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Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates
A moving, exquisitely illustrated picture book biography of Roberto Clemente, legendary Latino baseball player, pioneer, and humanitarian.
On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until—eventually—he made it to the Major Leagues. As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents—and even tougher racism—but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, "The Great One." He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit three-thousand hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary—he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until—eventually—he made it to the Major Leagues. As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents—and even tougher racism—but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, "The Great One." He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit three-thousand hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary—he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2005
22 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Jonah Winter
65 books83 followersJonah Winter is the celebrated author of many picture book biographies, including Barack, which was a New York Times bestseller. His books include Here Comes the Garbage Barge, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, and more. A poet and a painter, Mr. Winter divides his time between Santa Fe and a small town in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 12, 2010
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates tells the story of Roberto Clemente from his poor upbringing in Puerto Rico to being arguably the best all-around baseball player of his time. Skimming over his childhood, Winters describes Clemente’s career in Pittsburgh as one of great success, winning the World Series twice, but also of a battle of trying to garner respect from the media and from baseball fans across America. People criticized him for being lazy and made fun of his accent until 1971, when the World Series was nationally televised and people could see his talent. Unfortunately, just one year later, after the 1972 season (after he hit his 3,000th hit), he was on his way back to Puerto Rico to help with earthquake victims when his plane crashed and he died.
Winter’s book is extremely powerful. Anyone who doesn’t know the ending to Clemente’s life will be stunned to hear such a tragic ending for such a heroic man. The illustrations by Raul Colon are a highlight of this book. The black and white illustrations that are woven between beautifully drawn colored pictures look like action shots from a newspaper, which adds a bit of drama to the story. Winters did not waste his time being verbose, which in this case works well, as his words are chosen carefully and purposefully. My only critique is, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about his childhood in Puerto Rico and how he was able to make the jump to the major leagues.
This book would work well for 2nd grade through about 4th or 5th grade. There are many ways to use this book in the classroom. It could be used in a biography/ important person unit. There is a lot written about baseball – including We Are the Ship, by Kadir Nelson – that I would consider doing a unit on race and discrimination in baseball for older students. Of course, this could also be an introduction into a thorough study of Roberto Clemente or a unit on Latino history in America.
Winter’s book is extremely powerful. Anyone who doesn’t know the ending to Clemente’s life will be stunned to hear such a tragic ending for such a heroic man. The illustrations by Raul Colon are a highlight of this book. The black and white illustrations that are woven between beautifully drawn colored pictures look like action shots from a newspaper, which adds a bit of drama to the story. Winters did not waste his time being verbose, which in this case works well, as his words are chosen carefully and purposefully. My only critique is, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about his childhood in Puerto Rico and how he was able to make the jump to the major leagues.
This book would work well for 2nd grade through about 4th or 5th grade. There are many ways to use this book in the classroom. It could be used in a biography/ important person unit. There is a lot written about baseball – including We Are the Ship, by Kadir Nelson – that I would consider doing a unit on race and discrimination in baseball for older students. Of course, this could also be an introduction into a thorough study of Roberto Clemente or a unit on Latino history in America.
September 17, 2019
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a children's picture book written by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Raúl Colón. It chronicles the story of Roberto Clemente, a baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming both the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be enshrined.
Winter's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It skips much of Clemente’s childhood life dedicating a couple of pages to his humble beginnings and then jumps to his baseball career. It’s an uneven biography and seemingly skips a lot of his baseball career. Colón's watercolor, colored pencils and litho pencils illustration is a tad inconsistent, juxtaposing evocative, richly textured and warmly hued paintings with less successful pen-and-inks.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The opening spreads introduce Roberto as a child in Puerto Rico, with very little and fashioned a bat from a guava tree branch and a glove from a coffee-bean sack. The narrative quickly moves to Pittsburgh where Clemente played for the Pirates, and his finesse on the field helped this last-place team go on to win the World Series his first season there and other baseball milestones. Clemente's story ends tragically when his plane crashed as he headed to Central America to aid earthquake victims there.
