Most Valuable Players - (Rip and Red) by Phil Bildner (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Fifth grade comes to a buzzer beater worthy end for two best friends in this illustrated middle grade novel--the fourth and final book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.

It's fifth-grade graduation time for Rip and Red, and as part of the celebration, an exhibition basketball team is paying a visit. There are other surprises in store, but before the boys and their classmates can participate, they need to finish their schoolwork, which includes taking a newly required standardized test. As the students of Room 208 begin to question the need to take the test, a mini opt-out campaign gains momentum, putting all sorts of things in jeopardy for the kids and their teacher Mr. Acevedo. But luckily for Rip, Red, and their friends, when you stand up for what you believe in, the people you've touched along the way will rally to your corner--in ways that will surprise you.

With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, Most Valuable Players 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

Praise for the Rip and Red Series

"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 on A Whole New Ballgame

"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 on A Whole New Ballgame

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

"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 and lives in Newburgh, New York. The author of many books--including Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans and The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa--he speaks at numerous schools and libraries every year.

Tim Probert has illustrated children's books, including Pickle by Kim Baker, as well as magazines and advertisements. He is also a director at the animation studio Aardman Nathan Love. He lives in New York City.