Go Long! (Kickoff) (Hardcover)

by Ronde Barber (Author), Tiki Barber (Author), Paul Mantell (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4–8—Ronde and Tiki Barber are entering eighth grade and ready to defend their school's title as football division champs. Unfortunately, their beloved coach announces that he has accepted a job at the nearby high school. On top of that, their quarterback is dividing the team with his hotdogging antics and insults. The Barber twins are convinced that, if they can get the team to listen to their new coach, they can salvage the season. The authors are NFL players and know a thing or two about football. Unfortunately, this novel uses terminology that may be too complex for all but the most passionate fans of the game. A glossary is included, but a solid familiarity with terms and rules is still necessary or kids will be left behind. An adult sensibility prevails: a former teammate declares that a player is "just immature…. I was the same way in seventh grade." On the same note, in the midst of training, Tiki has an inner monologue about how lucky he is "in the mom department"—what 13-year-old thinks about that during football practice? This book will circulate based on the subject, the authors' popularity, and the snazzy cover. However, it will satisfy only the most avid football fans.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
As their second season on the Hidden Valley Junior High Eagles football team begins, identical twins Tiki and Ronde know that their team’s ace quarterback has moved on to high school and that loudmouthed Cody will take his position. But when beloved Coach Spangler  moves up to lead the high-school team and his replacement has a difficult time gaining the Eagles’ trust, the team falls apart. Cody’s transformation seems too quick and easy, but the gradually mounting tension between Tiki and Ronde is entirely believable, and so is its resolution. Meanwhile, football fans will find the on-field action scenes and even the coaching sessions very readable. Even if they don’t recognize the names Ronde and Tiki Barber (current and former NFL players, respectively), Kadir Nelson’s dynamic jacket art is sure to draw young readers looking for football fiction. Those who don’t know a blitz from a bootleg can check the appended glossary of football plays. Grades 4-7. --Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (August 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141693619X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416936190
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #384,721 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, August 26, 2008

By	TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

GO LONG! is a football story starring Tiki and Ronde Barber as young, up-and-coming players. This fast-paced, inspirational sports tale is sure to be popular with the middle grade crowd. Tiki and Ronde draw on their early years in the sport to encourage young people to use their talents and play the game with a sense of fair play and teamwork.

The story begins as Tiki and Ronde start their 8th-grade year. They are anxious to take the field as starters this year, but the coach upsets the entire team when he announces that he is moving up to coach the high school team. Sure that all of their previous success has been due to his excellent coaching abilities, the players nervously await the naming of their new coach. It is a surprise to all when the history teacher, Mr. Wheeler, is given the job. He is a terrific teacher, but that doesn't guarantee anything about his coaching skills.

Tiki and Ronde try to roll with the punches when the first few games end in defeat; however, Cody, the team's quarterback, is not being a team player. Cody argues with Coach Wheeler and questions his every move, causing team morale to sink to an all-time low. It is not until Tiki and a few loyal players take the time to get to know Coach Wheeler and his plans for the team that things start to look more positive for a winning season.

GO LONG! presents a message of cooperation and team spirit, and that along with a strong plot line and likeable characters make it a book that won't gather much dust on the shelf.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Game Plan, December 5, 2008

By	Mr. Richard D. Coreno "Mr. C" (Berea, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This young reader's book scores a touchdown in demonstrating how teamwork and hard work can overcome many daily obstacles.

Tiki and Ronde Barber are joined by Paul Mantell in penning a story about an eighth grade football team that has tremendous potential, but some players feel they know more than the new coach. The season is on the brink of falling apart after a couple of games, but magic returns to the field when "I" is replaced by "team."

Starring Tiki and Ronde as team members, the book would be a great way to kick-off a youth football season - chalk talks don't always have to be from he playbook - or a nice change of pace in the classroom.