Becoming Muhammad Ali

Author(s): Kwame Alexander; James Patterson

Biography & Autobiography | Sport Fiction | Verse Novels

From two heavy-hitters in children's literature comes a critically acclaimed biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali.


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


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.

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Product Information

Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces in New York Times bestseller Becoming Muhammad Ali. A mixture of prose and verse, it follows the life of the young Ali up until age 17. Written with the cooperation and support of Muhammad Ali's estate, this is one of the best books of the year for younger readers.

"A stellar collaboration that introduces an important and intriguing individual to today's readers." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

* Kirkus Reviews *

"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)

"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)

James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of Max Einstein and Middle School, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.


Kwame Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books, including his Newbery Medal-winning novel The Crossover and The Undefeated, winner of the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. He is the founding editor of Versify, which aims to change the world one word at a time.


Dawud Anyabwile is an Emmy Award winning artist, illustrator and co-creator of the groundbreaking Comic Book Series, Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline. Anyabwile has worked with companies such as Cartoon Network, Turner Studios, NBA TV, Nickelodeon, and many others as a character designer, storyboard artist, illustrator and concept artist. Anyabwile illustrated the graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best selling novel, Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA Anyabwile now volunteers, teaches art classes to young students, and gives lectures when he isn't working on his art. Instagram @brothermancomix

General Fields

  • : 9781913090715
  • : Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd
  • : Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd
  • : August 2020
  • : 20.00 cmmm
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Kwame Alexander; James Patterson
  • : Paperback
  • : Dawud Anyabwile
  • : English
  • : 813.6
  • : 315