What do you think?
Rate this book
Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born
In this picture book biography of Muhammad Ali, author Gene Barretta and illustrator Frank Morrison tell the unforgettable childhood story of this legendary boxing champion and how one pivotal moment set him on his path to become the Greatest of All Time.
The Louisville Lip. The Greatest. The People’s Champion. Muhammad Ali had many nicknames. But before he became one of the most recognizable faces in the world, before the nicknames and the championships, before he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, he was twelve-year-old Cassius Clay riding a brand-new red-and-white bicycle through the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. One fateful day, this proud and bold young boy had that bike stolen, his prized possession, and he wouldn’t let it go. Not without a fight.
This would be the day he discovered boxing. And a champion was born.
Back matter includes biographical overview, photos, bibliography, and more resources.
The Louisville Lip. The Greatest. The People’s Champion. Muhammad Ali had many nicknames. But before he became one of the most recognizable faces in the world, before the nicknames and the championships, before he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, he was twelve-year-old Cassius Clay riding a brand-new red-and-white bicycle through the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. One fateful day, this proud and bold young boy had that bike stolen, his prized possession, and he wouldn’t let it go. Not without a fight.
This would be the day he discovered boxing. And a champion was born.
Back matter includes biographical overview, photos, bibliography, and more resources.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 3, 2017
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Gene Barretta
40 books28 followersGene Barretta is the author and illustrator of Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin and Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci. He is also author and illustrator of Dear Deer, which was a Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts and listed on the Parenting Magazine Mom-Tested Books of the Year List.
He holds a B.F.A. in Film Studies from New York University, and has worked for many years in film and television production. Gene is also the older brother of Muppet performer, writer and director, Bill Barretta.
He lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania with his wife and son.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/geneba...
He holds a B.F.A. in Film Studies from New York University, and has worked for many years in film and television production. Gene is also the older brother of Muppet performer, writer and director, Bill Barretta.
He lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania with his wife and son.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/geneba...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Read
February 21, 2022Text to Self
I recently read this book because my 8 year old son is doing a project on Muhammad Ali. It was a little lengthy for him, but I thought the story was amazing. Ali's reasoning to start boxing was because someone stole his bike when he was 12 years old and I found that quite hilarious. It made me think of when I was about 9 or 10 and a boy from my school stole my scooter. Of course we handled the situations differently. I told my mom and she drove around to the boy's house, talked to his mom and I received my bike back. As for Muhammad he had lost his bike and didn't get it back, but after while he was named the greatest fighter of all time.
I recently read this book because my 8 year old son is doing a project on Muhammad Ali. It was a little lengthy for him, but I thought the story was amazing. Ali's reasoning to start boxing was because someone stole his bike when he was 12 years old and I found that quite hilarious. It made me think of when I was about 9 or 10 and a boy from my school stole my scooter. Of course we handled the situations differently. I told my mom and she drove around to the boy's house, talked to his mom and I received my bike back. As for Muhammad he had lost his bike and didn't get it back, but after while he was named the greatest fighter of all time.
April 18, 2017
This book highlights some of Muhammad Ali's famous fights and also the humble beginnings from whence he came. Vivid illustrations and vibrant text make this book interesting to any reader desiring to learn more about Muhammad Ali.
January 15, 2017
My memories of Muhammad Ali are not from actual fights but from his interviews, especially with Howard Cosell on ABC's Wide World of Sports. By the time I was born, Ali's prime boxing days were behind him. Late in his career he continued to draw huge crowds to celebrity bouts and even a foray into the WWWF wrestling ring. Of course, who can ever forget the image of Ali at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, hands visibly shaking from the Parkinson's disease that would claim his life twenty years later, standing atop the olympic ramp as the last keeper of the flame to light the fire at the opening ceremony. Today's kids may not recognize the man who redefined sports celebrity in the 1960s to become an American sports icon. Gene Barretta's new autobiographical picture book Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born shows readers a glimpse of Ali in his prime as well as the life changing moment in his youth that lead him to the boxing ring.
I can't begin to talk about the book without beginning with the paintings. Only one word does them justice: stunning. The first few pages are paintings of Ali in his prime against Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Leon Spinks. When I saw these pages I was immediately reminded of the paintings of George Bellows whose paintings of boxing and wrestling matches at the turn of the 21st century captured the motion and intensity of the combatants like no other artist before him.
Frank Morrison's paintings in this beautiful picture book want to dance off the page. Each painting swirls in motion to draw the reader into the events on the page.
After seeing Ali in some of his greatest fights, the reader is then taken back to Louisville, Kentucky in 1954 where a young man named Cassius Clay shows the same competitive drive that would become a defining trait throughout his life. Readers are introduced to the reality of Southern segregation as Cassius is visiting a home show for the local black merchants and craftsman who are not allowed to sell their wares at the white bazaars. While there, Cassius' bike is stolen. His instinct is to fight, but he chooses to find a police officer instead. When Cassius explains his desire to find and fight the thief, Officer Martin invites Cassius to his local gym where he trains boxers. Cassius chooses to channel his anger in the boxing ring. The latter part of the book shows Ali's metamorphosis from a skinny kid in Louisville to an Olympic Gold Medalist and finally to a World Heavyweight Champion.
The last two pages provide a timeline and give a more detailed description of Ali's life, his conversion to Islam, the backlash he endured due to his political views, and his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 1984. While it is true that Muhammad Ali can be considered a controversial figure in American history (he supported segregation in the 1960s due to his association with the Nation of Islam as well as his treatment by whites in youth), Ali's later life was filled with philanthropic activities and projects that supported humanitarian relief efforts around the world.
This volume is perfect for ages 7-10 as an introduction to an important figure in American sports and cultural history. For many Americans, Muhammad Ali, along with perhaps Kareem Abdul Jabbar, was the first prominent Muslim we ever knew. Not only will this volume serve to further diversify collections, it can be a great tool to teach character traits such as perseverance, courage, and self-discipline. Highly Recommended.
I can't begin to talk about the book without beginning with the paintings. Only one word does them justice: stunning. The first few pages are paintings of Ali in his prime against Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Leon Spinks. When I saw these pages I was immediately reminded of the paintings of George Bellows whose paintings of boxing and wrestling matches at the turn of the 21st century captured the motion and intensity of the combatants like no other artist before him.
Frank Morrison's paintings in this beautiful picture book want to dance off the page. Each painting swirls in motion to draw the reader into the events on the page.
After seeing Ali in some of his greatest fights, the reader is then taken back to Louisville, Kentucky in 1954 where a young man named Cassius Clay shows the same competitive drive that would become a defining trait throughout his life. Readers are introduced to the reality of Southern segregation as Cassius is visiting a home show for the local black merchants and craftsman who are not allowed to sell their wares at the white bazaars. While there, Cassius' bike is stolen. His instinct is to fight, but he chooses to find a police officer instead. When Cassius explains his desire to find and fight the thief, Officer Martin invites Cassius to his local gym where he trains boxers. Cassius chooses to channel his anger in the boxing ring. The latter part of the book shows Ali's metamorphosis from a skinny kid in Louisville to an Olympic Gold Medalist and finally to a World Heavyweight Champion.
The last two pages provide a timeline and give a more detailed description of Ali's life, his conversion to Islam, the backlash he endured due to his political views, and his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 1984. While it is true that Muhammad Ali can be considered a controversial figure in American history (he supported segregation in the 1960s due to his association with the Nation of Islam as well as his treatment by whites in youth), Ali's later life was filled with philanthropic activities and projects that supported humanitarian relief efforts around the world.
This volume is perfect for ages 7-10 as an introduction to an important figure in American sports and cultural history. For many Americans, Muhammad Ali, along with perhaps Kareem Abdul Jabbar, was the first prominent Muslim we ever knew. Not only will this volume serve to further diversify collections, it can be a great tool to teach character traits such as perseverance, courage, and self-discipline. Highly Recommended.
May 4, 2017
This biography of Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) opens by describing his 3 heavy weight championship fights. Then the story starts over by describing Ali's introduction to boxing. When his bike is stolen, Officer Martin introduces Cassius to the world of boxing. With hard work, determination, and some natural talent, the boxing legend begins his career. Sprinkled with a few notable quotes, this biography focuses mainly on Clay's beginnings and is not a complete biography. The text briefly explains why and when Cassius Clay changes his name to Muhammad Ali. The stylized illustrations and vivid and capture the time; I didn't care for what I thought was the over stylizing of Clay's physique.
