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Phil Bildner
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A Whole New Ballgame: A Rip and Red Book (Rip and Red, 1) Paperback – Illustrated, July 12, 2016

by Phil Bildner (Author), Tim Probert (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 247 ratings
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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

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Book 1 of 4
    Rip and Red
  3. Print length
    272 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  6. Lexile measure
    540L
  7. Dimensions
    5.19 x 0.72 x 7.67 inches
  8. Publication date
    July 12, 2016
  9. ISBN-10
    1250079764
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1250079763
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Fifth graders Rip and his best friend Red, who has high spectrum autism, deal with an unusual new teacher plus an unconventional basketball coach and in the process learn a great deal about teamwork and friendship and about meeting challenges in school. Upbeat drawings add a positive dimension. Readers will also enjoy the outstanding sequel, Rookie of the Year (2016).α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; Reprint edition (July 12, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250079764
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250079763
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 540L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.19 x 0.72 x 7.67 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 247 ratings

About the author

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Phil Bildner

Phil Bildner

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Phil Bildner is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for kids. His latest book is the groundbreaking, #OwnVoices middle grade novel, A High Five for Glenn Burke. He is the author of many children’s picture books including the Margaret Wise Brown Prize winning Marvelous Cornelius, the Texas Bluebonnet Award winning Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy, Martina & Chrissie, Twenty-One Elephants, and The Soccer Fence. Phil is also the author of A Whole New Ballgame, Rookie of the Year, Tournament of Champions, and Most Valuable Players in the critically acclaimed middle grade Rip & Red series.

In 2017, Phil founded The Author Village, an author booking business. A former middle school teacher in the New York City public schools, Phil spends much of the year visiting schools around the country conducting writing workshops and talking process with students. He lives in Newburgh, New York with his husband and dog.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
247 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Summer Reading
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
I picked this book for my daughter’s summer reading assignment. She will start the 4th grade in September. She finished the book pretty quickly and said she enjoyed it.
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Michael F. Cohen
5.0 out of 5 stars Friendship differences and Basketball fun with Rip and Red!
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book really touched people's lives and feeling different with each other. Rip who is a great Basketball player of 5th grade and Red who has Autism also a great basketball player and free thrower. Both are demonstrating secret handshake and understanding the true friendship. I would recommend this book for any basketball lover and those people who have Autism will also touch their hearts to know what friendship is all about. This is an excellent book to read and I would recommend it!
4 people found this helpful
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Aileen February
4.0 out of 5 stars For basketball fans
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
Basketball is the central vehicle for telling this story, which has subplots on autism, friendship, citizenship, creativity and active learning. I like the book, but for students who do not know anything about basketball it may be hard to access.
One person found this helpful
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Alane
5.0 out of 5 stars My reluctant reader could not put this book down! ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
My reluctant reader could not put this book down! I don't usually write reviews, however I could not resist giving this book 5 stars as I finally found a book that kept the attention of my very active, basketball obsessed son! (who would rather be playing basketball than reading). I find it difficult to find fictional books about basketball for him to read. I will be purchasing the rest of the books in the series and looking forward to more in the future!
3 people found this helpful
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Michelle H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great friendship story!
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful friendship story about two boys who’ve grown up together. One friend is on the spectrum and the other friend knows just how to help. There is a fantastic teacher in this story also!
One person found this helpful
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Kaity
5.0 out of 5 stars My kids loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
My kids loved this book! I had to create a sign out for this book and it circulated the classroom. They couldn't wait for me to get the new one in, and some have asked to borrow it next year because the second one came out in June.
4 people found this helpful
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Sonya R.
5.0 out of 5 stars loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
My 9 year old daughter, who happens to play basketball, loved this book. It held her interest and she looked forward to reading it every night.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Andrew
4.0 out of 5 stars funny book
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
It was so funny and interesting to read it’s a great book so you should read it and good for schools!
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