A Coretta Scott King Honor Book A National Council for the Social Studies Notable Trade Book for Young People
From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as "The Greatest" waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. The rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs, while bold collage artwork matches every move—capturing the "Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme" who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali.
This paean to the legendary pugilist offers a multifaceted portrait of the fighter as brazen, charitable, fiercely competitive and deeply spiritual. Smith's (I Am America) poetry recalls the rhymed, rhythmic chants Ali used to inflate his image and taunt opponents ("Fighting opponents and hatred/ with two glowing gloves,/ you spoke your mind freely/ while radiating love"). Each of the dozen chapters represents a period in Ali's life, from his birth through his boxing years, his conversion to Islam and retirement and diagnosis with Parkinson's. The fight scenes don't sugarcoat the violence: "when his rock-solid fist,/ released from way back,/ slingshot your cheek/ and broke your jaw with a crack." While some rhymes feel forced ("Each victory inching you/ closer to Sonny/ Liston, the champion,/ for title and money"), Smith's chronicle of Ali's life is nonetheless remarkable in its use of a compact, verse format to convey a great deal of biographical material. Collier's (Lift Every Voice and Sing) dynamic collages capture the emotional weight of both Ali's triumphs and failings; memorably, he depicts the fighters' blows as small ball bearings with fiery tails that radiate outward, heightening the sense of impact. Bold quotes from Ali and others seem to shout across the spreads and, along with Collier's artwork, provide a visual respite from the lengthy columns of verse. This unique and thorough tribute to a complex American hero should readily enthrall those seeking a less conventional biography. Ages 10-up. (Dec.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationGr 5 Up
Smith is best known for his high-energy poetry celebrating basketball and other sports, and this biography is his most ambitious undertaking yet. Rap-style cadences perfectly capture the drama that has always surrounded this boxer's life: "Louisville Lip leaps to life/just a few short years/after your first pro fight./Braggin'/and boastin'/and callin' the round,/signifyin'/how your opponent would go down." From Ali's childhood as Cassius Clay, to the realization that even an Olympic gold medal would not shield him from racial injustices, to a career that included three heavyweight titles, and his life after retirement, Smith skillfully weaves together the threads of the boxer's life, including his Muslim faith and his run-ins with the American government during the Vietnam War. Each chapter, or "round," represents a specific period, and selected quotes from Ali and voice-overs from announcers provide a "you are there" feeling. Collier's compelling watercolor collages with their brown overtones beautifully portray Ali's determination and strength. Each spread seamlessly melds powerful artwork and text in a way that transcends what either could be on its own. The thorough recounting of Ali's life, along with back matter that includes a time line and key statistics, makes this a superior choice over Tonya Bolden's The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali (Knopf, 2004). Smith's honest portrayal of Ali's strengths and flaws results in an impressive testimony to a man who never backed down from his beliefs. A first purchase for any collection looking for strong, well-rounded biographies: the poetry format will appeal to both seasoned and reluctant readers.
—Kim DareCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Bryan Collier is the illustrator of several award-winning books, including UPTOWN and the Coretta Scott King winners A FREEDOM RIVER, MARTIN'S BIG WORDS, and VISITING LANGSTON. MARTIN'S BIG WORDS was also named a Caldecott Honor Book. Bryan Collier lives in New York.
Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali is a poetic expression of Ali's life. From his birth in Louisville, Kentucky to his current life and struggles with Parkinson's Disease, follow along with each round of the book as Ali battles through his boxing career. In reviewing this book I learned about many highlights in Ali's life I was not aware of. Like his earliest interest in boxing brought on by a stolen bike, his encounter with man, a cop, who became his trainer. Ali's arrest, jail time and why, plus so much more. Each round a snippet of his life's greatest and not so greatest moments. This book ends with a glance at her personal life, his many wives, all his children and what he is doing today. In the back of the book you will find a timeline which outlines his career from 1942 up to his retirement from boxing in 1981. Written by Ali's son this book is not just about his fathers boxing career, but also about the struggles Ali encountered in breaking the mold. Which as a black man included standing up for himself and eloquently speaking out. Throughout his career Ali was his own promoter by his use of words in a constant poetical and lyrical motion. I feel this is an excellent book for a not only children but also for adults who would like to learn more about Muhammad Ali. A legend, a boxer who fought not for money but to express his strength, pride and his freedom, his character passed down to Ali from his own father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr.
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Overview
A Coretta Scott King Honor Book A National Council for the Social Studies Notable Trade Book for Young People
From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer ...