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Rip and Red #2
Rookie of the Year (Rip and Red) by Phil Bildner
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.
This title has Common Core connections.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2017 NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
This title has Common Core connections.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2017 NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
Hardcover
First published July 12, 2016
22 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Phil Bildner
34 books118 followersPhil 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.
Phil grew up in Jericho, New York, a Long Island suburb of New York City. He studied political science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and then attended law school at New York University School of Law. After passing the bar in New York and New Jersey, Phil worked as an associate at a large Manhattan law firm, but he quickly realized the legal profession wasn’t for him. So he followed his heart and went back to school, earning a master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from Long Island University.
For eleven years, Phil taught in the New York City Public Schools. Teaching fifth and sixth grade in the Tremont section of the Bronx in the 1990s, he built an innovative ELA curriculum around song lyrics and music. Dave Matthews, Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean all visited his classroom. Teaching middle school English and American History in Manhattan in the 2000s, Phil continued to integrate music and the arts into his curriculum, working with the Lincoln Center Institute, Broadway shows (Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and Off-Broadway shows (Def Poetry Jam, De la Guarda).
After leaving the classroom to write full time, Phil began chaperoning student-volunteer trips to New Orleans to help in the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. He founded The NOLA Tree, a non-profit youth service organization and served as the co-Executive Director.
These days, Phil lives in Newburgh, New York with his husband in a two hundred year old farmhouse. Most of the time, you’ll find him out in the yard playing with his dog named Kat or writing on the back porch (aka, his office) overlooking the Hudson River.
Phil grew up in Jericho, New York, a Long Island suburb of New York City. He studied political science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and then attended law school at New York University School of Law. After passing the bar in New York and New Jersey, Phil worked as an associate at a large Manhattan law firm, but he quickly realized the legal profession wasn’t for him. So he followed his heart and went back to school, earning a master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from Long Island University.
For eleven years, Phil taught in the New York City Public Schools. Teaching fifth and sixth grade in the Tremont section of the Bronx in the 1990s, he built an innovative ELA curriculum around song lyrics and music. Dave Matthews, Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean all visited his classroom. Teaching middle school English and American History in Manhattan in the 2000s, Phil continued to integrate music and the arts into his curriculum, working with the Lincoln Center Institute, Broadway shows (Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and Off-Broadway shows (Def Poetry Jam, De la Guarda).
After leaving the classroom to write full time, Phil began chaperoning student-volunteer trips to New Orleans to help in the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. He founded The NOLA Tree, a non-profit youth service organization and served as the co-Executive Director.
These days, Phil lives in Newburgh, New York with his husband in a two hundred year old farmhouse. Most of the time, you’ll find him out in the yard playing with his dog named Kat or writing on the back porch (aka, his office) overlooking the Hudson River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 13, 2016
I had the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this review. I really enjoyed the first book in the Rip and Red series, so I was excited to get a chance to read the second book. Rookie of the Year did not disappoint, it was just as awesome as the first book.
This book picks up right where the first one left off. But, even though this is the continuation of a series, the book would be a fine stand-alone book for someone who hasn't read the first one. Bildner does a nice job of bringing readers up to speed on the characters, Mr. Acevedo's fifth grade classroom, and then moves the story forward smoothly.
There's a new student in the classroom, Tiki. Her family is from Egypt, and because her father has a job that requires him to move frequently, this is her fourteenth school. Rip has a rough time getting used to her outspoken style, especially when she becomes a starter on the school basketball team.
Rip is used to being the leader of the team, but when Tiki becomes the starter and Rip becomes a member of the "Bench Mob", there's a bit of tension. For readers who love sports, there is a lot of great basketball action. I know that I'll have several students who will love this book because of that.
The book, like the first one, has lots of great ideas for teachers as well. Lots of good book suggestions and project ideas. It would be so much fun to teach on a team with Mr. Acevedo!
This book picks up right where the first one left off. But, even though this is the continuation of a series, the book would be a fine stand-alone book for someone who hasn't read the first one. Bildner does a nice job of bringing readers up to speed on the characters, Mr. Acevedo's fifth grade classroom, and then moves the story forward smoothly.
There's a new student in the classroom, Tiki. Her family is from Egypt, and because her father has a job that requires him to move frequently, this is her fourteenth school. Rip has a rough time getting used to her outspoken style, especially when she becomes a starter on the school basketball team.
