The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O'Nei

by Kristy Nerstheimer, Christian Paniagua (Illustrator)

Illustrated biography of Buck O'Neil of the Kansas City Monarchs coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Negro National Leagues.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, History, Biography

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Shannon]

Excellent book!!!

[Barbara]

I first learned about the very existence of Negro League Baseball and some of its players from Kadir Nelson's We Are the Ship, but then had not read any other books about the topic until this new picture book. It contains the story of Buck O'Neil who grew up loving baseball, lived through segregation in the South, and then played his way into a job with the Kansas City Monarchs. He was unable to play for a Major League Baseball team because of segregation, and the book describes how his team flourished in the midst of these limits on where they could stay or eat during road trips. O'Neill eventually became the first Black coach in Major League Baseball. He seems to have had boundless enthusiasm for the game and its fans, and eventually helped found the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. As I read about this man, I wondered how he managed to stay so positive and share his love for the game with others despite all that had happened to him. The illustrations are filled with light and motion, and Buck seems very real. The only thing that niggled at me while reading this picture book was how similar so many of the figures looked. I'm not sure if this was a deliberate attempt to show Buck at different stages of his playing career and life or if it was the result of some other decision. Nevertheless, the images capture the essence of Buck and the type of role model he became for others. The cover speaks volumes about his patience with youngsters who came to look up to him and sought his autograph and time. I was pleased to read this story about someone who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and one whose story should not be lost to time.

[Sandy Brehl]

This is an important addition to the slowly emerging awareness of the remarkable history and achievements of those involved in THE NEGRO LEAGUE in baseball history. Buck O'Neil is a name many baseball fans may recognize, for his thirty-three year career as a coach with the Chicago Cubs (first Black coach in Major League Baseball). What is not widely known is his long and illustrious years of success and struggles within the Negro League, as well as his nearly thirty year tenure as a special assignment coach with the Kansas City Royals, his home town team. His entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame took much longer than should have, but that day arrived.
This is a delightful biographic revelation about an American sports hero and community leader. By launching the story of his life in childhood, and providing extensive added notes and resources in the back pages, it is also an intimate look at the ways American social history unfolded in nonwhite communities and individual lives. Take a look and share this widely, including in classrooms and among youth league players.

[Ann K.]

This is a well-researched picture book about a man who deserves to be as well known as Jackie Robinson. I think Buck O'Neil himself would be proud to be the subject of this book.

The author, Kristy Nerstheimer, presents Buck's life and career in accessible language, and the illustrator, Christian Paniagua, complements it with fun artwork.

Younger readers can learn about Buck's life through the text, while older readers can get more detail about Buck's life from the Author Notes at the end. As a former English teacher, I can definitely see elementary school children using this book as a source for a paper they need to write about a famous person. This book also offers a look at segregation and the discrimination Buck faced as a Black man.

[Reshamad]

Review is part of Cybils Awards

I hadn't known about the Negro National League and the 100th anniversary of the League this year until i had read this lovely picture book biography of the amazing Baseball player Buck O'Neil Jr. A legend in his game and life time, he was as true advocate for the game even during a time when the world was segregated. His optimism and his passion for the game is wonderfully captured through the illustrations. A must read for any fan of the game! A wonderful tribute to a national hero!

[Jan]

Great book! Besides the story about Buck, the art was wonderful!

[Ellison]

About a man born and raised in the South. due to rules he had to attend a certain school. HE goes on to play and manage in the Negro Leagues, he eventually coaches in Major League Baseball with the Cubs and is a scout for the Kansas City Royals. Ambassador for the game of baseball, the Hall of Fame could not see that. RIP.

[Nessa]

Great story and I love the illustrations. They illustrations seemed to be a mix of color pencils and something else but super well done!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.