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Wat Kept Playing: The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka and His Rise to the NBA
Meet Asian American basketball hero Wataru Misaka. His story will inspire young readers to challenge barriers, dream big, and keep playing.
As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru “Wat” Misaka often felt like he didn’t fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States.
As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball. Even at just five foot seven, he was unstoppable.
Wat was a key player on his basketball teams, leading both his high school and college teams to victory in state and national championships.
But could he finally achieve his dream of playing basketball professionally? Would people finally recognize Wat for who he truly was—a person who was both Japanese and American and an amazing basketball player?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2024
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!
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!
January 23, 2024
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 received a temporary digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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 received a temporary digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2024
This was a neat book. It tells of the story of Wat Misaka, who was a great ball player. He played for Ogden High in Utah, University of Utah, and for a short time the New York Knickerbockers. His high school and college teams won many games and a state title for Ogden High. The University of Utah basketball team won the NCAA championship and also the, at the time, more prestigious National Invitational Tournament. Wat faced a lot of ridicule since he was Japanese during World War II when our foes were the Japanese. However, Wat and his family were Americans like anyone else. When he plakyed in the NIT in New York, he was widely cheered snice many of the fans were people of color like the was. He was the first person of color to play in professional basketball and broke the color line there about the same time a black player, Jackie Robinson, did so in professional baseball. Both played for teams in New York City in the United States. Wat was only 5 foot 7 inches.
April 13, 2024
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...). 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.
January 31, 2024
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.
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.
March 6, 2024
The story was beautifully and masterfully written. There were many learning moments in this book from learning to be empathetic to others, learning about the unfairness of racism, the hard moments in World War II, dealing with struggles, and how to push through them. Overall, it's a book of perseverance and hope. When I read it to my son, it indirectly talked about some of our conversations. It's a book that speaks to kids in many different ways and I really hope the author writes more books like this. I love the basketball sound effects throughout the book that helps to get across the idea that even through hard times that Wat kept playing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 21, 2024
I read this with my four kids, ranging from 10 down to 4. The 4yo didn't pay much attention, but the other three (and I) all enjoyed the book (two of them confessed to having swiped it and read it in advance but still listened to me read it to them again). All three of them mentioned that they liked how Wat kept plaiyng basketball even though he was treated badly, and one mentioned he thought it was cool Wat was a good basketball player even though he was short. They also asked insightful questions about racism, internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, and more. I found Wat's story to be very interesting, and I also loved how this book is a great discussion starter for serious topics. Highly recommend!
I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2024
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.
April 5, 2024
Wat is a very compelling story based on a real Japanese American Basketball player. He grew up in America with his immigrant parents facing racism as it got worse due to the events of WW2. Will Wat continue pursuing his dreams despite the resistance?
This is a very good read! It helps put into perspective the struggles of Japanese people in around the war but also in general. Wats persistence however is very inspiring. I recommend this as a book read to elementary kids to help them learn.
This is a very good read! It helps put into perspective the struggles of Japanese people in around the war but also in general. Wats persistence however is very inspiring. I recommend this as a book read to elementary kids to help them learn.
March 5, 2024
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.
March 26, 2024
5 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
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.
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
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.
January 12, 2024
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
True Stories ~ Athletes
True Stories ~ Basketball
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ War & Conflicts
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray
March 30, 2024
This amazing picture book is a great story to help kiddos see that application of perseverance and dedication in the midst of adversity. Wat was torn down everywhere he turned, but he continued to grow stronger from it and not give up. Great story.
March 9, 2024
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Racism, xenophobia, internment camps
CW: Racism, xenophobia, internment camps
April 6, 2024
Great story about a man I had never heard of. His trials, effort, and resilience brought tears to my eyes.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews