(3) YA Burke was baseball's first openly gay athlete--but he didn't come out publicly until after homophobia had ended his fledgling major league career. Maraniss follows the African American athlete's rise and fall from his Berkeley, California, childhood; to playing in the minor leagues and for the LA Dodgers; to drug addiction, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS. Sports writer Maraniss's compelling narrative weaves together sports action, social history, and first-person reflections for a rich biography of a talented yet troubled figure who was forced to lead a double life to chase his dreams. The extensive back matter includes a list of interviewees, bibliography, stats, "U.S. Gay Rights Timeline," an annotated list of other "significant Black American LGBTQ figures," and an unseen index.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 In 1966, Perry Wallace became the first African American to play college basketball in the Southeast Conference. Maraniss chronicles Wallace's upbringing in segregated Nashville, success as a high-school scholar and athlete, and discrimination encountered as a star player at Vanderbilt. Adapted from the adult bestseller, the brisk narrative includes occasional racial slurs in its vivid depiction of the hate and racism Wallace experienced. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg