Kickoff!
by Tiki Barber
Aladdin 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- brotherhood
- sportsmanship
- self-confidence
- school-life balance
- goal setting
- mentorship
About this book
Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde are starting middle school and can’t wait to make the football team—but earning a spot means hard work, keeping up with school, and learning to be great teammates. Based on the Barbers’ own childhood, this fast-paced story shows how practice, patience, and brotherly support lead to big gains on and off the field. With plenty of game action and relatable school and family moments, it’s a perfect pick for sports fans and developing readers. Kids enjoy the authentic football details, encouraging messages, and the feel-good underdog vibe.
Setting: contemporary small-town Virginia, middle school and football fields
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kickoff! right for my child?
Yes — Kickoff! is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include teamwork, perseverance, brotherhood.
How long does it take to read Kickoff!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Kickoff! takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kickoff! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kickoff! has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Kickoff!?
Kickoff! has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.