About the Author

Tonya Bolden is the author-editor of many wonderful, critically acclaimed books for adults and children. She lives in New York City.

R. Gregory Christie is a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor Book winner for illustration, most recently for his work on Anne Rockwell’s Only Passing Through, a picture-book biography of Sojourner Truth. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Reviews

"Bolden's engaging text has a free-verse structure punctuated with enthusiastic exclamations. . . . Christie's use of bold pinks and yellows, sketchy pencil lines, and dark strokes of paint illuminate the playful text and emphasize Ali's exciting life." - School Library Journal, Starred

Gr 1-5-This picture-book biography touches on some of the most complex and fascinating aspects of the boxing champion's life, such as his conversion to Islam, his refusal to fight in Vietnam, and his penchant for boastful rhymes. Bolden's engaging text has a free-verse structure punctuated with enthusiastic exclamations that is enjoyable to read aloud. The book is ideal for browsing or to highlight in a booktalk, but it may not appeal to patrons seeking a straightforward source for assignments or young sports fans who want to see realistic art. The illustrations are striking from a graphic-design standpoint: Christie's use of bold pinks and yellows, sketchy pencil lines, and dark strokes of paint illuminate the playful text and emphasize Ali's exciting life and flamboyant personality. This is a fine addition for collections with several titles about the champ and for libraries where this artist's work is popular.-Anne M. Holcomb, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.