Reviews

Becoming Muhammad Ali by Kwame Alexander, James Patterson

victorialynch's review

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4.0

A small hiccup with the audio where it was tough to jump from Lucky the narrator to the voice of Muhammad Ali. It's read by Kwame Alexander who is listed as co-author so it's annoying to me that I just see James Patterson's name listed. Kwame's writing voice is strong throughout with the verse.

A fabulous intro to Muhammad Ali for today's young readers.

sallydonnelly's review

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5.0

Amazing poetry!!
Kwame’s verses make this story soar.

mallen8509's review

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5.0

Do you know how Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali?⁣

In Becoming Muhammad Ali, young Ali and his best friend Lucky take turns telling the story about how one of the greatest boxers in the world came to be. ⁣

One of my former students is a boxer and would LOVE this book. I'm emailing his parents tomorrow morning lol!⁣

Although this book takes us back to the 50s, Ali's childhood experiences are easily relatable to kids today.⁣

Also included are moments in history like the murder of Emmitt Till and the integration of schools.⁣

We also learn how Ali struggled in school because he was dyslexic.⁣

Becoming Muhammad Ali is written in prose and verse. It was fitting that Ali's voice is written as poetry, making his voice stand out. ⁣

thenextgenlib's review

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5.0

I loved this mostly prose novel about Muhammad Ali. The illustrations were beautiful and the words were Kwame personified. I could see him in every word. I loved learning more about Cassius Clay. Great pick for #projectlit

tx2its's review

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4.0

Reading 2022
Book 16: Becoming Muhammed Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

This book is on the Texas Bluebonnet List, trying to read all of those books. You all know I love a James Patterson thriller, he also has some good YA books out there. Kwame Alexander had some of the more popular books in my classroom library with Crossover being at the top of the list. This book is reviewed for ages 8 and older.

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

Review: Patterson and Alexander teaming up for a book, yes, please! I am here for every word of this book. Kwame’s poetry paired with Jimmy’s prose makes for a cool look at Cassius Clay’s childhood told from the perspective of his best friend. My rating 4.5

ensara's review

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5.0

this was beautiful 

kiperoo's review

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5.0

This was just fabulous. I love reading about famous, inspirational people when they were young, and this story gives such a great window into Cassius Clay's life as a boy. Plus, Kwame's verse packs a punch, as always. So immersive!

heetlibrarian's review

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5.0

Written partly in a free form style and partly in traditional chapters depending on the character that is talking. I really loved how the story of young Cassius Clay is told. I highly recommend this for any student 3rd-7th grade.

jazzlibrariansbookcase's review

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inspiring fast-paced

3.0

dinosaurdude's review

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challenging hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced

4.25