All in all, Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a wonderful cursory biography, albeit a tad uneven, about one of the greatest baseball players who just happens to be from Puerto Rico – Roberto Clemente.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming both the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be enshrined.
Winter's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It skips much of Clemente’s childhood life dedicating a couple of pages to his humble beginnings and then jumps to his baseball career. It’s an uneven biography and seemingly skips a lot of his baseball career. Colón's watercolor, colored pencils and litho pencils illustration is a tad inconsistent, juxtaposing evocative, richly textured and warmly hued paintings with less successful pen-and-inks.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The opening spreads introduce Roberto as a child in Puerto Rico, with very little and fashioned a bat from a guava tree branch and a glove from a coffee-bean sack. The narrative quickly moves to Pittsburgh where Clemente played for the Pirates, and his finesse on the field helped this last-place team go on to win the World Series his first season there and other baseball milestones. Clemente's story ends tragically when his plane crashed as he headed to Central America to aid earthquake victims there.
All in all, Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a wonderful cursory biography, albeit a tad uneven, about one of the greatest baseball players who just happens to be from Puerto Rico – Roberto Clemente.
December 7, 2018
Summary- This book highlights the life and career of Roberto Clemente a Puerto Rican baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It follows his story of how he brought joy and hope for other Latin American children who looked up to him, while also showing how others did not like him because of the color of his skin and accent. The story follows him throughout his career as the greatest baseball player of his time, regardless of his nationality.
Personal Response- I like how this book highlighted both the joy and hardships he faced in his life. I thought the author did a great job of expressing his love for his fans as well as how hard he fought to be respected by the media and others who did not like him.
Illustrations- The illustrator, Raul Colon used amazing textures throughout the book. He used pencil and other fabrics to add color and texture to his drawings. It seemed as the illustrator focused on the feeling of authenticity and a rustic feeling because it is an older story. Raul Colon alternates between using color and black pencil when showing Clemente playing baseball.
Classroom Connections-This book could be used for History lessons. Children in grades 3 or 4 could use this book to explore other Latin American heroes in American culture. I would not limit it to only baseball or sports, but any significant accomplishments that highlight amazing feats by fantastic people. Additionally, I would use this book for a Math lesson. I would have the children measure the length of a baseball bat and find the diameter and radius of a baseball.
Personal Response- I like how this book highlighted both the joy and hardships he faced in his life. I thought the author did a great job of expressing his love for his fans as well as how hard he fought to be respected by the media and others who did not like him.
Illustrations- The illustrator, Raul Colon used amazing textures throughout the book. He used pencil and other fabrics to add color and texture to his drawings. It seemed as the illustrator focused on the feeling of authenticity and a rustic feeling because it is an older story. Raul Colon alternates between using color and black pencil when showing Clemente playing baseball.
Classroom Connections-This book could be used for History lessons. Children in grades 3 or 4 could use this book to explore other Latin American heroes in American culture. I would not limit it to only baseball or sports, but any significant accomplishments that highlight amazing feats by fantastic people. Additionally, I would use this book for a Math lesson. I would have the children measure the length of a baseball bat and find the diameter and radius of a baseball.
February 16, 2018
An important story beautifully told. This book really paints the picture of Clemente's struggles and successes in breaking into Major League Baseball very well. In an accessible way, the book shows through sparse words and lovely illustrations what an amazing ballplayer and human being he was and reminds us that he was a groundbreaker for Latinos in the league. And author's afterword fleshes out his story, tells us briefly about his family and his legacy. A lovely book.
June 27, 2017
Summary: On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until--eventually--he made it to the Major Leagues in America and joined the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though he fought tough opponents--and even tougher racism--with his unreal catches and swift feet, Clemente earned his nickname, "The Great One." Clemente led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But, it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary--he was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Poem-like prose and cross-hatch, colorful illustrations make this an engaging picture book biography. Roberto Clemente’s meager, disadvantaged beginnings and determined rise to great achievements, both on and off the baseball field, makes him a worthy subject for a biography. The narrative features many facts about Clemente’s life, and there is distinction made between the facts and opinion statements. There is an informational Author’s Note at the end of the book that includes further embellishment on Clemente’s life.
