New Releases by Phil Bildner

An inspiring picture book biography about Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, and the story of how he created the world’s most recognizable handshake, the high five. Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Glenn Burke could do it all—hit, throw, run, field. He was the heart of the clubhouse who energized his teammates with his enthusiasm and love for the game. It was that energy that led Glenn to invent the high five one October day back in 1977—a spontaneous gesture after a home run that has since evolved into our universal celebratory greeting. But despite creating this joyful symbol, Glenn Burke, a gay Black man, wasn’t always given support and shown acceptance in return. From acclaimed author Phil Bildner, with illustrations from Daniel J. O''Brien, this moving picture book biography recognizes the challenges Burke faced while celebrating how his bravery and his now-famous handshake helped pave the way for others to live openly and free.

A 2021 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020 A 2021 ALA Rainbow Book A Bank Street Best Book of 2021 A heartfelt and relatable novel from Phil Bildner, weaving the real history of Los Angeles Dodger and Oakland Athletic Glenn Burke--the first professional baseball player to come out as gay--into the story of a middle-school kid learning to be himself. When sixth grader Silas Wade does a school presentation on former Major Leaguer Glenn Burke, it’s more than just a report about the irrepressible inventor of the high five. Burke was a gay baseball player in the 1970s—and for Silas, the presentation is his own first baby step toward revealing a truth about himself he''s tired of hiding. Soon he tells his best friend, Zoey, but the longer he keeps his secret from his baseball teammates, the more he suspects they know something’s up—especially when he stages one big cover-up with terrible consequences. A High Five for Glenn Burke is Phil Bildner’s most personal novel yet—a powerful story about the challenge of being true to yourself, especially when not everyone feels you belong on the field.

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.

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

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

Traces the friendship and rivalry of tennis stars Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.

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

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!

A school, sports, and friendship story perfect for fans of Mike Lupica''s Comeback Kids.

A man known as the "Trashcan Wizard" sings and dances his way through the French Quarter in New Orleans, keeping his beloved city clean, until Hurricane Katrina''s devastation nearly causes him to lose his spirit.

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.

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!

The Paynes are down at the bottom of their last inning, but are they out? The final book in Loren Long and Phil Bildner''s Sluggers!

The Travelin'' Nine are headed to St. Louis and New Orleans as they continue to raise money to pay off their big league debt!

The Travelin'' Nine are in trouble. No only have they missed their train to Minneapolis, but the team has lot its pitcher and no one except Ruby is happy about the replacement. Illustrations.

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.

In 1899, the trip to Chicago for Griffith, Ruby, and Graham becomes an adventure in itself after they realize their Uncle Owen has gone missing and the Chancellor has set his sights on the money the Travelin'' Nine have been trying to raise.

In the late 1800s, a baseball with strange powers belonging to their late father works wonders for three children and a travelling baseball team which must raise $10,000.

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!

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!

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...

Step right up, ladies & gents. Believe the unbelievable & dream the impossible because Hannah, the little girl with big dreams, is coming your way. Come & see for yourself her bold acts of bravery, her courageous conviction as she proves to the world that the Brooklyn Bridge is safe to cross. But she can¿t do it alone. P.T. Barnum & his parade of 21 elephants provide a spectacular show that will save the day! Impossible, you say? Then you¿ll have to look inside. You won¿t want to miss this, the greatest show on earth. A wonderful book for ages 4-8 with color illustrations that evoke the era of 1880s New York City. Reinforced binding.

Learning about Griffith''s strange conversation with Uncle Owen, Ruby begins to tie it to the clues of the unsolved mystery in Cincinnati, becoming curious about the arrival of a suspicious train while playing their latest game in Kentucky.

An invaluable Bible Atlas for the Bible reader and student, with 79 original, full-colour maps of Bible lands. Maps are carefully annotated to show the routes of the great travellers such as Abraham, Moses and Paul; major battles, migrations and invasions; and include explanatory captions detailing the significance of each noted location. Richly illustrated in full-colour throughout e" with photographs, charts and diagrams e" the text clearly chronicles the story of God''s people from the call of Abraham to the early spread of the Christian church.

In the late 1800s, a baseball with strange powers belonging to their late father works wonders for three children and a travelling baseball team which must raise $10,000.

This inspirational picture book is based on the true story of Shoeless Joe Jackson and his bat, two of the greatest players in baseball history. Some say Shoeless Joe Jackson was the greatest hitter ever. But Shoeless Joe had a partner: his bat, Black Betsy. And if not for the faithful Black Betsy, Joe might never even have made it to the major leagues.

Darcy Miller wants to play for the boys'' high school baseball team, but in just a few short months, Darcy goes from typical high school senior to a trash-talk-show candidate as the ridiculous meets the sublime in this debut novel.

Bildner tells a heartwarming father-and-son story against the backdrop of the"Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 NFL championship. Full color. 11x 8 1/2.

More than just a story about baseball, this is a sweeping view of life in Brooklyn in the summer of 1951, from its streets, to its Cyclone, to its stadium.