Most Valuable Players: A Rip & Red Book

Description

It's fifth-grade graduation time for Rip and Red, and as part of the celebration, Hoops Machine, the Harlem Globetrotters-like basketball team, is paying a visit. Rip has been chosen to perform with them, but before this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the boys need to finish their schoolwork-including taking their middle-school placement tests. However, when the students of Room 208 begin to question the assessments, a mini opt-out movement gains momentum. All of a sudden, Hoops Machine, middle-school basketball tryouts, and walking at graduation are all in jeopardy, along with Mr. Acevedo's job. But luckily for Rip, Red, their classmates, and their teacher, sometimes when you stand up for what you truly believe in, the people you've touched along the way rally to your corner.

Phil Bildner is a former New York City public school teacher and 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

Tournament of Champions: "Bildner's diverse cast of characters is what energizes this tremendously engaging story . . . Another solid volume in a fun and lively series." --Kirkus Reviews Rookie of the Year: "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 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