Common Sense Media Review
By Kyle Jackson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful memoir by basketball star and civil rights icon.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
BECOMING KAREEM: GROWING UP ON AND OFF THE COURT is an autobiography for young readers by author, activist, and NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He traces his journey from shy, oversized, straight-A student from the housing projects of New York City to socially conscious international celebrity, voice for change and black empowerment, and devout Muslim. Set against the backdrop of a racially divided and tumultuous America of the 1950s and '60s, Becoming Kareem follows the young Lew Alcindor through his awkward teen years, his intellectual awakening in high school and at college at UCLA, up to his early professional basketball career, describing his development not only as a player but also as a scholar, a writer, and an activist. Along the way, the coaches and teachers he meets, including boxing icon Muhammad Ali, legendary college basketball guru John Wooden, and martial arts pioneer Bruce Lee, help him find his voice and comprehend and combat the racism experienced by virtually all African-Americans at the time, a fight he has carried on to the present day. Kareem details the pain of experiencing prejudice from people he thought he could trust -- like the white friends who turned on him and the coach who tried to motivate him by using the "N" word -- and the thick skin he had to develop as a result. Crossing paths with celebrities and civil rights leaders, young Lew discovers the power and peril of being black and famous in an America that praises him for his athletic gifts but resents him for his commitment to justice. Eventually, he changes his name and embraces his newfound Islamic faith in an expression of his decision to become who he wants and needs to be, rather than who others expect him to be.
Is It Any Good?
Eloquent and poignant, Kareem's story is one of self-discovery, emotional and intellectual development, and hard-fought and well-deserved success. His insights into a troubled but exciting time for black Americans show how inescapable the fear caused by racism and police brutality was and is, even for a beloved superstar such as himself. His memoir reveals a complex and compelling thinker whose journey has transcended sports and inspired millions by using his platform to articulate the African-American experience, much like those who came before and influenced him, such as Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, and countless others.
While basketball fans may be especially drawn to this autobiography by one of the sport's all-time greats, the lessons learned and wisdom offered are valuable to any young person searching for his or her place in a world filled with injustice and inequality.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the long struggle for civil rights in the United States as it's explored in Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court. How did activists and celebrities like Kareem, Muhammad Ali, and James Baldwin contribute to the national conversation about race relations in the 1960s and beyond?
Why have many African-Americans like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar chosen to change their names and often their religion as they become more socially conscious? Why did Kareem connect so deeply with the teachings of Islam?
Kareem realized early on that there were coaches in his life outside of basketball that could teach him things that sports never could. Who are some of your coaches, and what have they taught you?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Activism , School ( High School )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 21, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 13
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate