By my brother's side
by Tiki Barber
Scholastic 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- brotherhood
- perseverance
- teamwork
- family support
- sportsmanship
- overcoming adversity
- goals and dreams
About this book
Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde dream of playing football and learn to lean on each other through setbacks and small victories. Based on their real childhood, the story shows how family support, practice, and patience help them keep going when things get tough. Warm illustrations and a heartfelt narrative make this an encouraging read for young sports fans. Kids enjoy the true-to-life brother bond and the message that hard work and kindness matter as much as talent.
Setting: Roanoke, Virginia; the Barber twins’ childhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is By my brother's side right for my child?
Yes — By my brother's side is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include brotherhood, perseverance, teamwork.
How long does it take to read By my brother's side?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, By my brother's side takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does By my brother's side have an AR quiz?
Yes — By my brother's side has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is By my brother's side?
By my brother's side has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.