He ain't heavy.

National Football League superstars and identical twins Tiki and Ronde Barber share their close childhood relationship in By My Brother's Side, (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September, $16.95, ISBN 0-689-86559-7, ages six to 10).

The book tells the story of how Tiki had a terrible biking accident that landed him in bed with a doctor's prognosis that he might never play sports again. Through patience, perseverance and his brother's support, Tiki came back. The book is an ode to teamwork and the rewards that can come from keeping dreams in plain sight.

The illustrations by Barry Root capture the loving bond between the twins and the energy of football.

In an interview with Suzanne Rust, the BIBR CHILDREN'S BOOKSHELF editor, the Barbers discussed the book, their work with literacy programs and the books they read to their children.

BIBR: Are you still as close now as you were as boys?

Ronde: We are as close, but in a completely different way. We have different lives now. Additions to our families that need us. It is no longer my brother and me against "all odds.

Tiki: We are still very dose. Our lives have diverged. We both have two children and live on other ends of the East Coast, but that hasn't lessened our strong relationship.

BIBR: You are both involved in literacy programs. Please tell me more about these programs and what they mean to you.

Ronde: We work essentially as spokesmen and conduits to get the message of literacy to the public. Verizon believes having great readers improves our communities, makes people better employees, customers and contributors to society.

Tiki: We are both Verizon Literacy Champions in our respective cities. Verizon Reads supports literacy initiatives in our local areas, and we raise awareness to them. issues. Ninety-two million Americans have low-level literacy skills--both children and adults. Adults who cannot read cannot apply for jobs, and subsequently cannot provide for their families. Adults who cannot read themselves cannot read to their children, which perpetuates a cycle of illiteracy and puts kids at a disadvantage at an early age.

BIBR: What about reading to your children?

Ronde: We spend a lot of time reading to both our girls even though they are both younger than two years of age. The books are mostly interactive pop-ups. I also do a lot of reading in my spare time, and on more than a couple of occasions my oldest has grabbed one of her little books and sat down beside me to read. Kids are like little mimics, so in that regard I'm leading them by example.

Tiki: We read books to AJ every night. His favorites are Dora the Explorer and the Sandra Boynton books.

BIBR: What was your experience writing this book?

Ronde: I had a great time writing, with the exception of the long cram sessions to get ideas. I couldn't be more happy with the result, from the story to the great illustrations. Tiki: We had a lot of fun; it came together easily. We already have another book in the works.