Teammates (Paula Wiseman Books) - Tapa dura

Tiki and Ronde are brothers, best friends, and teammates on the Cave Spring Vikings football team. It's the last preseason game against their arch-rival Knights -- and the football is suddenly knocked out of Tiki's grip. What gives, he thinks, I've always carried the ball this way before. Inspired by Coach Mike, who tells Tiki, "You've gotta believe," Tiki begins secret practice sessions with Ronde in the morning on the way to school. Will it make a difference in the next big game against the Knights? Based on the childhoods of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber, this story of determination and of confidence will inspire all who read it.

Tiki Barber is a record-holding retired running back for the New York Giants. He married and is the father of four children. Ronde Barber is a record-holding cornerback who retired after fifteen seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is one of only two cornerbacks selected to the Pro Bowl five times. He is married with two daughters. Robert Burleigh is the award-winning author of many books for children, including The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn, illustrated by Barry Blitt; Night Flight, illustrated by Wendell Minor; Black Whiteness, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop; and Sylvia's Bookshop, illustrated by Katy Wu. His many other books include Hoops; Stealing Home; and Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep! He lives in Michigan. Barry Root is the illustrator of many books for children, including Gumbrella, which he also wrote; Dream Big; By My Brother's Side; and Game Day, which received a Christopher Award in the category of books for young people. He lives with his family in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.