Rip and Red
Rip and Red is a middle-grade children's book series written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Tim Probert, and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The series consists of four books: A Whole New Ball Game, Rookie of the Year, Tournament of Champions, and Most Valuable Players. All four books are Junior Library Guild selections.
The title characters are fifth-grade students Mason "Rip" Irving and his best friend, Blake "Red" Daniels; Rip is an African American who loves playing basketball, while Red is autistic and a great free-throw shooter.
''A Whole New Ball Game'' (2015)
A Whole New Ballgame was published August 18, 2015.School Library Journal called the book "ure fun with a lot of heart." Kirkus Reviews noted that the "artoony illustrations lend energy and personality to the likable cast of characters," making it a "school story with heart." Publishers Weekly and the Children’s Book Council also proffered positive reviews.
| Year | Accolade | Result | Ref. |
| N/A | Junior Library Guild | Selection | |
| 2015 | Cybils Awards for Middle Grade Fiction | Nominee | |
| 2016 | Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 3–5 | Selection | |
| 2016-2017 | Maine Student Book Award | Nominee | |
| 2017 | Rhode Island Children's Book Award | Nominee | |
| 2017-2018 | Virginia Readers Choice | Nominee | |
| 2017-2018 | Sunshine State Young Readers Award | Nominee | |
| 2018 | Nutmeg Book Award Intermediate | Nominee | |
| 2018-2019 | Oregon Battle of the Books | Nominee |
''Rookie of the Year'' (2016)
Rookie of the Year was published July 12, 2016.Both Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal lauded Bildner's characters in Rookie of the Year.
| Year | Accolade | Result | Ref. |
| N/A | Junior Library Guild | Selection | |
| 2017 | Center for Children's Books Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 6–8 | Selection | |
| 2018-2019 | Young Hoosier Book Award | Nominee |