“Starr’s full-color, hand-drawn digital art uses archival photos for reference. She employs a realistic style that emphasizes facial expressions and incorporates both Cahuilla and Ojibwe designs into the art. The inclusion of newspaper headlines, baseball cards, and ticket stubs adds to the visual presentation. Appended with a time line, author notes, and sources, this makes an excellent addition to the sports shelves as well as diversity units.”
—Booklist
Arigon’s Artwork Brings Baseball Legends Bender and Meyers To Life!
Released on April 11, 2023, “Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series” features illustrations created by Arigon Starr. The author, Traci Sorell, approached Arigon a few years ago. Both Traci and Arigon are die-hard baseball fanatics.
Arigon worked from Traci’s text and extensive notes, with input and direction from Kokila’s editor Namrata Tripathi and art director Jasmin Rubero. “I was super excited that everyone really dug my art style and that I was able to combine the things I’m really passionate about — Native people and Baseball — into one project,” said Arigon.
“Contenders” is published by Kokila Books, an imprint of Penguin/Random House books and is available at fine booksellers across the US and at all major online retailers.