when they were little ones playing on the same Pop Warner team. Tiki is the running back while Ronde is the fullback. Tiki gets all the credit because he scores all the touchdowns. However, he wouldn’t be having the success he is if it weren’t for his twin brother leading the way. Ronde begins to become frustrated that he is not being noticed by his coaches or the fans. During the final game Ronde is given his chance to run with the ball, and he comes through, scoring a touchdown, and winning the game for his team.
Professional Recommendation/Review:
Horn Book Guide
(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Root. Twins Tiki and Ronde play and excel at Pee Wee football, but Tiki garners the most attention getting touchdown runs. Ronde, a blocker who feels under appreciated, finally understands he's also important to the team's success. This story of teamwork has strong appeal for boys despite some stilted writing and a pedantic message. The illustrations ably convey a sense of the game.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Elisabeth Greenberg (Children’s Literature)
“Clear and evocative text about twin brothers working as a team—and working through issues of whose contribution is noticed as they win football games—makes these two NFL superstars come to life for young readers. Ronde, the blocker, watches as Tiki makes a touchdown after touchdown and wins the kudos of the crowds and the respect and interest of sports reporters. Mother, coach, and friends all contribute to the life lessons: do your best with what you have got, it is a good thing to work together, and to win a game takes a whole team. Action-packed illustrations by Barry Root clarify game plays for those not fans of football and also capture the feelings—from excitement to wistfulness—of the twins.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I think that I tend to lean more towards Elisabeth Greenberg’s review. I think that the text is very easy to read and it displays a great message of teamwork and brotherhood. It is important for young readers to understand that when things get tough it is important to never give up, and instead work through the issues. I think that this is a great book for boys and girls because it has a great message about the importance of teamwork and working together.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I think that this book would be good for all elementary students to read, however I think the text is well suited for second graders. Some students may struggle at first with the text because it features a few tough words, but I think it would be good towards the end of the year when the students have made nice progressions in their reading. The pictures are drawn very precisely and show great detail that adds to the text. For example, in many situations it shows the players and their emotions, so it helps guide the text along when some students may not understand what the players are feeling. One great example of this is when Ronde is becoming frustrated and you can see it in his face in the illustration.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think one thing I would use this book for in my room would be to read it aloud in the beginning of the year before we start doing group work. I think the book has a great message of teamwork and would be a great example for children to see how a good group or team should look. I think later in the year this book would serve as a good book for individual reading once the students progress in their reading levels, because it may be a little tough for second graders.
October 8, 2013
Game Day is the story of twin brothers who play football on the same team. The brothers learn the importance of working together; that the success of a team relies on more than the player in the end zone. This is a light-hearted story about teamwork. The authors are the twin brothers in the story who worked their way to the NFL. The book is nothing that different, but the fact that it is a true story about NFL players in their youth gives is appeal. I think children will enjoy this book, and it might even generate inspiration for some. The illustrations are beautiful vibrant paintings that pull the reader into the scene. The audience for this book is ages 6-10 with a reading level equivalent of 2.7. This book is a great choice as a read aloud with younger children or an independent book for practiced readers. Although not very unique, the book does a nice job portraying the twins’ childhood days playing ball and their lessons learned.
October 25, 2013
DRA:20-24
The book is the story of twin brothers and NFL stars, Tiki and Ronde, playing for the pee wee league in their childhood in the Roanoke area. Both brothers were very talented and already drew attention from reporters due to their success helping their team, Vikings win. Despite of playing well together, the brothers sometimes struggled with the fact that the different positions they held on the team would cause one of them to be the one to score and get more recognition than the other. Their mother always used a lot of wisdom to teach them how important and unique they were regardless of the position they played for the team. Great book for teaching individuality.
The book is the story of twin brothers and NFL stars, Tiki and Ronde, playing for the pee wee league in their childhood in the Roanoke area. Both brothers were very talented and already drew attention from reporters due to their success helping their team, Vikings win. Despite of playing well together, the brothers sometimes struggled with the fact that the different positions they held on the team would cause one of them to be the one to score and get more recognition than the other. Their mother always used a lot of wisdom to teach them how important and unique they were regardless of the position they played for the team. Great book for teaching individuality.
April 19, 2015
Team work is essential for success on any team. Playing to strengths and accommodating for weaknesses. This book used a football team to illustrate the importance of teamwork and how no matter how trivial your job on the team seems, it is not trivial and it must be done to the best of your ability. That's a good message for kids in this day of doing everything for the self and the individual. I liked this book more than I thought I would.
June 17, 2008
I love that this book was written by Tiki and Ronde Barber about their experiences playing football together as kids. I also know that both are big advocates of children's literacy programs.
The book has a good lesson about teamwork, both on and off the field. However, while the story can be a universal one, the football plays are detailed and so it will appeal most to football fans.
The book has a good lesson about teamwork, both on and off the field. However, while the story can be a universal one, the football plays are detailed and so it will appeal most to football fans.
June 10, 2014
Tiki and Ronde are twins who strive to be the best on the football team; Ronde feels left out in his brother’s wake, but at the end of the story scores a winning touchdown. The narrative is third-person and includes dialogue that mimics natural speech rhythms. The illustrations are bright, using saturated hues. Details are replaced by a slight blurriness that mimics the action of the story.
May 11, 2009
Bought this book for Liam at a book fair. It is a favorite of his to have me read before bed. It shows him what hard work and determination can do for him. He often quotes this book when doing something that goes unnoticed by any of the adults in his life.
June 20, 2011
Nice story about teamwork and playing to one's own abilities. Lots of football terms and descriptions.
Many who read this my not understand the terminology of the football plays. Overall, a story abou doing your best and playing together as a team.
Many who read this my not understand the terminology of the football plays. Overall, a story abou doing your best and playing together as a team.
May 8, 2012
Reading Rainbow: Game Day
Hahahahahaha. If this book was written in a foreign language Bea wouldn't have understood it less! She has NO notion of team sports let alone football. It was a decent book but unless you are better versed in football you probably are going to be lost like she was.
Hahahahahaha. If this book was written in a foreign language Bea wouldn't have understood it less! She has NO notion of team sports let alone football. It was a decent book but unless you are better versed in football you probably are going to be lost like she was.
September 24, 2011
Genre Unit: Autobiography
Not only are these two boys Virginians, but the book has successful African American young men as lead characters! Great hook for my boys! Thanks Shannon for sharing.
Not only are these two boys Virginians, but the book has successful African American young men as lead characters! Great hook for my boys! Thanks Shannon for sharing.
March 29, 2014
A great book for any child interested in sports. It's interesting that it features 2 prominent NFL players.
October 17, 2016
it is a nice book
June 18, 2010
My boys loved this book.
March 3, 2024
This is a great book for someone looking for a fun read about football. This was one that I read many times as a child and coming back to it all these years later brings back memories. A very simple, but good read that tells of the former NFL players Rhonde and Tiki Barbers upbringing.
December 18, 2020
Well illustrated by Barry Root and written book by these two football brothers.
February 25, 2021
Football and identical twins. A masterful combination.
August 7, 2012
an inspirational story about teamwork
a cute story of childhood remembered
a cute story of childhood remembered
April 22, 2012
Great story for those football fans, they will appreciate the authors true life football experiences. Great message of teamwork. P.K.
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January 31, 2013What genre is it
August 14, 2013
This is a story about the twins Tiki and Ronde Barber. It is a great story about teamwork and realizing how each person on a team is important, no matter what they do.
November 23, 2016
This made me want to play football.
January 17, 2017
Teamwork, doing your best, playing proud are all a great way to teach our kids to reach their goals!
March 12, 2009
J Seriously take a minute to read about little leage football.
May 2, 2017
This book was so much fun to read, it felt like I was at a football game cheering on the Barber twins myself. It also tells a good story about teamwork and how an individual has thier own important peice to add. I think Ideas, Presentation, and Organization were the traits for this book. I leveled it using DRA (20) and Guided Reading (L).
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews