BECOMING MUHAMMAD ALI by James Patterson & Kwame Alexander
HARDCOVER
Author: James Patterson & Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Powerful, lyrical, and deeply inspiring, BECOMING MUHAMMAD ALI tells the story of a legend before he became “The Greatest.”
Long before the world knew him as Muhammad Ali, he was Cassius Clay - a boy growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, with big dreams, fierce determination, and challenges that tested him at every turn. Like many kids, he struggled in school. He experienced racism. He leaned on family, friends, and his community to find his way.
When his bike is stolen at age twelve, Cassius’s anger leads him to a boxing gym - and to the beginning of something extraordinary. Through training, discipline, and sheer belief in himself, he wins his first Golden Gloves bout and starts the journey toward becoming one of the most iconic athletes in history.
Written in a compelling blend of prose and verse, this fully authorised novel captures the rhythm, resilience, and charisma that defined Muhammad Ali from the very beginning. The storytelling feels immediate and personal, while dynamic illustrations add depth and energy to the narrative.
More than a sports story, Becoming Muhammad Ali is about identity, courage, family, faith, and finding your voice. It shows young readers that greatness doesn’t appear overnight - it is built step by determined step.
Perfect for readers who enjoy inspiring true stories, sports biographies, or novels in verse, this is a moving and accessible introduction to one of the most influential cultural figures of all time.