A Whole New Ballgame: Rip and Red
#1 of 4 in Rip and Red Series
What’s inside...
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. They also find themselves with a 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, this is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship.
Character compass
Rip
Red
Mr. Acevedo
Discussion points
How did Rip and Red handle the changes in their school and basketball team? What would you do in a similar situation?
What qualities make Ms. Pointy a unique teacher? How do you think her teaching style affects her students?
Friendship is a key theme in this book. What does this story teach us about making and keeping friends?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork? Can you share an instance when you had to work as a team?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book to make your child feel comfortable expressing their opinions.
Use the discussion to relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s personal experiences at school or in extracurricular activities.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think deeply about the characters' feelings and actions to enhance empathy and understanding.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life values, such as the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and the impact of a supportive teacher.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a classroom with diverse characters, including teachers and students of different backgrounds. The characters learn to accept and celebrate each other's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity in their own classrooms and communities, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Rip and Red learn that working together as a team, both in basketball and in school projects, leads to greater success than working individually.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in sports, school group projects, or family activities, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The characters face many changes, such as a new teacher with unconventional methods. They learn to adapt and thrive in this new environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be adaptable and open to changes in their own lives, whether it's adjusting to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Respecting Authority
Explanation: Students in the book learn to respect their teacher, Mr. Acevedo, despite his unconventional teaching methods, recognizing that authority figures often have their best interests at heart.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting teachers, parents, and other authority figures, understanding that rules and guidance are often designed to help them grow.
Example Lesson: Building Self-confidence
Explanation: Through basketball and classroom achievements, Rip and Red build their self-confidence, which helps them face other challenges in the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn that developing skills and achieving goals, whether in academics or extracurricular activities, can boost their self-esteem and empower them to take on new challenges.