The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali (by Tonya Bolden)

Young Cassius Clay becomes Muhammad Ali during a tumultuous time in American history.

Most kids today likely have no idea who Muhammad Ali is, but they deserve an introduction to this charismatic, champion athlete both for his own impressive history and a better understanding of the tumultuous times in which he became The Champ. Using dazzling, sometimes rhyming prose printed in a funky font, this book pays tribute to Ali's own fancy footwork and clever taunts. At the same time, it effectively shares Ali's humble beginnings and credits his commitment and impressive tenacity in helping him persevere.

Ali was more than an athlete, and his story is an impressive one. Smart, charismatic and driven, he stood up for what he believed in (refusing the draft) in spite of being threatened with prison. However your family looks back at those difficult times, his story is a good way to explore American history. Parents may want to give it a read-through before story time to prepare themselves for age-appropriate discussions about race, religion, or the Vietnam War. Or perhaps kids will be more focused on the vibrant, choppy, colorful pictures that -- like the font and liberal quotes -- help convey the action as well as the difficulties of that time.

Author: Tonya Bolden
Publisher: Knopf
Publication date: December 28, 2004
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $17.95
Paperback price: $6.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 8