Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan: A Who HQ Graphic Novel

Gr 2-5–The popular “Who Is” series continues in graphic novels that focus on one incident in a life instead of a full biography. In this case, the focus is the “flu game,” a game in the 1997 NBA championship in which Michael Jordan fought through a case of the flu to lead the Bulls to a win. Interjected into the story are asides, which are often full-page text boxes, about the other players on the team and the rules of basketball. There is an additional, alternating storyline that follows three young children watching the game. As a means of conveying the cultural importance of Jordan and the Bulls, it is clunky and not altogether effective. The artwork is not extraordinary, but is vivid and energetic. Because of the popularity of the “Who Is” series, this book may find a larger audience beyond the sports fans one would expect.