readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
What stuck to me as a teacher was Mr. Acevedo's teaching style. Readers Workshop. Writers Workshop. Preview stacks. Read Alouds.
What will stick to young readers is the basketball parts. The parts that show the friendship between Rip and Red. The Nasty inquiry project the teacher assigns.
I cannot wait to share this book with readers next fall. Be sure to put this book on your August purchase list!
What will stick to young readers is the basketball parts. The parts that show the friendship between Rip and Red. The Nasty inquiry project the teacher assigns.
I cannot wait to share this book with readers next fall. Be sure to put this book on your August purchase list!
jspence's review against another edition
2.0
Surpassed my expectations! A fun lower/middle grade story about 2 friends (1 on the autism spectrum), a classroom of very different students and an unusual teacher.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Fifth grade starts much differently than Rip and Red had expected. They have a new teacher, Mr. Acevedo, who does things his own way, and their classroom set up is like nothing they have seen before. Plus the fifth grade basketball program, which both boys have been looking forward to is now structured differently as well. But change isn't necessarily bad, as they learn through a series of new projects and experiences. This is a fun book to start off the school year, especially for basketball lovers. (Note: There is a heavy anti-testing bias.) Recommended for grades 3-5.
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
lzinser's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tcbueti's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this did a great, natural job of weaving together lots of threads--ASD best friend, basketball action, classmate in a wheelchair, standardized testing debate/school budgets AND an African American protagonist--with humor and GREAT basketball action.
Rip and Red have their routines, just as friends, and also because Red functions better without too many surprises. So having a new teachers, and Red's aide not coming around as much, and especially the change in the basketball program (playing other schools) could be disastrous. But with Rip's help, everyone figures out a way to help Red be part of the team--and he even helps win a game with his free-throw chops. With lots of practice and game play-by-play (one of Rip's talents) basketball and teamwork are front & center here.
Classroom changes need tweaking, too, but Mr Acevedo, the tattooed and pierced, no worksheets, teacher theater timing, bathtub reading space, Spanish wisdom sharing new teacher and basketball coach is flexible and kind. Rip helps here, too. while also working with a prickly classmate in a wheelchair. His "Nasty" project with her ends up normalizing her experience for the whole class--what's the worst things she rolls through?
So sometimes things that seem impossible aren't, and taking chances can pay off. People can surprise you. Funny, sporty and wise. Illustrated by Tim Probert, who also did PICKLE (which kids often ask about, as in : "Do you have more like PICKLE?"
Rip and Red have their routines, just as friends, and also because Red functions better without too many surprises. So having a new teachers, and Red's aide not coming around as much, and especially the change in the basketball program (playing other schools) could be disastrous. But with Rip's help, everyone figures out a way to help Red be part of the team--and he even helps win a game with his free-throw chops. With lots of practice and game play-by-play (one of Rip's talents) basketball and teamwork are front & center here.
Classroom changes need tweaking, too, but Mr Acevedo, the tattooed and pierced, no worksheets, teacher theater timing, bathtub reading space, Spanish wisdom sharing new teacher and basketball coach is flexible and kind. Rip helps here, too. while also working with a prickly classmate in a wheelchair. His "Nasty" project with her ends up normalizing her experience for the whole class--what's the worst things she rolls through?
So sometimes things that seem impossible aren't, and taking chances can pay off. People can surprise you. Funny, sporty and wise. Illustrated by Tim Probert, who also did PICKLE (which kids often ask about, as in : "Do you have more like PICKLE?"
jbrooxd's review against another edition
5.0
Diverse cast of great kids. Awesome, inspiring teacher. Basketball. Loved this!
readingyk's review against another edition
4.0
4.5* I love rip and red they are just so sweet and so wholesome. this book was just over all in general a great read and I can’t wait to read the second book!!
thebrainlair's review against another edition
4.0
3.5. Would pair well with School Story by Andrew Clements. Could lead to discussion of what students think we should use in place of testing.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book -- from the unconventional teaching style to the caring friendship between Rip and Red, to the nonstop basketball action, to the casual and realistic diversity. Funny, interesting, non-stop, heartwarming. Awesome.