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2025 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

“In this stirring biography of Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente (1934–1972), Alonso celebrates the athlete’s contributions to baseball and human rights. The smartly paced narrative kicks off with Clemente’s childhood in Puerto Rico (“Roberto lives to swing/ and slide./ To catch./ To throw./ To run”), then follows his arc to the major league, joining the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955. Many fans appreciate the player’s “bold style, but not everyone is quick to embrace a Black man from Puerto Rico.” …Refusing to accept this treatment, Clemente insists, “I represent the common people of America. So I am going to be treated like a human being.” An author’s note, timeline, and more conclude. ”

– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Call Me Roberto!

Written by Nathalie Alonso
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Published by Calkins Creek

Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos

Here is the inspirational story of Major League Baseball player Roberto Clemente—not Bob—who endured years of racism and discrimination to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Roberto Clemente always loved baseball. Growing up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he swung tree branches (since he didn’t have a bat) and hit tin cans. He was always batting, pitching, running, sliding. His dedication paid off when, at the age of 19, he was tapped for a major league team. First stop: chilly Montreal . . . where he warmed the bench and himself, longing to play baseball. Months later, he finally got his chance with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clemente had an instant impact on the field—hitting the ball and making it to first base and finally home. Many Pittsburgh fans loved his bold style on the field, but not everyone was quick to embrace a Black man from Puerto Rico who spoke Español.

Look for the Spanish version, ¡Llámenme Roberto!.

Primary ISBN: 9781635928112
Publication Date: August 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Puerto Rico, United States (Pennsylvania)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience, Written with Cultural Advisors

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Engagement Materials:

An Introduction from Author, Nathalie Alonso –

Educator’s Guide

Source: Astra Publishing House