Wat Kept Playing

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.

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.