Monday, February 17, 2025

Call Me Roberto! by Natalie Alonso and Rudy Gutierrez - ESSENTIAL

Call Me Roberto! Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos
by Natalie Alonso, art by Rudy Gutierrez
. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Calkins Creek (Astra/Boyds Mill), 2024 $19. 9781635928112 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Robert Clemente wanted to play baseball. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he always had a bat or a ball in his hands (or something like them). When he was scouted to the major leagues and brought to America, Clemente discovered that even though he was the best player, his race and language worked against him in the States. It was an uphill battle to be recognized for his talent and hard work. 

So many of my middle school students are going to love this! Alonso has included a lot of Spanish (with a glossary) and the translation of a quotation as well, which I'm very glad was included in the end matter rather than on page - it felt like a secret message to his parents. Also includes a bibliography and timeline. Gutierrez illustrations have so much color and movement - Clemente seems to be playing ball right there on the page. I'm so excited to share this with our students. Roberto Clemente is Puerto Rican. 

Lisa Librarian

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