Rip is used to being the leader of the team, but when Tiki becomes the starter and Rip becomes a member of the "Bench Mob", there's a bit of tension. For readers who love sports, there is a lot of great basketball action. I know that I'll have several students who will love this book because of that.
The book, like the first one, has lots of great ideas for teachers as well. Lots of good book suggestions and project ideas. It would be so much fun to teach on a team with Mr. Acevedo!
May 8, 2016
I liked so many things about this book!
The references to A Whole New Ballgame, the growth of the characters throughout the story and the sense of family that is built into Room 208 with Mr. Acevedo.
This book involved Rip being challenged in more way than one when a new student, Tiki joins them. She's great at basketball and does her own thing which typically involves interrupting people and making up her own words.
I hope there is more to come for these characters.
Students will enjoy this.
The references to A Whole New Ballgame, the growth of the characters throughout the story and the sense of family that is built into Room 208 with Mr. Acevedo.
This book involved Rip being challenged in more way than one when a new student, Tiki joins them. She's great at basketball and does her own thing which typically involves interrupting people and making up her own words.
I hope there is more to come for these characters.
Students will enjoy this.
May 24, 2018
I'm torn between a 3 and a 4 for this book, but I certainly consider it a solid read aloud title for intermediate graders. Just as in the case of the first book in the series, much of the plot revolves around basketball, which will certainly add to its appeal for fans of that sport. But it's much more than a sports-driven title or series. It actually focuses a lot on character development and how some of the youngsters deal with adversity or things that don't go quite the way they had hoped. Fifth grader Rip is used to being the leader on the court, but when Tiki, a loquacious transfer student with mad ball skills, gives him a run for his money, he is unable to understand his coach's decision to start Tiki and reserve Rip for what comes to be called the Bench Mob but feels like the second string to Rip. Rip's initial annoyance with the girl morphs into resentment and jealousy when he sees how well she plays the game and how even his best friend, Red, who is on the autism spectrum, seems to like her. I really enjoyed how Red is usually the one who struggles with change, but in this case, Rip does as well. Coach Acevedo continues to impress me as he works in innovative ways with his students both in the classroom and on the basketball court. I smiled as I read the description of the how the new cafeteria workers treat the students and how terrible the school lunches have become. Complemented with illustrations that fit the bill perfectly and portray the characters exactly how I imagined them, this book provides plenty of insight into fifth grade and several experiences with which readers will be familiar.
May 21, 2016
Zwibble! Another great novel in the Rip and Red series! Rookie of the Year by Phil Bildner brings back characters Rip, Red, and Mr. Acevedo in this sequel to A Whole New Ballgame. But add new girl, Tiki, to the mix, and Rip isn't having it. Tiki gets on Rip's nerves all the time: she's loud, interrupts others, and makes up fake words! Not to mention, she is joining the basketball team, and has skills that Rip has never seen from a girl before. Can Rip put aside his differences with Tiki for their team to win games? You'll have to find out when this book is released in July!
January 16, 2016
The second story in the Rip and Red series. Comes out this summer. Loved it!
July 24, 2017
The characters in this story are diverse in race, religion, cultural background, and abilities. BUT, the story is not about their diversity which is what young readers need to see. Red seems to have autism, and Rip, his best friend, has learned to navigate triggers and knows how to soothe Red. Red gives as good as he gets, teaching Rip lessons on teamwork, kindness, and listening. Rip has some hard lessons to learn, because contrary to many teams where the best athletes get the most game time, Coach Acevedo values everyone on the team, believes everyone can contribute, and this collides with Rip's ego. Added to this is new girl Tiki, who is larger than life, and wants to be noticed immediately because as it has happened all her life, it won't be long before she leaves Reese Jones Elementary, she constantly moves because of her father's work. Tiki wants to win over Rip, but Rip just can't seem to find it in him to give her a chance. There are so many amazing conversations to be had through this book: tolerance, kindness, speaking your mind respectfully, finding a way to fight for your rights without breaking any rules, and much more!
August 18, 2018
This one took us a little while to get through. I read it with Isaac since it's one of the Hoosier Book Nominees on his list. It is the 2nd book in a series and I think we might have understood it a little better if we'd read the first one, but it was still okay. There is a lot of basketball lingo in it, so if you don't know much about basketball it might be a little boring or confusing to you. I think Isaac liked it okay, but if your child is a big basketball lover they will probably really enjoy this one. My 13 and 12 year old boys read it first and both loved it.
November 27, 2017
I thought that this was a pretty good book. I like that it is about basketball and that it is exiting. I also like it because I can kind of relate to it because I play basketball also. I think a possible theme may be that your friends will always have you back. If you like basketball I think that you should definitely read this book.
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February 7, 2023This series is really great. Diverse cast, relatable problems for children, supportive adults. This book involves a new kid with a big personality who invades not only Rip's classroom but also his basketball team, so Rip gets to have all his feelings of resentment at this invasion until he really gets to know the new kid and grows as a person. So sweet!
July 25, 2017
The continuing middle grade saga of a kid and his autistic best friend continues to be pretty charming and hit all the right notes along the way. A solid, wholesome series with a good message that doesn't beat the kids over the head.
January 30, 2018
Wow! This was another amazing book by Phil Bildner! I really like this book and I think that Tiki is a very interesting character. I also really like these books because it relates a lot to my life. The basketball games are just like the ones that I'm in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
Another good book in series. Me no care for basketball, but love the interaction between friends and story that developes.
November 21, 2017
The Book was OK I would recommend it for shorter readers.
July 28, 2018
This was a really cute sequel.
October 2, 2018
Loved many things about this--mostly the representation. Buuuuuut I don't like sports books. Sigh.
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July 23, 2016ROOKIE OF THE YEAR by Phil Bildner is Book #2 in the Rip & Red series. Mr. Acevedo's students are at it again.
Rip and Red welcome a new classmate, Tiki. Red is impressed, but Rip wants to reserve judgement, especially when Tiki threatens to take his position on the Clifton United basketball team.
Mr. Acevedo is still popular as a teacher. His daily Community Circle and anti-worksheet approach may seem unproductive to other staff members, but his students continue to thrive and become independent thinkers.
Financial problems continue to plague the school. An area of great concern to the students is the dismissal of the Lunch Bunch cafeteria ladies since the school has switched to a new food service complete with lunches that most kids don't think includes actual food. Rip and Red and friends come up with a plan to expose the awful food and the unfriendly new lunch workers. Tiki suggests the plan's name should be Operation Food Fight. It's risky, but the end result should be worth it.
Basketball also plays an important role in ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Clifton United is determined to win all their games this year, and Mr. Acevedo has a new game plan to help make that happen.
Author Phil Bildner has another hit on his hands. Combining fast-paced action for young readers and school problems teachers can relate to, make ROOKIE OF THE YEAR a sure winner for students and classroom libraries. Be sure to check it out along with Book #1, A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME.
Rip and Red welcome a new classmate, Tiki. Red is impressed, but Rip wants to reserve judgement, especially when Tiki threatens to take his position on the Clifton United basketball team.
Mr. Acevedo is still popular as a teacher. His daily Community Circle and anti-worksheet approach may seem unproductive to other staff members, but his students continue to thrive and become independent thinkers.
Financial problems continue to plague the school. An area of great concern to the students is the dismissal of the Lunch Bunch cafeteria ladies since the school has switched to a new food service complete with lunches that most kids don't think includes actual food. Rip and Red and friends come up with a plan to expose the awful food and the unfriendly new lunch workers. Tiki suggests the plan's name should be Operation Food Fight. It's risky, but the end result should be worth it.
Basketball also plays an important role in ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Clifton United is determined to win all their games this year, and Mr. Acevedo has a new game plan to help make that happen.
Author Phil Bildner has another hit on his hands. Combining fast-paced action for young readers and school problems teachers can relate to, make ROOKIE OF THE YEAR a sure winner for students and classroom libraries. Be sure to check it out along with Book #1, A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME.
June 10, 2016
"In a matter of hours, Tiki had taken over my table in class, taken over my booth in the cafeteria, and taken over basketball."
Rip (Mason Irving) and Red (Blake Daniels) are back in a second book in the series. Due to budget cuts, things are a little unsettled. For example, the beloved Lunch Bunch have been replaced. The cafeteria just isn't the same. Added to the mix this time is Tiki (Takana Eid), a new student who immediately seems to get under Rip's skin. She never stops talking and she makes up her own words as she goes along ... "Gollygadzookers", "freakaliciously", "Hunchabalooga" and "zwibble". Who makes up their own words?
But when basketball season starts again and Tiki takes over Rip's starting position, things get even more complicated.
A quick-read sports novel with plenty else going on. I like all the references to other books that students might want to read, as well.
