Becoming Muhammad Ali

From two heavy-hitters in children's literature comes a critically acclaimed biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali. *"This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit." -- School Library Journal (starred review) Longlisted for the 2022-2023 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, and nominated for the 2021-2022 Black Eyed Susan Book Award!

Before he was a household name, Cassius Clay was a kid with struggles like any other. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces to vividly depict his life up to age seventeen in both prose and verse, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius' family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age twelve. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali.

Fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate, and vividly brought to life by Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic artwork, Becoming Muhammad Ali captures the budding charisma and youthful personality of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time.

Author: James Patterson, Kwame Alexander
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Published: 10/05/2020
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.50w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9780316498166
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.4
Point Value: 3
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 509257 / Becoming Muhammad Ali


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2020
Publishers Weekly 09/28/2020
School Library Journal 10/01/2020 pg. 77
Booklist 10/15/2020 pg. 55
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2020 pg. 108
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2020 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Kwame Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books, including his Newbery Medal-winning novel The Crossover and The Undefeated, winner of the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. He is the founding editor of Versify, which aims to change the world one word at a time.
James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of Max Einstein and Middle School, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.