My brother loves baseball, including the history of baseball, so Clemente is a household name in my family. From the documentaries I have seen on Clemente’s life, I found the facts and details of the book accurate, and appreciated that his humanitarian efforts were highlighted as well as his talent as a baseball player.
I would use this as a literature circles selection in grade 2-3. It would appeal to boys due to the sports connection, but Clemente’s personal experience would engage all learners. It would also be a good literature selection for Black History Month. I would also have it in my classroom library as a quality picture book for students to read independently.
Poem-like prose and cross-hatch, colorful illustrations make this an engaging picture book biography. Roberto Clemente’s meager, disadvantaged beginnings and determined rise to great achievements, both on and off the baseball field, makes him a worthy subject for a biography. The narrative features many facts about Clemente’s life, and there is distinction made between the facts and opinion statements. There is an informational Author’s Note at the end of the book that includes further embellishment on Clemente’s life.
My brother loves baseball, including the history of baseball, so Clemente is a household name in my family. From the documentaries I have seen on Clemente’s life, I found the facts and details of the book accurate, and appreciated that his humanitarian efforts were highlighted as well as his talent as a baseball player.
I would use this as a literature circles selection in grade 2-3. It would appeal to boys due to the sports connection, but Clemente’s personal experience would engage all learners. It would also be a good literature selection for Black History Month. I would also have it in my classroom library as a quality picture book for students to read independently.
Read
September 23, 2016Roberto Clemente is a baseball player. He was a very good base ball player, but he is not only know as a good baseball player he was known as a hero off of the field. He was a boy when he first saw a game of baseball at first sight he new that it was the game of his heart. He did not just have baseball on his mind at all times, he always had been thinking of helping others. As Roberto was growing up he was natural good at baseball and he loved it as much as he had when he had seen it the first time. As he was getting older he was on a number of teams, he was worried that he would never make it to the major ledges because he was black but around his 16th birthday Jacky Rodensen was recruited into the MLB carving the way for all other dark men and woman. And finally he had made it to the major ledges. That is just a brief look at the being of a great book called Roderto clemente written by Jothe first on is Jacky Robensen gets recruited for the mlmlb naho Winter if you want to learn more read on.
Roberto Clemente has a lot of advents that lead up to to were he ends up in his life and at the end it the book. One of the events is when Jacky Robensen is recruited into the MlB and carves the way fir all African Americans and dark skin people to play baseball in the major leuges. This gave him a hope that he could be recruited into the major ledges. When he got older he as given the thot to join the army. But he could not do that wile playing in the mlb and his mind went back to wanting to help others and played for the majors for 5 years then went to seve in the army
I liked this book alot because it was about baseball and doing the wright thing. This book had a lot of deep feeling a good feeling threw it and all of the book.
Roberto Clemente has a lot of advents that lead up to to were he ends up in his life and at the end it the book. One of the events is when Jacky Robensen is recruited into the MlB and carves the way fir all African Americans and dark skin people to play baseball in the major leuges. This gave him a hope that he could be recruited into the major ledges. When he got older he as given the thot to join the army. But he could not do that wile playing in the mlb and his mind went back to wanting to help others and played for the majors for 5 years then went to seve in the army
I liked this book alot because it was about baseball and doing the wright thing. This book had a lot of deep feeling a good feeling threw it and all of the book.
June 22, 2017
This book is about a Puerto Rican boy who grew into a major league baseball player. It tells how Roberto Clemente was born a poor boy with very little. He loved the game of baseball, but had no money for real equipment. As he grew older, his talents flourished. He ended up receiving an invitation to play for a major league team in Pittsburgh! This team was not successful but that didn't depress Roberto. His first at-bat, he hit the ball! Overnight he was the new "sensation" in Pittsburgh! He could not only play baseball well, he dressed the part. After helping the Pirate win the World Series, he partied with the crowd, and while they liked him, newspaper reporters did not. The writers were seeing him for his color and not his ability. This didn't upset Clemente either, he believed in his ability and it showed. After the season was over, Roberto boarded a plane filled with supplies to help his homeland in Puerto Rico that had been damaged by earthquakes. Unfortunately, his plane went down, taking one of the greatest baseball players with it.
I knew very little about Roberto Clemente before reading this. It helped me to see how some Puerto Rican children lived back then and what they were forced to do to play a game they loved. It also helped enlighten me to the stereotyping the Puerto Ricans faced living in America.
I knew very little about Roberto Clemente before reading this. It helped me to see how some Puerto Rican children lived back then and what they were forced to do to play a game they loved. It also helped enlighten me to the stereotyping the Puerto Ricans faced living in America.
April 21, 2012
This story depicts the life and times of Roberto Clemente. In spite of growing up extremely poor he had a great personality and a passion for baseball.
He was born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico. Where he played baseball with his friends using bottle caps and a stick.
This multicultural book tells of Roberto's struggles as a minority in Pittsburgh and trying to make his way in baseball. He had to work hard to earn the respect of the media, his fans and his fellow team mates. The media would make fun of his English accent and down play his talents as the great baseball player he really was. He helped win two world series and was one of the best players of his time.
He also had a love for his island, his people and for the poor. It is no surprise that his life ended while trying to bring aid to the needy. He tragically died in an airplane crash taking food to earthquake victims.
His story is one of how hard we must work to overcome poverty, stereotypes and racism. A heartfelt story for primary aged students who love baseball. Great to pair with The Babe and I, also a non-fiction picture book about a famous baseball player that teaches readers about hard work. Stories such as these teach us about hard work, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up.
He was born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico. Where he played baseball with his friends using bottle caps and a stick.
This multicultural book tells of Roberto's struggles as a minority in Pittsburgh and trying to make his way in baseball. He had to work hard to earn the respect of the media, his fans and his fellow team mates. The media would make fun of his English accent and down play his talents as the great baseball player he really was. He helped win two world series and was one of the best players of his time.
He also had a love for his island, his people and for the poor. It is no surprise that his life ended while trying to bring aid to the needy. He tragically died in an airplane crash taking food to earthquake victims.
His story is one of how hard we must work to overcome poverty, stereotypes and racism. A heartfelt story for primary aged students who love baseball. Great to pair with The Babe and I, also a non-fiction picture book about a famous baseball player that teaches readers about hard work. Stories such as these teach us about hard work, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up.
Read
November 21, 2016Roberto Clemente is a biography about a professional baseball player. It talks about his struggles and adventures to pursue his dreams. The author did a great job with researching Roberto Clemente's life because the information is accurate throughout the book. This book started off talking about his childhood and how he was in a poverty stricken area. He worked his way up from the little league to major league in Puerto Rico. Later in his life, he was signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates who were in last place in the MLB. He was very successful baseball player and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash at the age of 38 while trying to help earth quake victims. He was a great person who followed his dreams. I believe the theme of this story is important to teach to children. Pursuing what you love and never letting society and fame change you in the process. To incorporate this into my classroom, I can teach the students about the Puerto Rican culture. The students can attain knowledge on a popular culture and learn about the difficulties Roberto Clemente endured while following his dreams.
February 26, 2015
"If you don't try as hard as you can, you are wasting your life." In this biographical picture book, readers learn this mantra from the life of Roberto Clemente. Of course, I had always heard of him, but I never knew details about him since I am not a huge fan of baseball.
I'm fortunate to have read this book, with beautiful illustrations from Raul Colon. Clemente's narrative of becoming a Pittsburgh Pirate was just one portion of a life devoted to being better, to helping others and to being a role model of living one's life to the fullest. Clemente devoted money and time to his home, Puerto Rico and even perished on his way to help earthquake victims in South America.
Although many baseball fans in the 1960-70's will recall Clemente's acrobatic catches and 3,000 plus hits, others will remember the way he generously gave back to the world in his 38 years.I love this book for elementary, intermediate grades and even middle grade readers as biographical genre reading.
