A Whole New Ballgame - (Rip and Red) by Phil Bildner (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Fifth grade is one wild ride in this illustrated middle grade novel about two best friends--the first book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.

Rip and Red are best friends whose fifth-grade year is nothing like what they expected. They have an eccentric new tattooed teacher named Mr. Acevedo, who doesn't believe in tests or homework and who likes off-the-wall projects, the more "off" the better. And guess who's also their new basketball coach? Mr. Acevedo! Easy-going Rip is knocked completely out of his comfort zone. And for Red, who has autism and really needs things to be exactly a certain way, the changes are even more of a struggle. But together these two make a great duo who know how to help each other--and find ways to make a difference--in the classroom and on the court.

With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, A Whole New Ballgame is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.

Don't miss any of Rip and Red's adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players

Review Quotes

"This warm slice-of-life novel from Bildner engages and entertains . . . Probert's energetic illustrations match the positive exuberance of the story." --Publishers Weekly

"The book depicts the evolution of a group of fifth graders who learn a lot, grow a lot, and help one another . . . The charming and diverse characters [are] pure fun with a lot of heart." --School Library Journal

"If the students are inspiring, so is [their teacher] Mr. Acevedo, who risks his job to do such radical things as reading aloud and encouraging free reading. (He's supposed to be preparing the kids to take tests!) Probert's cartoonish illustrations lend energy and personality to the likable cast of characters." --Kirkus Reviews

More Praise for the Rip and Red Series

"This fast, fun read featuring characters who love books as much as basketball will appeal to sports fans and nonathletes alike." --School Library Journal on Rookie of the Year

"A diverse cast of characters highlights this good-natured, high-spirited slice of life." --Kirkus Reviews on Rookie of the Year

"Bildner's diverse cast of characters is what energizes this tremendously engaging story . . . Another solid volume in a fun and lively series." --Kirkus Reviews on Tournament of Champions

About the Author

Phil Bildner is a former New York City public school teacher who lives in Brooklyn. The author of many books, including Rookie of the Year, he travels to over sixty schools a year.

Tim Probert has illustrated children's books (Pickle), advertisements, promotional material, and worked in animation production. He lives in New York City.