A Whole New Ballgame: Rip and Red, Book 1
By Darienne Stewart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fun, gentle story about kids gaining confidence and empathy.
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What's the Story?
Best friends Rip and Red are excited about being classmates and playing basketball together in fifth grade. But when school starts, nothing is like what they expected. Red, who's on the autism spectrum and does best with predictability and routine, has an especially hard time adapting, but sensitive Rip helps guide his friend through the changes, both thrilling and unsettling. The biggest change is their long-haired, tattooed teacher and basketball coach, Mr. Acevedo, who rejects tests and homework and encourages kids to climb atop their desks and seek new perspectives. His unconventional approach can be fun, but what will happen when it's time to take the required tests? And will they ever win a basketball game?
Is It Any Good?
Change can be unsettling, even scary, but this sweet, engaging book helps point out the way upheaval can churn up new possibilities. Written by a former teacher, this first book in the Rip and Red series is about empathy, creativity, and learning to roll with the unexpected. A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME is set against a backdrop of budget cuts and test-prep culture, but the heart of the story is the friendship between Rip and Red, who's on the autism spectrum. The boys were thrown together due to their mothers' friendship, but they've forged a close bond that helps bring out the best in each other -- and in others.
If it all feels too sweet, don't worry: A plot line about a competitive basketball season and a class project on gross stuff will keep young readers hooked. Author Phil Bildner writes with a keen sense for the daily ups and downs of a fifth grader, and lively illustrations by Tim Probert add to the fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about seeing beyond labels and appearances. Have you ever been surprised to find that someone wasn't what you expected based on what you first saw or heard? How do you think classmates would label you upon first meeting you?
How is A Whole New Ballgame different from other school stories you've read? What are some of your favorites?
Rip can read Red's emotions and behavior and understands what's really going on in his head. Do you have a friend or relative who knows you that well? Are you able to tap into your best friend's feelings like that?
Book Details
- Author: Phil Bildner
- Illustrator: Tim Probert
- Genre: Emotions
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date: August 18, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 5, 2022
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