Gr 2–6 The first entry in a series centering celebrated Latinx figures, this biography presents the life of Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in an accessible chapter book format. Born in Puerto Rico in 1934, he was drafted the minor leagues after his high school graduation. Clemente often felt like he didn't fit in as a Black player who spoke Spanish. He suffered early on in his career, navigating Jim Crow laws in the South, encountering prejudiced journalists, coaches, and players who made fun of his accent, and dealing with personal tragedies. But he never stopped giving back—he used his earnings to help his family and aid in humanitarian efforts in Latin American countries. Eventually, he became the first Latinx player selected as the most valuable player in the National League. Tragically, Clemente died at 38 in an airplane crash en route to Nicaragua where he was going in an earthquake relief effort. He was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame only two days after his death and was awarded with the first-ever Presidential Citizens Medal. Each chapter sports two to four of Gutierrez's pencil drawings, adding interest to the narrative and breaking up the text. Quotations open up each chapter, and sidebars offer context through subjects like colorism in Puerto Rico, baseball terms, and historical events. The narrative is arranged thematically instead of chronologically, which might confuse some readers but makes the work more engaging. A sense of warmth and pride radiates through this telling, and even non-sports fans will be drawn in. VERDICT A well-crafted and accessible biography series opener for all young readers' nonfiction shelves.— Shelley M. Diaz

A hagiographic account of the rise, career, and legacy of the first Latine player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.Noting that his life was shaped by "many strong women"-like his hardworking mother, Luisa, who could lift entire beef carcasses with her "powerful shoulders and arms"-the authors characterize their subject as a "strong, passionate kid" who succeeded through relentless dedication to achieving his goals, continued to play at a high level despite injuries, and, to the end of his life in a plane crash (delivering relief supplies to Nicaragua in the wake of an earthquake), never lost either his pride or his concern for the welfare of others. His private life and religious faith receive at best cursory notice and his baseball career little more, but along with the Taíno, Spanish, and African cultural milieu in which he grew up, both the colorism he faced (being relatively dark skinned) in his native Puerto Rico and the racial prejudice he encountered there and while playing in the States both from the media and his teammates receive indignant scrutiny. Gutierrez adds realistically modeled portraits of Clemente in various team uniforms on and off the field or posing with his family and friends. The final chapter of posthumous awards and accolades ends with a challenge to readers: "He moved others to help people and make a difference, to not ‘waste their time on this Earth.' How will you make the most of your time here?"Straight-up hero worship, with highlighted issues of racism adding context to his times and luster to his achievements. (authors' afterwords, online source notes) (Biography. 8-12)