Books by Phil Bildner
Rookie of the Year (Rip and Red, 2)
by Phil Bildner
Fifth grade is turned upside for two best friends when a spunky new student joins their class in this illustrated middle grade novel―the second book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.
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, who has autism, 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.
With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, Rookie of the Year is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.
Don’t miss any of Rip and Red’s adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players
Copies
No copies available.
Rookie of the Year (Rip and Red, 2)
by Phil Bildner
Fifth grade is turned upside for two best friends when a spunky new student joins their class in this illustrated middle grade novel―the second book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.
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, who has autism, 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.
With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, Rookie of the Year is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.
Don’t miss any of Rip and Red’s adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players
Copies
No copies available.
A Whole New Ballgame: A Rip and Red Book (Rip and Red, 1)
by Phil Bildner
Fifth grade is one wild ride in this illustrated middle grade novel about two best friends―the first book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.
Rip and Red are best friends whose fifth-grade year is nothing like what they expected. They have an eccentric 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. And guess who's also their 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 an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, A Whole New Ballgame is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.
Don’t miss any of Rip and Red’s adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players
Copies
No copies available.
Most Valuable Players: A Rip & Red Book (Rip and Red, 4)
by Phil Bildner
In the fourth book of the Rip and Red series, the two boys have one last basketball thrill ride before the end of fifth grade.
It’s fifth-grade graduation time for Rip and Red, and this year’s festivities are going to be extra special because Reese Jones Elementary is also celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. As part of the gala, Hoops Machine, the exhibition basketball team, is paying a visit, and Rip may be playing a surprise role. But he and his friends need to finish their schoolwork first, which includes taking a newly required standardized test. However, when the students of Room 208 begin to question the need to take the test, a mini opt-out movement gains momentum. When the administration gets wind of this rebellion in Mr. Acevedo’s class, Hoops Machine, middle-school basketball tryouts, and walking at the graduation ceremony are in jeopardy. So is Mr. A’s job. But luckily for Rip, Red, their classmates, and their teacher, when you stand up for what you believe in, the people you’ve touched along the way rally to your corner.
Most Valuable Players is the fourth book in the Rip & Red series, written by Phil Bildner with illustrations by Tim Probert.
Copies
No copies available.
Most Valuable Players: A Rip & Red Book (Rip and Red, 4)
by Phil Bildner
Fifth grade comes to a buzzer beater worthy end for two best friends in this illustrated middle grade novel―the fourth and final book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.
It’s fifth-grade graduation time for Rip and Red, and as part of the celebration, an exhibition basketball team is paying a visit. There are other surprises in store, but before the boys and their classmates can participate, they need to finish their schoolwork, which includes taking a newly required standardized test. As the students of Room 208 begin to question the need to take the test, a mini opt-out campaign gains momentum, putting all sorts of things in jeopardy for the kids and their teacher Mr. Acevedo. But luckily for Rip, Red, and their friends, when you stand up for what you believe in, the people you’ve touched along the way will rally to your corner―in ways that will surprise you.
With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, Most Valuable Players is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.
Don’t miss any of Rip and Red’s adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players
Copies
No copies available.
The Soccer Fence: A story of friendship, hope, and apartheid in South Africa
by Phil Bildner
In a country struggling with acceptance, hope can come in many different forms.
As a boy, Hector loved playing soccer in his small Johannesburg township. He dreamed of playing on a real pitch with the boys from another part of the city, but apartheid made that impossible. Then, in 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and apartheid began to crumble. The march toward freedom in South Africa was a slow one, but when the beloved Bafana Bafana national soccer team won the African Cup of Nations, Hector realized that dreams once impossible could now come true.
This poignant story of friendship artfully depicts a brief but critical moment in South Africa’s history and the unique role that sports can play in bringing people together.
Copies
No copies available.
The Hallelujah Flight
by Phil Bildner
The extraordinary story of James Banning, the first African-American pilot to fly across country
During the Great Depression, the ace black pilot James Banning decided to fly from coast to coast to serve as an inspiration to people everywhere. So with a little ingenuity and a whole lot of heart, he fixed up the dilapidated OXX6 Eagle Rock plane with his co-pilot and mechanic, Thomas Allen, earning them the derisive nickname, “The Flying Hobos.” But with the help of friends and family along the way who signed their names on the wings of the plane in exchange for food, fuel and supplies, Banning and Allen made it through treacherous weather and overcame ruthless prejudice to receive a heroes’ welcome upon landing in New York on October 9, 1932.
This exceptional story of determination and pride, shown through John Holyfield’s energetic flight scenes and sweeping landscapes, will put you in the cockpit right alongside Banning and Allen as they complete the journey of a lifetime.
Copies
No copies available.
The Greatest Game Ever Played
by Phil Bildner
When their beloved baseball team, the New York Giants, moves to California, Sam and Pop switch their loyalties to the other New York Giants and attend their championship game with the Baltimore Colts. Includes historical note.
Copies
No copies available.
The Greatest Game Ever Played
by Phil Bildner
The heartwarming story of an estranged father and son brought together by the 1958 NFL championship game, known in football history as the Greatest Game Ever Played.
The 1958 NFL championship game is known to football fans as the "Greatest Game Ever Played." Featuring gridiron legends like Johnny Unitas, Frank Gifford, and Vince Lombardi, the Game marked the beginning of America’s infatuation with professional football.
Now, Phil Bildner tells a heartwarming father-and-son story against the backdrop of this historic moment.When the New York Giants baseball team moves to San Francisco, young Sam discovers the other New York Giants—the football Giants. He convinces his skeptical Pop to come with him to the Game, and as Johnny Unitas engineers Baltimore’s legendary comeback, Sam and Pop rediscover the joy of rooting on their heroes together.
"A great book for fathers to share with their kids."—Children's Literature
Copies
No copies available.
The Unforgettable Season: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and the Record-Setting Summer of1941
by Phil Bildner
At the start of the 1941 baseball season, neither Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees nor Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox were beloved by baseball fans. But that all changed when Joe started a 56-game hitting streak and Ted's batting average rose to over .400. Despite numerous challenges along the way-Joe had his bat stolen by an overeager fan and Ted's batting average dipped to .3995 on the last day of the season-the records set by "Joltin' Joe" and "The Splendid Splinter" have yet to be broken.
New York Times bestselling author of the Sluggers series (with Loren Long), Phil Bildner has written an accessible tribute to two of baseball's greatest heroes. Packed with fun facts and statistics for eager fans to pore over, this book is sure to be a home run!
Copies
No copies available.
Turkey Bowl
by Phil Bildner
It's Thanksgiving, and that means it's time for...football!
Ethan has waited his whole nine-year-old life to be old enough to play in the annual family Turkey Bowl football game. This is his year. He wakes up Thanksgiving Day, dresses in all of his football finest, and runs downstairs to greet the team -- his whole family.
But the kitchen isn't full of aunts and cousins and uncles -- a blizzard has snowed them out. And it looks like the Turkey Bowl just isn't meant to be this year. After all, who could play football in a blizzard?
Ethan, that's who!
Copies
No copies available.
Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports
by Phil Bildner
A fascinating dual biography of tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert celebrates the power of equality, respect, and sportsmanship.
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert come from completely different places and play tennis in completely different ways. Chrissie is the all-American girl: practiced, poised, with perfect technique. Martina hails from Czechoslovakia, a Communist country, and her game is ruled by emotion. Everything about them is different, except one thing: they both want to be the best. But as their intense rivalry grows, something else begins to swing into place, and a friendship forms that will outlast all their tennis victories. Phil Bildner and Brett Helquist tell the engaging true story of these two masters of the court as they win title after title — and, most importantly, the hearts of the fans.
Copies
No copies available.
Tournament of Champions (Rip and Red, 3)
by Phil Bildner
Fifth grade is a game changer for two best friends in this illustrated middle grade novel―the third book in the funny and engaging Rip and Red series.
It's spring of their fifth-grade year and Rip and Red have a thrilling opportunity to participate in a weekend basketball tournament with a few other members of the Clifton United team. While the tournament is only a short bus ride away, the boys will travel outside their comfort zones. Ultra-competitive Rip must play on a team with kids he doesn't like. But he faces an even bigger hurdle when someone from his past returns―someone who could derail the entire weekend. As for Red, who has autism, he's never traveled anywhere without his mother. Will he go on the trip? Fortunately for both best friends, the team has an unlikely and inspiring new addition who helps everyone discover the true meaning of the word champion.
With an energetic and authentic story from author Phil Bildner and dynamic black-and-white illustrations from Tim Probert, Tournament of Champions is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an array of kid-friendly discussable topics, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and in-class or independent reading.
Don’t miss any of Rip and Red’s adventures for elementary and middle school readers ages 8-12:
● A Whole New Ballgame
● Rookie of the Year
● Tournament of Champions
● Most Valuable Players
Copies
No copies available.
Home of the Brave (6) (Sluggers)
After the rousing success in New Orleans, the Paynes face yet another crushing defeat when the Chancellor’s thugs finally steal the baseball—and kill their uncle in the process. Faced with a second funeral in as many months, Griffith, Ruby, and Graham are determined to beat the Chancellor at his own game and save their family as well as the game of baseball. Pulling into their hometown of Baltimore, the Paynes are reunited with a familiar face, and the Travelin’ Nine are tested on the field once again. Can they win without the help of their baseball? Prepare for fireworks in this final inning to the grand slam series, Sluggers!
Copies
No copies available.
Barnstormers: Game 2 - The River City
by Phil Bildner
The year is 1899, and the Travelin' Nine are crisscrossing the good ol' U.S. of A., raising money to pay off the Payne family's big-league debt!
As the team heads into the River City, Griffith is beginning to realize that there's more at risk than meets the eye, something beyond the need to raise money -- something involving the ball that could put his entire family in danger.
Ruby is eager to help solve the mystery of the ball and plans on keeping her eyes and ears wide open and writing everything down. She knows the answer is out there. All she has to do is see the things that others don't. And figure out what those things mean.
Then there's Graham, who usually only thinks about how to get more time on the baseball field. Even he's beginning to notice that there are strange and shady characters at just about every turn.
Finally there's the Chancellor, one of the wealthiest and greediest businessmen in the entire world. And it looks like he's got his eye on the ball!
Copies
No copies available.
Game 1 (Barnstormers)
by Phil Bildner
Griffith, Graham, and Ruby's father passed away in the war. And now they must join their mother and their father's wartime traveling baseball team, The Travelin' Nine, on a tour of America to raise money. No one will tell the kids why the team needs money so badly. Their only clue is a baseball with a hole the size of an acorn in it that their Uncle Owen gave to them the night of their father's funeral. They know very little about its significance except that their father made it with his own two hands and carried it with him throughout the war. And when all three kids hold the ball, strange things begin to happen...
Copies
No copies available.
Barnstormers: Game 3
by Phil Bildner
PREGAME RECAP
As the Travelin' Nine head to Chicago, the team is filled with hope and optimism. After a disappointing loss in Cincinnati at the start of their baseball tour, the heroes of the Spanish-American War bounced back in Louisville. Doc and Woody came through with timely fielding, Crazy Feet and Tales smacked clutch hits, and champion horses provided that extra kick, helping the barnstormers to their come-from-behind victory.
By the end of the thrilling contest, there was no doubt in the minds of Griffith, Ruby, and Graham that the baseball their Uncle Owen had given to them on the night of their father's funeral was magical.
Indeed, the mysteries surrounding their baseball, which their uncle had urged them to keep secret, were deepening. And as excited as they were by the barnstormers' win, the Payne siblings' fears and worries continued to grow. Uncle Owen's tattered, bloody letter had warned them about the Chancellor. What's more, they'd seen the Chancellor's men lurking at the Louisville game. Griffith and Ruby now realized that their adventure was about far more than raising money to pay off a family debt. But what exactly was it about?
After the Louisville match, Griffith confronted his mother. She denied that the Chancellor could be involved, but she promised to answer all of Griffith's questions on the train to Chicago...
Copies
No copies available.
Magic in the Outfield (Sluggers #1)
Griffith, Graham, and Ruby's father passed away in the war. And now they must join their mother and their father's wartime traveling baseball team, The Travelin' Nine, on a tour of America to raise money. No one will tell the kids why the team needs money so badly. Their only clue is a baseball with a hole the size of an acorn in it that their Uncle Owen gave to them the night of their father's funeral. They know very little about its significance except that their father made it with his own two hands and carried it with him throughout the war. And when all three kids hold the ball, strange things begin to happen...
Copies
No copies available.
Horsin' Around (2) (Sluggers)
The year is 1899, and the Travelin' Nine are crisscrossing the good ol' U.S. of A., raising money to pay off the Payne family's big-league debt!
As the team heads into the River City, Griffith is beginning to realize that there's more at risk than meets the eye, something beyond the need to raise money -- something involving the ball that could put his entire family in danger.
Ruby is eager to help solve the mystery of the ball and plans on keeping her eyes and ears wide open and writing everything down. She knows the answer is out there. All she has to do is see the things that others don't. And figure out what those things mean.
Then there's Graham, who usually only thinks about how to get more time on the baseball field. Even he's beginning to notice that there are strange and shady characters at just about every turn.
Finally there's the Chancellor, one of the wealthiest and greediest businessmen in the entire world. And it looks like he's got his eye on the ball!
Copies
No copies available.
Blastin' the Blues (5) (Sluggers)
After jumping off the train to St. Louis, Griffith, Woody, and Dog find their way back to the Travelin’ Nine. Meanwhile, the rest of the team prepares for the next game—but before they can even get warmed up, the game is cancelled. Still fearing they are being followed and even more worried they have a traitor in their midst, the team travels to New Orleans, where the magic of their ball and the music of the city create one memorable game. But like always, trouble is right around the corner and the hits keep on coming for the Payne family and all of the Travelin’ Nine!
Copies
No copies available.
