(3) 4-6 Rip and Red series. Illustrated by Tim Probert. Fifth grade is ending, and the stakes are higher than ever as Rip and his autistic best friend, Red, form a stealth boycott against the upcoming standardized test. Friendship, graduation, their beloved teacher Mr. Acevedo, and a chance to meet a visiting pro-basketball team are all at risk as lines are drawn. This satisfying fourth book celebrates creativity, inclusion, teamwork, and the power of friendship.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brett Helquist. Theirs certainly was a great rivalry, and Bildner does a credible job of defining its arc and the two competitors' respective strengths. The book assumes a basic knowledge of tennis and its terms, and it indulges a narrative voice that can be distracting ("Martina had this lefty serve that was wicked, wicked"). Acrylic and oil illustrations are both characterful and energetic. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Probert. This third installment (A Whole New Ballgame; Rookie of the Year) introduces Rip's recently resurfaced father, who chaperones the basketball team at a tournament, much to Rip's displeasure. Meanwhile, Rip's autistic best friend, Red, is worried about sleeping away from home, and the team grapples with being seriously outclassed. Bildner has crafted another insightful and energetic story, enhanced by Probert's gray-scale illustrations.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Probert. Fifth grader Rip (A Whole New Ballgame) becomes frustrated by new girl Tiki's constant interrupting, endless stories--and her basketball prowess. When his uncharitable attitude gets him benched, his teammates--especially his autistic best friend, Red--provide much needed support. Bildner and Probert effectively showcase a diverse cast of characters that strengthen the story while maintaining focus on Rip and Red's tight bond.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom Booth. After a nighttime baseball game, Gideon loses his autograph book. He wanders away from his family into the dark recesses of Yankee Stadium, where he finds the groundskeeping equipment, bats, concession food, and more have come alive; the objects ultimately lead him to Derek Jeter (and his autograph book). A thin, slickly illustrated Night at the Museum takeoff tailor-made for young Yankees fans.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Parra. Here's a new tall-tale hero: Cornelius Washington, a sanitation worker in New Orleans pre- and post-Katrina. Washington assumes mythical characteristics as a joyous worker and inspiration of the massive cleanup effort after the hurricane. The rhythmic text adopts a storyteller's voice, while the folk art illustrations support the spirit of the narrative. An author's note and pronunciation guide enrich the presentation.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Probert. When fifth graders Rip and Red get an unconventional new teacher, there are big changes--which for Red, who's on the autism spectrum, spell big anxiety. Narrator Rip's empathy for his friend helps both boys not only adjust but excel in surprising new ways. Bildner's portrayal of an ASD child is sensitive and thoughtful in this entertaining, diversely populated school story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. This picture book for older children packs a lot of sports and political history into forty pages. Set in 1990s South Africa, the story centers on two boys--one black, one white--who finally can play soccer together after the South African multiracial team wins the Africa Cup. The strong mixed-media illustrations reflect the text's emotion and energy. A historical note is appended. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(2) K-3 Illustrated by S. D. Schindler. Two baseball records, both set in the 1941 season, have never been broken: Joe DiMaggio hit safely in fifty-six consecutive games and Ted Williams hit for a .406 average. Bildner, in an easy, matter-of-fact prose style, tells the men's stories in alternating sections. Schindler's ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are perfect for this light, affectionate glimpse of baseball history.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Holyfield. This story is based on the 1932 flight of James Banning and Thomas Allen, the first African Americans to fly across America. Bildner's tale touches on some of the highs and lows of the journey, including the kindness of people they meet along the way. Holyfield's richly hued and well-shaded acrylic paintings show Banning and Allen taking to the skies.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(3) K-3 Illustrated by C. F. Payne. Ethan has watched his family's Thanksgiving Day football game played in ice, mud, and fog. Finally old enough to participate in "Turkey Bowl" himself, Ethan learns that snow has blocked his relatives' arrivals. Undeterred, he rallies the neighborhood kids to compete in "Turkey Bowl Too." Accomplished caricatures of leatherheads in vintage helmets and canvas high-tops add to the nostalgic appeal.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Zachary Pullen. A young football fan and his father watch the exciting 1958 NFL championship game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts. Their team--the Giants--loses, but the pair, mildly caricatured in the art, marvel over the talents of rival quarterback Johnny Unitas. Football fans will be drawn in by the fast pace of the game's narration.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 Illustrated by C. F. Payne. A (fictional) Brooklyn Dodgers fan looks back to the 1951 baseball season, when the Dodgers lost the pennant to the Giants with one crack of Bobby Thompson's bat. The story aims for immediacy but overshoots the mark with its overly folksy voice ("Yep, in that summer of '51, things sure were diff'rent"). Intentionally grainy full-bleed illustrations reinforce the nostalgic feel.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. When the Brooklyn Bridge is completed in 1883, Hannah can't wait to cross it, but her father, and many others, say it isn't safe. Only when she asks P.T. Barnum to march his elephants across the bridge does her father change his mind. Based on an actual event, Hannah's story is told with humor, and the sepia-toned watercolors lend an old-fashioned flavor. Bib.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by C. F. Payne. In this fictionalized account, the success of baseball star Shoeless Joe Jackson is attributed to his famous bat, Black Betsy. The "enhancements" to the facts add little to what could have been an equally dramatic tale based solely on what is known about Jackson, a fascinating and controversial sports personality. The illustrations contribute both drama and emotion to the repetitive text.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin