Muhammad Ali: Champion of the World

In my opinion this was a good book to read to children who are interested in sports as well as diversity. This story was historical fiction based on how it was about the famous African American Muhammad Ali who changed his name based on his wanting to be closer to his African heritage. I think this book hits on many different topics which could interest student reader around the age of 10 or older. This book represented African American history as well as the idea of changing religions and finding your passion, in this case it was boxing.

Capturing the importance and significance of a figure of the stature of Muhammad Ali is never a easy task but Jonah Winter does a wonderful job of weaving the social context in which Ali grew up in, those who preceded him and the significance of his legacy he left behind. The illustrations are a lovely painted palette of dark browns and soft edges, capturing Ali’s handsomeness and his fierce competitiveness. I believe Winter does Ali justice and gives a new generation a glimpse into a incredible man.

I thought that this was an excellent book that presented a biography in a different way. The book does not just focus on Muhammad Alli but other great boxers of this time. The language is clear and descriptive using phrases such as "jump-roping into the Kingdom of boxing" demonstrating an idea that he was physically jump roping to get in shape, but also working hard in order to earn his place in boxing. The writing is engaging and uses a variation of fonts to emphasize action words such as "talked" "jived" "punched" "practiced" all on the same page. The characters are very believable because the book is based on a real person and the hard word they went through to get where they did today. The plot was well organized, the story started show more off with different boxers and then eased its way into Muhammad's life and the journey he went through to become "champion of the world". The illustrations were brightly colored and realistic, which enhanced the story and the text because the two coincided well together. The book pushes readers to think about the hard work one has to go through in order to get what they want. The big idea of this book is that with hard work and perseverance you can accomplish anything in life. show less

'' Fly like a butterfly sting like a bee.", are famous words of Muhammad Ali that might be the most recognizable quote form him. This book discusses the rise of Muhammad and how he used his platform of fame to stand up against racism and shatter stereotypes of African American boxers. Even when Muhammad drafted into fighting in a war he did not believe in, he still defied the norm, and stood his ground. For denying the army he was taken to court where they banned from boxing and all of his titles were taken away. After many years of fighting for the right to box in the ring, the day finally came when he won the lawsuit and was allowed back in the ring. Yet, of course the world turned their backs on him and believed he would not win the show more heavy weight champion of the world after so many years away. Again Muhammad proved everyone wrong and won his championship after having all the odds against him. Muhammad Ali was not just a boxer, he was a poet, advocate against racism, and role model for young African-American athletes around the world. show less

Personal Response: I thought this was a great book. From reading this picture book, I learned a lot about Muhammad Ali that I didn't previously know about. This book reminded me a lot about the "Moses" book about Harriet Tubman. The reason I say that is that both books summon the voice of God. An example of that in this book is, "Then God said, IT IS TIME. And in a flash of lightning, Ali WOKE UP from his trick and SPRANG from the ropes. " When books summon the voice of God like this, it gives me chills down my spine and makes story seem so profound. I also like how the note the precedes the book, describes Ali as a prophet, but says that he "speaks to people of all faiths." I believe that this book truly does accomplish show more this.

Library/Classroom Uses:

There are so many good and powerful picture books like this one available these days. In a library or classroom setting, it would be great to introduce students to famous people, even heroes, by using this book and others. show less

“Muhammad Ali: Champion of the World” is the story of the triumphant boxer, the great Muhammad Ali. It tells his story in a way that children will find interesting and exciting. Not only does it send the message to fight for what you truly want, but it also shows the history of African Americans and how they had to fight for freedom. For example, in the book it says, “He spoke out against racism. And he was creating a new way for African Americans to be: proud, strong, and willing to fight.” Books like this one are important to have in the classroom because they represent a part of history that children must be exposed to.

I loved this book! It's great to read if you like to be an animated speaker/reader. It's a fun story as well as historic. It was written true to the type of person Muhammed Ali is and was back then. His story helps people to accept and be proud of being different. His confidence rubs off through this book and could maybe help a child feeling down about themselves.