Wonderfully illustrated picture book biography about the Asian American basketball player, Wataru Misaka.

This is another great addition for our many basketball biography loving fans. Though illustrated, the realistic style of illustrations will still appeal to young readers that often look for photographs of their favorite sports. This is a story that few have heard before, but needs to be told. Definitely recommend for elementary school libraries.

A really great book that hits on some hard topics. Great for kids of all ages and they will learn more every time you read it. Pictures are also wonderful!

Pretty much the only issue with this book is the similar timing of publication to another on the exact same subject – Rising Above (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6059587129). That book tells us more about the life Wataru Misaka had after his ground-breaking turn-out as the first Asian American in the NBA, meaning this is more engaged with conveying his younger years. That said, it's a quick, light read, once more nicely judged for young audiences. Here, with visuals that artfully bend the rules about what is a full-page spread and what is actually two images, and with one line or a larger paragraph of text set aside, we see him play, practise – and experience the call to WWII. The title of the piece comes along as a refrain several times, in a nice touch. With dynamic and dramatic art and not a great chunk set aside for the teachers' notes at the end, this will appeal. A strong four stars – and time to take your pick from the two.

This biography brings to light the amazing talent of Wataru Misaka, a Japanese American born in Utah who was the first person of color to play professional basketball (albeit only 3 games) around the same time as Jackie Robinson began for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Wat Kept Playing by Emily Inouye Huey.

This story is about Wataru Misaka a Japanese American. Japan and the United States were at war. Him and his Japanese American classmates were denied access to school after Japan bombed the United States. Two years after the war started Wat earned a spot in the engineering program at the University of Utah.

Wat made it onto the University of Utah's Basketball team. At only 5'7" her was shorter than all of the other players. While playing crowds would boo him, referees would call unfair fouls against him. Even with all of those difficulties Wat kept playing. His team got to play in the 1944 NCAA tournaments.

Wat was drafted in the military and he was sent to Japan to interview Japanese civilians. The Japanese people didn't trust him due to the uniform and white American soldiers mistrusted Wat. When the war ended Wat returned to the University of Utah and started playing basketball again.

After playing in the NIT Championship in New York City, Wat finally felt people saw him for who he was: both Japanese and American - and an amazing ball player. A few months later he was drafted to the New York Knicks, becoming the first ever person of color to play in the Basketball Association of America (NBA).

I will definitely be buying this book for the library. Thanks for the ARC!

“Wat Kept Playing” is the story of Wataru Misaka. His life and story is a great reminder on how each of us regardless of race is talented and worth respecting. I loved how Wat kept going and kept playing despite the hardship during and after World War II. His ability to keep going is inspiring.

Emily Inouye Huey did a great job writing Wat’s story. She told it in a way that young readers could understand what was happening, but also keeping an adult’s interest. “Wat Kept Playing” is a great read for children and adults alike.

This book is fantastic one of those true gems that is beautifully illustrated and tells an important story. I had never heard of Wat before this book but he was a trailblazer during a difficult time to be one. I love the way the author tells his story. There are so many important stories we need to hear. This is a book every library should have.

An inspirational story about a boy who did not give up on his dreams, but believed in himself despite the bullying exclusion, and differences.
He was Asian American in a WWII era when that was not a good thing. He was only 5'7" in a basketball world that honored height. He didn't feel that he fit in in the Japanese or the American world, and neither did those around him.
But did he give up? NO- he challenged barriers, dreamt big, and kept playing.
Wat eventually led his high school team to a state championship, played in college- helping his team win the NCAA Championship twice, served in the US Army, and was the first person of color the play in the NBA.
All because he didn't give up. He had more obstacles than most, yet he persevered.

This book has vivid, realistic illustrations, and it explores the early life and accomplishments of Wataru Misaka, the first person of color to play in the NBA. The story ends on a triumphant note, while the author's note shares more about the continued challenges that he faced. That historical note also goes on to talk about the joys he experienced after his basketball career ended.

This will appeal to people who are interested in Asian American history, and is great for readers who enjoy reading about sports. This is also different and distinct enough from "Rising Above: The Wataru 'Wat' Misaka Story" that I would recommend both books, without either one feeling like a replacement for the other.

I have added this book to my TrueStory Bookshop and recommend it in four categories:
True Stories ~ Athletes
True Stories ~ Basketball
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ War & Conflicts
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray

I loved every page of this book, and it is one I look forward to sharing with my kids. Stories like Wat's can help teach the next generation about the dangers of racism and the absolute need for diversity within our homes and communities. It took me back a little to read about how Wat was treated in his home town and state, which happens to be where I currently live. I think it will bring up a good talking point for my children: racial discrimination doesn't happen somewhere else, it happens everywhere. Wat's story needs to be told, and I loved reading it.

A beautiful story of perseverance. Facing so much prejudice and fear, Wat keeps doing what he knows. He found his rhythm and lived his life the only way he knew. This story brings to light a piece of history that is, so far, uncelebrated. It should be.

Wat Kept Playing is an inspiring picture book biography of the first non-White player in the NBA. He was also the first player of Asian descent.

A very nice short story with even more beautiful illustrations. The focus of interest is children, but I feel that it is also a good option to pique the interest of adults and make them want to learn more about Wat’s story.