Rip (Mason Irving) and Red (Blake Daniels) are back in a second book in the series. Due to budget cuts, things are a little unsettled. For example, the beloved Lunch Bunch have been replaced. The cafeteria just isn't the same. Added to the mix this time is Tiki (Takana Eid), a new student who immediately seems to get under Rip's skin. She never stops talking and she makes up her own words as she goes along ... "Gollygadzookers", "freakaliciously", "Hunchabalooga" and "zwibble". Who makes up their own words?
But when basketball season starts again and Tiki takes over Rip's starting position, things get even more complicated.
A quick-read sports novel with plenty else going on. I like all the references to other books that students might want to read, as well.
November 10, 2016
Bildner, Phil Rookie of the Year, Illustrated by Tim Probert, 254 pages. Farrar Straus Giroux. 2016. $15.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: G; Violence: G;
Rip and Red are on top of the world as they enter fifth grade. They are excited to have the best teacher and rule the basketball court once again! They quickly realize that their year, on and off the court, will be turned upside down when Tiki, a spunky and charismatic girl, moves in. Join their adventure and find out the lessons they learn!
Rookie of the Year is the perfect book for basketball fans and a great sequel to A Whole New Ballgame! Rip and Red are great friends that hook readers right from the beginning. Their basketball games are described play-by-play in a way that any basketball reader is sure to enjoy!
EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Amy, Elementary Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Rip and Red are on top of the world as they enter fifth grade. They are excited to have the best teacher and rule the basketball court once again! They quickly realize that their year, on and off the court, will be turned upside down when Tiki, a spunky and charismatic girl, moves in. Join their adventure and find out the lessons they learn!
Rookie of the Year is the perfect book for basketball fans and a great sequel to A Whole New Ballgame! Rip and Red are great friends that hook readers right from the beginning. Their basketball games are described play-by-play in a way that any basketball reader is sure to enjoy!
EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Amy, Elementary Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
December 9, 2016
I really liked this book! It's a fun read, maybe targeted at 8-12 year olds. It offers memorable characters, that represent all walks of life, & presents issues & events relevant to children of that age group. Even this adult reader found it fun to read, & really liked the way these kids are represented/developed. I liked the way the adults in the story were represented too! I liked the accompanying drawings. It's a good story, good for kids! I can't wait to share this with my nieces & nephews & see how they like it!
I did win this ARC in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program in return for my own fair/honest review.
I did win this ARC in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program in return for my own fair/honest review.
April 26, 2016
Another great story from Phil Bildner about two boys, Rip and Red, who love to play basketball and have each other's backs. This one has big themes of friendship, dealing with the new kid (who is somewhat annoying and a really good basketball player), fighting for what's right, and the family that is a school. There are also some hints about prejudice that might make for an interesting conversation. I liked this one a lot.
February 27, 2016
This is another great story about Rip & Red. There are several awesome characters in this story, including their teacher, Mr, Acevedo, who runs a pretty cool classroom. (I think he has read The Book Whisperer!). If you enjoyed A Whole New Ballgame, this one will not disappoint!
I received an advanced copy on Netgalley.
I received an advanced copy on Netgalley.
June 16, 2016
*I received an eARC of this book from Net Galley*
I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first. A Whole New Ballgame has circulated fairly well, and I think this will go over even better with students. There is a lot of basketball in this book, interesting character development, and a compelling plot.
I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first. A Whole New Ballgame has circulated fairly well, and I think this will go over even better with students. There is a lot of basketball in this book, interesting character development, and a compelling plot.
September 2, 2016
Loved this book! A great book for elementary age kids! This is going to be a great series of books! A terrific sequel to the first book! Really touches on autism in a way kids will understand! Terrific author! Loved the sports theme ! Highly recommended!
March 6, 2016
Love this series. Phil Bildner has crafted a series that has characters that readers can relate to and a classroom we all want to be part of.
August 16, 2016
Can I get a BOO-YAH! for this sequel? BOO-YAH!!
June 27, 2016
A fun story. I won this book through goodreads.
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August 10, 2016i mostly gotten my daughter this book cause i got tired of her reading spongebob joke books and she love's it
January 16, 2019
It was so good I was sad when it was over
March 27, 2017
I want to be in Mr. Acevedo's class.
April 1, 2017
So much heart in this sequel, which also can stand alone. Love the shout outs to other books in the text. Wish the one character's departure wasn't so abrupt, looking forward to part 3, will that character return?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews