Author: Wilfred
Santiago
Bibliographic Info:
Santiago,
Wilfred. (2011). 21: The story of Roberto
Clemente. Seattle: Fantagraphic Books.
Descriptive Summary:
A beautifully illustrated look into one of baseball’s greatest icons, 21 is not a pedestrian and cursory summation of Clemente’s career. Wilfred Santiago looks at the boy who would grow into one of Latin America’s most inspiring heroes and examines Clemente as a whole. From Clemente’s beginnings in Puerto Rico to his World Series win with Pittsburgh’s beloved Bucs to his unforgettable 3,000th hit, 21 looks at every facet of the namesake of Major League Baseball’s humanitarian award.
Evaluative comments with rating:
5/5 TVs – Worth throwing out your TV for.
5/5 TVs – Worth throwing out your TV for.
Santiago’s storytelling blends Clemente’s most historic
public moments with private and personal experiences that did just as much to
shape his humanity and his sense of justice. It’s this full-bodied approach to
Clemente and his journey that conveys to the reader just how important Clemente
was, not only to baseball, but the people of Latin America. 21 is never fully historical or personal
and it moves between the two types of storytelling without too many hiccups –
blending fact and anecdotes. Never pedantic or preachy, 21 mirrors the grace and style that Clemente displayed on and off
the field, coupled with the substance that made him an everlasting legend.
Suggested Audience
(age range): 14+ (for some mildly offensive language)
Readers’ advisory
notes:
Appeal factors: character-driven,
bittersweet, inspirational, richly detailed, moving
Readlikes: The Golem’s Mighty Swing – James Sturm, King – Ho Che Anderson, Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow – James Sturm
Booktalking hook: Read the introduction of the book aloud to teens and show them the illustrations from Clemente’s final game.
Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the subject material, positive online reviews, and a beautiful design.
- One of Library Journal's Best Books 2011: Graphic Novels
- One of Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Novels: 2012 (for 2011 books)
- Finalist for the 2011 CASEY Award for Best Baseball Book from Spitball: The Literary Baseball Magazine
- One of ALA/YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2012
Category: Award-winning, Historical, Graphic
Novel
