Welcome to the picture book biography of Wataru Misaka, the first person of color to play in the NBA. For young readers it may seem like no big deal to have players of various skin colors and ethnic or national backgrounds on a professional basketball team, but that was not the case in 1947. The book describes how Wat enjoyed the game of basketball as a child and worked on his skills even though he wasn't the tallest player. It also covers how despite the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, Wat managed to persevere through the prejudice and help his college team reach the national championship. His dedication to the game and his sense of teamwork helped the team win and captured the attention of the New York Knicks.
Wat's story is one of persistence, overcoming obstacles, and succeeding despite prejudice and unfair treatment. The illustrations capture his love and enjoyment of the sport, the way he was made to feel like an outsider at his own college, and the inspiration he gave those living in the internment camps. The back matter gives more details about Wat's life, sports career, and his other accomplishments in later years. I especially appreciate that the book's creators are also Asian American and how they worked together to bring forward this story of a trailblazer in basketball history, as well as a look at conditions for Japanese Americans in that era.
I read an advance review copy provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
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