📖 Overview
Phil Bildner is an American children's book author and former New York City public school teacher known for writing both picture books and middle-grade novels. His work frequently incorporates themes of sports, social justice, and school life.
Bildner's most recognized series includes the Rip & Red books, which follow the friendship between two middle school basketball players, and his picture book collaborations with illustrator Brett Helquist. He has also written several historical fiction picture books, including Marvelous Cornelius and The Hallelujah Flight.
As a former middle school teacher, Bildner regularly visits schools across the country to speak about writing and conducts writing workshops with students. His background in education influences his realistic portrayals of school dynamics and student relationships in his books.
His works have received various honors including selection for numerous state reading lists and recognition from the American Library Association. He continues to write stories that blend sports, humor, and contemporary social themes for young readers.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently rate Phil Bildner's books between 4-4.5 stars across platforms. His children's books receive particular praise for representing diverse characters and addressing social issues in age-appropriate ways.
What readers liked:
- Engaging sports narratives that capture authentic team dynamics
- LGBTQ+ inclusion without making it the central focus
- Accessible vocabulary for middle-grade readers
- Character growth and positive messages about friendship
What readers disliked:
- Some find the dialogue unrealistic
- Plot resolutions can feel rushed
- Secondary characters need more development
Ratings breakdown:
Goodreads: 4.2 average across all titles
Amazon: 4.4 average
"A High Five for Glenn Burke" - 4.5/5 (2,100+ ratings)
"Martina & Chrissie" - 4.3/5 (890+ ratings)
"Rip and Red" series - 4.2/5 (1,500+ ratings)
Multiple teacher reviews note the books' effectiveness for classroom read-alouds and discussion starters about inclusion and bullying.
📚 Books by Phil Bildner
A High Five for Glenn Burke
A middle-grade novel about a sixth-grade baseball player who shares his admiration for Glenn Burke, MLB's first openly gay player, while coming to terms with his own identity.
The Rip and Red Series A series following two best friends navigating basketball, friendship, and fifth grade with their unique teacher Mr. Acevedo.
Marvelous Cornelius A picture book based on the true story of Cornelius Washington, a sanitation worker who kept New Orleans streets clean before and after Hurricane Katrina.
The Hallelujah Flight A picture book recounting the story of James Banning, the first African American pilot to complete a transcontinental flight across the United States.
Twenty-One Elephants A picture book telling the historical account of how P.T. Barnum paraded elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge to prove its stability.
The Shot Heard 'Round the World A picture book depicting Bobby Thomson's famous 1951 home run that won the pennant for the New York Giants.
The Soccer Fence A picture book set in apartheid South Africa about how soccer brings two boys from different backgrounds together.
The Rip and Red Series A series following two best friends navigating basketball, friendship, and fifth grade with their unique teacher Mr. Acevedo.
Marvelous Cornelius A picture book based on the true story of Cornelius Washington, a sanitation worker who kept New Orleans streets clean before and after Hurricane Katrina.
The Hallelujah Flight A picture book recounting the story of James Banning, the first African American pilot to complete a transcontinental flight across the United States.
Twenty-One Elephants A picture book telling the historical account of how P.T. Barnum paraded elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge to prove its stability.
The Shot Heard 'Round the World A picture book depicting Bobby Thomson's famous 1951 home run that won the pennant for the New York Giants.
The Soccer Fence A picture book set in apartheid South Africa about how soccer brings two boys from different backgrounds together.
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Gordon Korman writes about school life and sports with humor while exploring friendship dynamics and personal growth. His extensive catalog includes both standalone novels and series featuring ensemble casts of middle school characters.
Chris Grabenstein combines elements of sports, school life, and mystery in his middle grade fiction. His books feature teams and competitions while incorporating puzzle-solving elements and group dynamics.
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