The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali

Fantastic picture book that details his life up until he carried the Olympic torch. Includes some of his poetry.

Great history, and great pictures.

My son loves this book. He finished it in a flash just after it arrived. I wish this book is in series so that I can get the other copies for him. Thanks for the prompt delivery too.

Engaging story and illustrations.

"Ali, Ali, Ali!" His fans cheered as he boxed his way into history. Who would have thought that a stolen bike would transform Cassius Clay Jr. into a three-time heavyweight champion? In 1954, Louisville, Kentucky, 12-year-old Cassius's prized bike was stolen while he and a friend were at the school fair. Boiling with rage, he found Officer Joe Martin and told him that he was going to "whup" whoever stole his bike. Officer Martin could not see this string bean kid being able to "whup" anyone, so he advised Cassius to learn how to fight. Working hard The Champ won his first fight a few weeks later. For the next 27 years Ali would be fighting for freedom, respect, honor, and to become the holder of the Heavyweight title. Read to find out why he changed his name, and religion, and how he became one of the greatest boxers in history. With interesting illustrations and creative writing, this book is recommended for all ages that want to learn about Muhammad Ali's record-breaking career.Written by: Ms. Owen's 6th grade class at Frank Love Elementary.

I don't believe in hero worship, let alone living hero worship but Ali comes as close to a hero as you can get. This book does a good job of sheding light on why Ali is idolized and held in reverence by so many people throughout the world. The book moves quickly through the major events of Ali's life in a manner that is easy to digest for young, impressionable minds. The children's book is light and easy to hold and has plenty of art to capture the imagination. As with any children's book it is important to add information and clarity to subjects brought about in the book. For example, when the issue of the draft and his refusal to go into the Army is raised, the adult should explain, in more depth, about the time period; supplement the information ,if you will. The unorthodox written style, a free-verse structure, that is highlighted by the text being in different sizes, sometimes straight, some times at an angle, results in a fun and clever way at looking at a children's book. As with many children's books, the art work is one of the major strengths of the book. The art is as exuberant as the the subject matter. This book is a nice introduction into the life of Muhammad Ali for children in the primary grades. Recommended for community and primary grade libraries K-6.

Controversy dogged the boxer born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., much of it invited. It's all here - the rhyming brags and swagger that earned him headlines and ruffled opponents, his conversion to the Nation of Islam, his refusal to serve in Vietnam and subsequent court battle.He was either an inspirational symbol of defiance against injustice, or a loudmouth buffoon who overstayed his welcome in the ring, depending on your perspective. Nor does Bolden shy from his pathetic decline from too many blows to the head, leaving a palsied echo of the proud and loud pugilist.Christie sums up entire bouts in a few expressionistic squiggles, and in the next frame can capture both the champ's grace and grit. The acrylic colors are bold, the brushstrokes bolder, as if any canvass - including the ones Ali fought on - could ever capture a character so much larger than life.

It's hard to distill a complex adult's whole life into a picture book, but it's well done here. Cassius Clay become Ali, losses, recapture of the championships, his defeats, his major life changes are well presented with impressionist art. This could be a good core title to challenge young researchers on how they would condense a person's life into a 32-page picture book, and because there is not one iota of "cute" in this, it would be effectively used in a biographies unit at any grade level. SOmetimes picture book biographies tend toward "sappy" but this one maintains its rhythm and integrity well.

Everything very very good all in good shape right in time bin lucky got the thank you very muchfor all will want to have five more please. T