Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali FROM THE PUBLISHER
Muhammad Ali is one of the world's best-known figures, and this incredible biography delves into precisely why. From his unlikely beginnings as a skinny, young Cassius Clay learning to box at a local gym to becoming the heavyweight champion of the world at the famous "Rumble in the Jungle," where even the skies let loose with rain right after his victory, Ali has captivated the world. Tonya Bolden's careful research and elegant telling, paired with R. Gregory Christie's incredible paintings, make this a book that will inform and inspire readers of all ages.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The creators of Rock of Ages: A Tribute to the Black Church present an impressionistic tribute to the man born as Cassius Clay. Bolden shapes a poetic if awkwardly paced narrative that includes self-assured quotes by the fighter, often in his famous couplets, and features type of various fonts, colors and sizes. The author first recounts episodes from Cassius Clay's Louisville, Ky., childhood, among them the familiar story of the theft of the 12-year-old's beloved bicycle. When he pledged that he would "whup" the culprit, an officer advised the "string-beany boy" to learn to fight first. Bolden goes on to spotlight the athlete's triumphs in the ring, his conversion to the Nation of Islam, his refusal to participate in the Vietnam War when drafted and the eventual decline of his boxing career. At its best, the narrative emulates the boxer's catchy rhythms and rhymes, but the story's usually spirited cadence stumbles in spots, making for some flat passages ("By 1964, he had won nineteen straight fights. People started watching Cassius Clay a lot"). Yet vibrant writing soon follows: "With his strong, limber, legs, he'd spring around the ring on the balls of his feet or up on his toes," accompanied by Christie's strongest portrait of the legendary fighter, conveying his intelligence, intensity and impressive physique. Unfortunately, on balance, the stylized, vividly hued acrylic-and-colored-pencil illustrations are as uneven as the text. Ages 5-8. (Dec.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo
By the age of four, Cassius Clay "had all the confidence in the world," recalls his mother. His brother remembers how Cassius could dodge the rocks he threw at him. When he was twelve, his bicycle was stolen and he wanted revenge on the thief. Officer Joe told him, "You better learn how to fight before you start challenging people that you're gonna whup." And learn to fight he did. Bolden's euphonious text explains why he changed his name, the difficulties he faced when he refused to be drafted during the Vietnam War, how he became the world heavyweight boxing champ three times and why this legend has captivated not only boxing fans but the general public as well. The carefully-honed text begs to be read aloud, and the oversize picture-book format is perfect for doing just that. Bold brushstrokes, strong background colors and brilliant use of white showcase the action in the ring and allow the reader to focus on the man inside the athlete as well. Christie's variety of styles for background and foreground faces will have the reader poring over the pictures. This is a fine introduction to Ali for primary-school children. Middle-grade students and young adults will find much here for discussion. Quote sources are listed at the back of the book. 2004, Alfred A Knopf, Ages 8 up.
Kirkus Reviews
Muhammad Ali remains an interesting, colorful persona long after his amazing boxing career. Here the author tells his story in a manner befitting his strong personality, recalling boyhood experiences as the young Cassius Clay finds his avocation and describing key opponents and matches with excitement enhanced with quotes from some of Ali's famous boastful verses. She doesn't merely recreate a play-by-play listing of Ali's sports achievements, but also emphasizes his fierce determination in all his endeavors. Bolden portrays the whole man, including the controversies and disappointments concerned with his conversion to Islam and his refusal to participate in the draft, as well as the physical disabilities that resulted from too many blows to the head. She accomplishes all of this in language that is clear and concise without being condescending. The text pops with a variety of fonts, print size, color and orientation on the page. Christie's strongly hued, highly stylized paintings are eye-catching and well integrated with the text. This is picture-book biography at its best. A fascinating introduction to an intriguing person. (notes, source list) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)
Home
