Whole New Ballgame

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

Rip and Red are fifth graders sure of what they will encounter as they begin school in the fall. As soon as they enter the classroom they realize things have changed. A new teacher greets them at the door and as the new basketball coach Mr. Acevedo brings even more change into Mason Irving's (Rip) and Blake Daniel's (Red) lives. Best friends, new friends, and how to deal with change for all is well portrayed through this diverse cast of characters. For a class assignment, one student, Avery, shares her perspective on gross things by enumerating the items her wheelchair wheels have picked up. The stress of standardized "teaching to the test" and parental involvement is well handled. Compromise is needed for both adults and children and well presented. This would be a solid read for anyone who enjoys school related stories.

Overall Book Score: good