Becoming Muhammad Ali

Name: Becoming Muhammad Ali
Brand: Hachette Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: James Patterson
ISBN: 9781549186332

Author: James Patterson, Kwame Alexander

Narrator: Kwame Alexander

Unabridged: 2 hr 34 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson

Published: 10/05/2020

Categories: Children's Fiction, African American & Black Stories, Sports Stories, Biographical Stories, Children's Poetry, Children's Social Themes

Synopsis

Two heavy-hitters in children's literature deliver a critically acclaimed, bestselling biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali.

"This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit."—School Library Journal (starred review)

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.

Longlisted for the 2022-2023 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, and nominated for the 2021-2022 Black Eyed Susan Book Award!

About James Patterson

James Patterson is a world-renowned mystery writer that has dominated the New York Times Bestseller list for decades. In fact, he holds the New York Times AND Guinness records for most best-selling, hardcover, fiction titles by a single author, an astonishing accomplishment of 76! Patterson is possible best known for his Alex Cross series, which has held the top selling detective series for the past ten years. His books have sold approximately 300 million copies worldwide and he is the first author to achieve ten million eBook sales. There have been nine files - seven made for TV movies and three major motion pictures that were adapted from Patterson novels. Unlike many of his counterparts, Patterson is a fan of collaboration and works with several ghostwriters and co-authors to keep the mysteries coming for his demanding readers. While he has received his share of criticism for this practice, it hasn't mattered to his devoted following and as he continues to top the charts with each new release. In addition to adult novels, Patterson has recently become the bestselling author for the young adult and middle grade categories.

Patterson is also well known for his philanthropy. The James Patterson Teach Education Scholarship has been established to support the next generation of teachers at 19 different universities across the country. Patterson co-hosts a webcast with Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. ONE ON ONE: Fundamentals with Dwyane Wade and James Patterson highlights the importance of reading for success in life. He also has a website dedicated to helping parents and educators ignite the reading spark in students. The website has specific book recommendations aimed towards the child's ability. ReadKiddoRead.com also features book reviews, messages from James, a Facebook community, and contributions from other authors and celebrities that believe in the power of reading.

James Patterson was born March 22, 1947 in New York and graduated summa cum laude from Manhattan College with a B.A. in English, and summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with an M.A. in English. He has won multiple awards for his work and has entertained and inspired millions. Patterson can occasionally be seen guest starring as himself on an episode on NBC's 'Castle'. He has a wife, Susan and a son, Jack an currently resides in Palm Beach, Florida.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Reading_ on February 26, 2022

Do you know who was Cassius Clay? But we sure do know the great boxing champion the world has ever seen: the one and only boxing legend who lived, Muhammad Ali! The book is a biographical book in verse written amazingly with hard-hitting words which presented exactly what the characters would have fel......more

Goodreads review by Claude's on April 03, 2021

Well that was so interesting and well written. From the documentaries I've seen about the great Muhammad Ali I feel like his spirit was captured incredibly well in this book! Perfect for NZ Y6 through to Y9!......more

Goodreads review by My_Strange_Reading on January 26, 2021

WOOOW. Confession: this might be the only Patterson book I read and that’s because it’s co-authored with Kwame Alexander. I absolutely loved this book. The cadence of Cassius’ pieces mirroring the rhythm of a fighter in the ring was BEAUTIFUL. The illustrations woven in were GORGEOUS. And, the story......more

Goodreads review by Reading is my Escape on July 14, 2021

Audiobook - Kwame Alexander does an amazing job with the narration. The audiobook is enjoyable but you miss the pictures and the visuals of the lines written in verse. This book tells the story of the childhood and early boxing career of Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay). It is written by both James Patte......more

Goodreads review by Antrell on January 11, 2022

It was a good book.......more

Quotes

Praise for Becoming Muhammad Ali:

*A stellar collaboration that introduces an important and intriguing individual to today's readers.—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"The prose and poems reflect Clay's both public bravado and private humbleness as well as his appreciation and respect for family and friends. A knockout!"—Booklist, starred review

*"This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit. Get this uplifting, informative book onto library shelves and into kid's hands."—School Library Journal, starred review

*"Cassius's narrative illustrates his charisma, drive, and work to know who you are."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Patterson and Alexander, two heavyweights in the world of books, unite to tell the story of how Cassius Clay grew up to be Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time."—The Horn Book Review, starred review