Water, Water Everywhere (Sluggers)
In over their heads?
THE YEAR IS 1899, and the Travelin' Nine are barnstorming their way across the good ol' U.S. of A., trying to raise money to pay off the Payne family's big-league debt.
Griffith has a run-in with the Chancellor and learns that the baseball isn't the only item the infamous industrialist is after. Even more mysteriously, the Chancellor claims to have something that the Paynes want.
And Ruby. Where in the world has she vanished to? Does her disappearance have anything to do with the Chancellor's threats? Or is there some other plan in play?
And finally, Graham makes a heartfelt birthday wish and somehow gets exactly what he asks for. But questions still remain: Was it real? Can it possibly be true? Or is it all just a dream?
If they don't watch out, Griffith, Ruby, Graham, and the Travelin' Nine may find themselves in deep water in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Copies
No copies available.
Water, Water Everywhere (Sluggers)
In over their heads?
THE YEAR IS 1899, and the Travelin' Nine are barnstorming their way across the good ol' U.S. of A., trying to raise money to pay off the Payne family's big-league debt.
Griffith has a run-in with the Chancellor and learns that the baseball isn't the only item the infamous industrialist is after. Even more mysteriously, the Chancellor claims to have something that the Paynes want.
And Ruby. Where in the world has she vanished to? Does her disappearance have anything to do with the Chancellor's threats? Or is there some other plan in play?
And finally, Graham makes a heartfelt birthday wish and somehow gets exactly what he asks for. But questions still remain: Was it real? Can it possibly be true? Or is it all just a dream?
If they don't watch out, Griffith, Ruby, Graham, and the Travelin' Nine may find themselves in deep water in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Copies
No copies available.
Great Balls of Fire (Sluggers #3)
Where there's smoke...
The year is 1899 and the Travelin' Nine are barnstorming their way across the good ol' U. S. of A., trying to raise money to pay off the Payne family's big-league debt.
Pulling into Chicago, Griffith has a run-in with an enormous thug and is more convinced than ever that the nefarious robber baron called "The Chancellor" knows about their magic baseball.
Ruby also has an encounter with a mysterious stranger, and even though she doesn't know why, she knows that he will change the Travelin' Nine.
And Graham launches a towering shot out of the park when he thinks no one is looking. Unfortunately, the wrong eyes may have seen what the youngest Payne can do with a baseball.
Chicago is a hot town, so the Paynes better keep their cool. The Travelin' Nine still have more money to make!
#1 New York Times bestseller Loren Long and Texas Bluebonnet winner Phil Bildner create a memorable modern-day parable where three siblings embark on the adventure of a lifetime and discover the strength in family, the power of faith, and the true magic of baseball.
New York Times bestselling series!
Copies
No copies available.
Derek Jeter Presents Night at the Stadium (Jeter Publishing)
by Phil Bildner
A baseball stadium comes to life in this magical picture book brought to you by legendary sports icon and role model Derek Jeter.
Seven-year-old Gideon is overjoyed to be at Yankee Stadium watching his favorite team win! And when the game is over, he’s going to get an autograph from his favorite player. However, Gideon gets separated from his family and then he tumbles into a secret part of the stadium. There he discovers a magical world where everything from the rakes and the hoses to the bats and balls to the food to the monuments in Monument Park has a story to tell. But can Gideon finally find his family and get the autograph he really wants?
An enchanting combination of Night at the Museum and Alice in Wonderland—with a little bit of Field of Dreams thrown in for good measure!—this book captures the excitement, wonder, and magic of your first trip to the ballpark!
Copies
No copies available.
Martina and Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports
by Phil Bildner
A fascinating dual biography of tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert celebrates the power of equality, respect, and sportsmanship.
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert come from completely different places and play tennis in completely different ways. Chrissie is the all-American girl: practiced, poised, with perfect technique. Martina hails from Czechoslovakia, a Communist country, and her game is ruled by emotion. Everything about them is different, except one thing: they both want to be the best. But as their intense rivalry grows, something else begins to swing into place, and a friendship forms that will outlast all their tennis victories. Phil Bildner and Brett Helquist tell the engaging true story of these two masters of the court as they win title after title — and, most importantly, the hearts of the fans.
Copies
No copies available.
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans
by Phil Bildner
In New Orleans, there lived a man who saw the streets as his calling, and he swept them clean. He danced up one avenue and down another and everyone danced along. The old ladies whistled and whirled. The old men hooted and hollered. The barbers, bead twirlers, and beignet bakers bounded behind that one-man parade. But then came the rising Mississippi—and a storm greater than anyone had seen before. In this heartwarming book about a real garbage man, Phil Bildner and John Parra tell the inspiring story of a humble man and the heroic difference he made in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Copies
No copies available.