From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. Part of the Latino Biography Library, which now boasts full-color interiors, this thorough account of the major leagues' first Puerto Rican superstar highlights the player's extraordinary talent and humanitarian drive as well as his less-admirable hot temper and often cocky demeanor. Areas of Ford's study could have used a bit more attention: the frequent disconnect between the main text and adjacent pull-quotes and photos is distracting, and Ford seems to assume that young readers know that Latinos of African descent are common in Puerto Rico. This isn't necessarily the case, and Clemente's surprise and fury over widespread U.S. prejudice--and solidarity with African American baseball players--is recounted without much illuminating context. But the basic arc of Clemente's biography, particularly his tragic death, ensures an exciting read, with special appeal for sports fans, who won't mind the occasional torrents of nitpicky stats. A time line, endnotes, and additional book and Web resources conclude. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
