Rookie of the Year

Description

Just when they think they've got the hang of things, Rip and Red find that fifth grade continues to challenge them in head-spinning ways. Tiki, a new girl whose Egyptian dad is an animal-rights activist, has just joined their class. She's charismatic, funny - and she's got game! Rip has his world turned upside down as Tiki proves to be tough competition on the Clifton United basketball team and leads a rebellion against the lousy new food service in the school cafeteria. Red - a kid on the autism spectrum - is struggling with the upheavals as well. But as these two funky and funny best friends discover, sometimes radical change is the right move, on the court and off.

Phil Bildner is a former New York City public school teacher who lives in Newburgh, New York. The author of many books, he speaks at numerous schools and libraries every year. philbildner.com Tim Probert also illustrated Kim Baker's novel Pickle. He lives in New York City. timprobert.com

"This fast, fun read featuring characters who love books as much as basketball will appeal to sports fans and nonathletes alike." --School Library Journal "A diverse cast of characters highlights this good-natured, high-spirited slice of life." --Kirkus Reviews A Junior Library Guild Selection A Whole New Ballgame: "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 "This warm slice-of-life novel from Bildner engages and entertains . . . Probert's energetic illustrations match the positive exuberance of the story." --Publishers Weekly "With its energetic and authentic story and artwork, this is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship." --Children's Book Council