I'm fortunate to have read this book, with beautiful illustrations from Raul Colon. Clemente's narrative of becoming a Pittsburgh Pirate was just one portion of a life devoted to being better, to helping others and to being a role model of living one's life to the fullest. Clemente devoted money and time to his home, Puerto Rico and even perished on his way to help earthquake victims in South America.
Although many baseball fans in the 1960-70's will recall Clemente's acrobatic catches and 3,000 plus hits, others will remember the way he generously gave back to the world in his 38 years.I love this book for elementary, intermediate grades and even middle grade readers as biographical genre reading.
May 16, 2012
This partial biography about the great baseball champion and humanitarian Roberto Clemente focuses mostly on his time as a player for the Pittsburg Pirates. There isn't a lot of information provided about his formative years, but clearly, Puerto Rico, his home, would always mean a great deal to him, and he often spent his free time there. Baseball fans will already know that he had more than 3,000 hits during his career, an accomplishment about which only a few professional players can boast. Readers will be impressed at how he handled the racism he faced when he played ball as well as his humanitarian efforts. His is an inspiring story, accompanied by impressive watercolor, colored pencil, and lithograph pencil illustrations that make this hero seem as though he's ready to leap into the air after a baseball. Add this title to text sets built around baseball or civil rights.
November 13, 2016
This book tells the life story about Roberto Clemente and his baseball career. Clemente grew up in Puerto Rico and while going through different battle he continued to practice everyday until he finally made it into the Major Leagues. His battle wasn't over when he made it to the Major Leagues, he still had to beat his teammates to play in the games, and he also had to overcome the many issues of racism. Roberto Clemente is a huge role model for young baseball players, especially the Latino audience.
I am a huge fan of baseball and when I saw this book I had to pick it up. I think it is a great book for students to read, especially if they are reluctant readers.
I could read the book aloud to the class during spring time to get students motivated to get outside and exercise, I could also coordinate with the school's PE teacher to see when they will be playing baseball.
I am a huge fan of baseball and when I saw this book I had to pick it up. I think it is a great book for students to read, especially if they are reluctant readers.
I could read the book aloud to the class during spring time to get students motivated to get outside and exercise, I could also coordinate with the school's PE teacher to see when they will be playing baseball.
November 11, 2016
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is the story of a young man from Puerto Rico. All he wanted to do when he grew up was play baseball. His dreams came true as he assented through the leagues in Puerto Rico and later called to come play in America. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates who were in last place but Roberto found much success in his baseball career.
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a great book to use in the classroom because sports are always popular but also it is a story of perseverance and to follow your dreams. I would recommend this book for upper elementary to intermediate level students. In the classroom I would use this book to have students practice identifying the theme of the story.
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a great book to use in the classroom because sports are always popular but also it is a story of perseverance and to follow your dreams. I would recommend this book for upper elementary to intermediate level students. In the classroom I would use this book to have students practice identifying the theme of the story.
March 20, 2010
Jonah Winter's engaging picture book on the life of legendary baseball player, Roberto Clemente, is one that students will respond to positively. Coincidentally the illustrator, Rual Colon, witnessed Clemente in action in his native Puerto Rico when he was a young boy. Colon combines color and black and white illustrations to bring Clemente's life in Puerto Rico and the U.S. alive. This insiprational story will resonate with young boys and girls and can be used during a biography unit, hispanic heritage unit, or inspirational figures. Winter's book is appropriate for students in grades 2 and up.
January 26, 2016
On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until--eventually--he made it to the Major Leagues. America! As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents--and even tougher racism--but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, "The Great One." He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary--he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
April 6, 2008
For those who are baseball fans and those who might not be--I think both will enjoy this book. Clemente was a poor kid from Puerto Rico, who played baseball with a homemade bat from a guava tree branch, a glove made from a coffee bean sack and empty soup cans for balls. When he was drafted by Pittsburgh, no one knew who he was and he faced alot of prejudice in America--but he always did his best. It is an inspiring book. It's written in a poetic style--not rhyming but maybe you'd call it prose. whatever you call it--it made it easy to read.
January 19, 2016
My wife, a bigger baseball fan than I, growing up, bought me this book as a present. Yes, I admire a good picture book. She got it for me because Clemente is one of my favorite players, and one of my fond baseball memories is watching him dribble the baseball out to right field, in Forbes Stadium. Yes, the ground was that hard.
The text is simple, and lovingly told. Suitable for the young baseball fan, or pre-fan. Suitable for anyone being raised to be a citizen of the Republic.
The text is simple, and lovingly told. Suitable for the young baseball fan, or pre-fan. Suitable for anyone being raised to be a citizen of the Republic.
January 1, 2017
As always, loved Colon's illustrations. I particularly liked the one that shows Clemente at bat at three different ages as he grows up. There are also a couple of different styles in this book, which was cool!
I thought Winter did a good job telling Clemente's story from childhood to death.
The story was formatted in a couplet-like way, but there wasn't much rhythm, and sometimes the cuts between pages were odd.
I thought Winter did a good job telling Clemente's story from childhood to death.
The story was formatted in a couplet-like way, but there wasn't much rhythm, and sometimes the cuts between pages were odd.
September 7, 2008
This is a book I would recommend to any young baseball enthusiast. It is a children's biography about the life of Pittsburgh Pirates’ Roberto Clemente. Not only does this biography give the reader a glimpse of his life, but it inspires readers to try as hard as they can. "If you don't try as hard as you can," he said, "you are wasting your life." This is a wonderful story!
April 28, 2010
Clemente came into the last place Pittsburgh Pirates and helped them conquer the New York Yankees. (Now, who can help the Pirates do that at this moment?)
His talent and good heart lives on in the steel city.
The book has both color and black and white illustrations reminiscent of newspaper clippings.
His talent and good heart lives on in the steel city.
The book has both color and black and white illustrations reminiscent of newspaper clippings.
July 21, 2016
This is a biography over the life of the most famous baseball player ever for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberto Clemente. Clemente grew up a poor young man, dreaming of making the big leagues. He accomplished his goal, and did so much more for people after his career in baseball was over. He played a huge role in helping the lives of so many others.
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this true story of Roberto Clemente, and how he was not just an extraordinary baseball player, but also a great humanitarian, who died trying to help hurricane victims-- I know he is a great hero in both Puerto Rico and Nicaragua, so it was nice to read more about what he means to baseball here in the States as well.
December 16, 2009
My son's grandma gave this book to him. They are both huge baseball fans and Roberto Clemente is her hero. It's a wonderful book, and perfect as a gift. The artwork is beautiful and the story is well-done. It's a great, inspirational biography for first-fourth graders to enjoy.
January 12, 2014
Read to 2nd graders when learning about biographies. Kids didn't see the ending coming and it took them by surprise. Many boys exclaimed, "I want his baseball card!" Judging by kid reaction alone I'd say the book was a success.
December 11, 2013
Baseball, Puerto Rico and the Pirates! The language of the book is simple and easy to follow, the illustrations are fantastic with their rough and sketchy feeling. The shift of monotone to color really moves the story along.
January 1, 2016
I admit to buying this book because of the pictures. However the story is also well told. I'd never heard of Roberto Clemente before, but I'm not much of a sports fan. This story shows the battles he fought because of his ethnicity and the good he did in our world.
May 9, 2016
This is a nice summary of the life and character of this great man. The story tends to focus on the racial prejudice he experienced and how he overcame it with enormous skill and a principled life. The illustrations are beautiful, clever, and informative.
May 14, 2008
I borrowed this one from the library. I might have to buy it. My sons need to grow up reading stories about heroes, and Clemente definitely is one of mine.
June 26, 2008
My son loves this book. A great read for little ones, it includes a little spanish, some class struggle, and baseball.
January 1, 2009
I read this one each year to classes at my children's school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews