My New Team

October 27, 2014
Ryan Howard, a first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, and his wife, Krystle, make a fine team of their own in this first book in the Little Rhino series, inspired by Ryan’s childhood. Second-grader Rhino loves baseball and dreams of going pro, but the presence of class bully Dylan on his current team is making his life difficult. Rhino’s devoted grandfather and older brother trot out shopworn advice about ignoring bullies or turning them into friends, but the authors wisely resist an unrealistically tidy ending. Instead, Rhino gradually learns the benefits of being a good friend both to peers who are receptive (like his quiet buddy Cooper) and to those whose attitudes are slow to improve, like Dylan. Readers will find it easy to share in Rhino’s frustrations and triumphs. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7–10.

November 1, 2014

Gr 1-4-In this new chapter book series, third-grader Ryan, who prefers to be called Rhino, loves baseball. He plays catch and practices hitting as often as he can with his grandfather. While at school, he and his best friend, Cooper, join a new lunch table where they also get to talk about dinosaurs. Rhino loves learning facts and then sharing them with his friends. One day Grandpa James signs him up for a little league baseball team, and Rhino couldn't be more excited. Then, he finds out that the meanest boy in his class is on the same team. Dylan takes every opportunity to belittle Rhino at school, in the neighborhood, and at practice. Rhino has some tough decisions to make about how to respond to Dylan and his taunts as he and his teammates prepare for their first practice game. The final satisfying chapters play out Rhino's first exciting game with the Mustangs. The simple black-and-white illustrations support the text. Readers will be anxious for the second installment to see how Rhino's first season plays out and to find out what becomes of him and his bully teammate. A solid purchase for most libraries.-Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TX

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