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Rip and Red

This series follows the exciting adventures of a group of fifth-graders who discover the power of teamwork and mutual support both on and off the basketball court. Through engaging stories and vibrant artwork, these narratives celebrate diversity, highlighting how children with different backgrounds and abilities can achieve success together. Readers will be captivated by the authentic portrayal of friendship, perseverance, and the positive impact of helping one another. It's a winning combination of sports action and heartfelt camaraderie.

A Whole New Ballgame

Recommended Reading Order

  1. 1

    A Whole New Ballgame

    • 272 pages
    • 10 hours of reading
    4.0(53)Add rating

    Fifth grade is one crazy ride in this middle grade novel about two best friends. Rip and Red are best friends whose fifth-grade year is nothing like what they expected. They have a crazy 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 its energetic and authentic story and artwork, A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Bildner is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. “Cartoony illustrations lend energy and personality to the likable cast of characters. A school story with heart.” —Kirkus Reviews This title has Common Core connections.

    A Whole New Ballgame