When Rip and Red—who is on the autism spectrum—get a new teacher and basketball coach, they’re thrown off their game. But thanks to their friendship, the year turns out to be a slam dunk.
A Whole New Ballgame
Discuss the Book
First-Day Surprises
Pages 1–59
- Important Moment: On the first day of fifth grade, Rip and Red face a bunch of surprises—a new teacher and basketball coach, and playing in a co-ed county league instead of a school league.
- Ask and Share: What surprises do Rip and Red deal with on their first day of fifth grade? How would you handle these surprises if they happened to you?
Project Partners
Pages 60–120
- Important Moment: Rip is angry that Mr. Acevedo paired him with Avery—whom he thinks isn’t nice—for the class project. Rip’s mom thinks that Mr. Acevedo did it because Rip is good at bringing out the best in people.
- Ask and Share: Why is Rip angry at Mr. Acevedo about the class project? What is Mom’s opinion? Have you ever been upset with a teacher? What happened?
Dirty Wheels
Pages 121–179
- Important Moment: Rip connects with Avery by asking about nasty things she’s run over with her wheelchair. This list becomes their class project!
- Ask and Share: How does Rip finally connect with Avery? When you want to connect with someone, what are some methods you can try?
Red for the Win
Pages 180–239
- Important Moment: Millwood’s Coach Crazy chooses Red to make the free throw, not knowing that Red is a free-throw machine. Red makes both shots and wins the game.
- Ask and Share: What does Red do during the rematch game against Millwood? How would you feel if you were Red? Has your team or your friends ever needed you? How could you be there for them?