A new graphic novel to our school collection, but not a really new book. Still, in about 80 pages, the Sturm and Tammaso do a wonderful job of putting the reader right in the middle of baseball in the United States, from the early 1900s to the 1960's, when at 59 years old Leroy "Satchell" Paige was still pitching professionally, then for the Kansas City A's.
Being a big baseball fan, I know that modern day players do not play professionally into their 50s...ever! Few players continue on in the sport at all, as managers or coaches, at that age, but none go that long as a player. And, Paige did this mostly in the Negro Leagues, as they were called then, when Black players were not allowed to play in the White professional leagues. Not only that, they were not allowed to stay in the same hotels, travel on the same trains, eat at the same restaurants, or receive the same pay, all while dealing with often-times overt racism at games. Yet, Satchel Paige, perhaps the greatest man to ever play professional baseball in the United States, was a star - among people of all colors. His is an amazing story and accomplishment!
This graphic novel is short but really well written and drawn. As a baseball fan I can truly appreciate Paige's impact and importance to the game, for players of all races over all time. This book won't take you long but the story itself is worth your time. 5 paws!
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