Recommended for grades 4 and 5.
Recommended for grades 4 and 5.
February 7, 2017
Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born is an excellent picture book introduction for young readers to the legend of The Greatest. After an introductory note explaining that Cassius Clay and Muhammad Ali are the same person, the opening pages show the major moments from Ali’s boxing career and capture his charisma through his words. The illustrations are accurate but not overly graphic. Then the narrative moves back to an episode from Ali’s childhood. When his new bike is stolen, young Cassius appeals to a police officer for help, and the officer introduces him to the sport of boxing. From there, Ali’s life and career are conveyed with attention to both his athleticism and activism. The illustrations are bright and cartoon-like as they portray first a child and then a man who became the most well-known person on the planet. Ali’s life serves as a lesson that no matter what bad things might happen—a stolen bike, racial or religious persecution—we can always choose to respond with positivity.
January 5, 2017
A new biography of the boxing legend in picture book format. The illustrations start off with a "Pow!" Plenty of details throughout for report writing including an author's note at the end and some additional books and websites recommendations for further information. Coretta Scott King Awards and the Sibert Award come to mind when reading this one.
January 13, 2017
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about Muhammad Ali - Morrison's art is gorgeous. Barretta provides young readers with biography of Ali that highlights the events that led him into boxing and the wins of his boxing career.
Read
November 22, 2016I only got to see FOUR spreads, but you can tell this is going to be a great one!
June 17, 2020
Review on the blog soon -- this is a book you will want to own as a NF mentor text, besides the fact that it's the story of a powerful (pun intended) role model of athlete/activist.
December 8, 2017
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay in Lexington, KY in 1942 became the most recognizable boxing superstar in the 1960’s and 70’s but how did he get there? What influences in his childhood happened in order to get him to the pinnacle of success in the challenging sport of professional boxing? Author Gene Barretta takes a look back at one event that changed the course of his life, the theft of Ali’s brand new bicycle in 1954.
Barretta and his illustrator, Frank Morrison, delve into the history of Ali’s young life to capture the attention of their young readers with panache and style that reflects his boxing style. It is a picture book biography that shines when read aloud to classes and groups. . My classroom reviewing assistants, all hit on the major things that make this book a success. The students commented on how the use of actual Ali quotes placed in strategic parts of the story and the oil on illustration board art made the book very real for them. They commented on how well the illustrations supported the story and that they were able to take-away what made him a good boxer, how he is a good influence in that he never gave up, and that they had a good understanding of the details of his life from our classroom reading. As the reader, the final two page illustration is an awe inspiring wordless, visual end of the story that packs just as much punch for the audience as one of Ali’s boxing matches.
Book extras include a short author’s note on the publication page that should be read before starting the text, a two page spread summary of his career with two photographs, a bibliography, suggestions for more reading and two official websites that are appropriate for the intended audience. I would highly recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. It offers a fresh approach to the life story of Muhammad Ali that captures the spirit of his career and life. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Barretta and his illustrator, Frank Morrison, delve into the history of Ali’s young life to capture the attention of their young readers with panache and style that reflects his boxing style. It is a picture book biography that shines when read aloud to classes and groups. . My classroom reviewing assistants, all hit on the major things that make this book a success. The students commented on how the use of actual Ali quotes placed in strategic parts of the story and the oil on illustration board art made the book very real for them. They commented on how well the illustrations supported the story and that they were able to take-away what made him a good boxer, how he is a good influence in that he never gave up, and that they had a good understanding of the details of his life from our classroom reading. As the reader, the final two page illustration is an awe inspiring wordless, visual end of the story that packs just as much punch for the audience as one of Ali’s boxing matches.
Book extras include a short author’s note on the publication page that should be read before starting the text, a two page spread summary of his career with two photographs, a bibliography, suggestions for more reading and two official websites that are appropriate for the intended audience. I would highly recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. It offers a fresh approach to the life story of Muhammad Ali that captures the spirit of his career and life. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
November 30, 2018
Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born is a children's picture book written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison. It is a book about the life and times of Muhammad Ali, a boxer, activist, and philanthropist.
Muhammad Ali born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Barretta's text is simplistic and straightforward. It the story about a boy named Cassius Clay who would one day become one of the most prominent boxers in history. There is a more in-depth, albeit cursory biography at the end. Morrison's illustrations are stunningly phenomenal and depicted the text somewhat realistic.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It begins with some of his notable matches – his match against Sonny Liston – twice (25 February, 1964 and 25 May, 1965), George Foreman (30 October, 1974), and Leon Sparks (15 September, 1978). The narrative then flashbacks to when Cassius Clay started boxing and the story unfurls from there.
All in all, Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born is a wonderful children's book about a child who had his bicycle stolen and was introduced to the world of boxing. This boy would one day become the most prominent boxer in the world.
Muhammad Ali born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Barretta's text is simplistic and straightforward. It the story about a boy named Cassius Clay who would one day become one of the most prominent boxers in history. There is a more in-depth, albeit cursory biography at the end. Morrison's illustrations are stunningly phenomenal and depicted the text somewhat realistic.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It begins with some of his notable matches – his match against Sonny Liston – twice (25 February, 1964 and 25 May, 1965), George Foreman (30 October, 1974), and Leon Sparks (15 September, 1978). The narrative then flashbacks to when Cassius Clay started boxing and the story unfurls from there.
All in all, Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born is a wonderful children's book about a child who had his bicycle stolen and was introduced to the world of boxing. This boy would one day become the most prominent boxer in the world.
December 29, 2018
Title: Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born
Author: Gene Barretta
Pages: 40
Lexile level: n/a
___5 out of 5 stars
Recommendations & Comments:
Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born, opens with a glimpse of the boxer’s three heavyweight championship victories before flashing back to his childhood, and the initiating incident that would lead to life as a professional fighter. Twelve year old Ali, then known by his birth name Cassius Clay, enjoys his brand new bike until it is stolen. Cassius, though small and thin, tells a police officer that he is going to find the thief and “whup him.” The officer, who is also a boxing coach, suggests that Cassius learn how to fight and defend himself first, and invites the boy to join him at the local gym. The sights and sounds of the gym energize Cassius. Author Barretta briefly chronicles the young boxer’s ascendency to heavyweight champion while also highlighting Ali’s humanitarian efforts. Illustrator Frank Morrison provides lush and atmospheric oil paintings. This was a fast, fun, and informative read.
Reviewed By: Roger Burns
Author: Gene Barretta
Pages: 40
Lexile level: n/a
___5 out of 5 stars
Recommendations & Comments:
Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born, opens with a glimpse of the boxer’s three heavyweight championship victories before flashing back to his childhood, and the initiating incident that would lead to life as a professional fighter. Twelve year old Ali, then known by his birth name Cassius Clay, enjoys his brand new bike until it is stolen. Cassius, though small and thin, tells a police officer that he is going to find the thief and “whup him.” The officer, who is also a boxing coach, suggests that Cassius learn how to fight and defend himself first, and invites the boy to join him at the local gym. The sights and sounds of the gym energize Cassius. Author Barretta briefly chronicles the young boxer’s ascendency to heavyweight champion while also highlighting Ali’s humanitarian efforts. Illustrator Frank Morrison provides lush and atmospheric oil paintings. This was a fast, fun, and informative read.
Reviewed By: Roger Burns
September 9, 2019
This book is presented like a superhero comic. The humble beginnings of “The Greatest” are explored from childhood up to winning the gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. One of the things that stood out is despite living in segregated Louisville, Kentucky, one of Muhammad Ali’s early mentors was a White Police Officer. Ofc. Martin, after learning 12 year old Ali had his bike stolen, told him if he was going to beat up the person who took it, he better learn how to fight. Frank Morrison’s art style goes from cartoonish to raw and serious seamlessly in the book. Who would have thought that a stolen bike would lead to the greatest boxer of all time? Who would have thought that man would become so iconic and so much bigger than his sport? Personal note: I own one of Ali’s boxing gloves. Signed and everything.
May 18, 2017
Muhammad Ali: a Champion is Born is a pleasing picture book biography of one of the greatest athletes of all time. Written for younger readers, the plot can become confusing as Barretta uses flashbacks to tell the story of how Cassius Clay grew up to become the world-renowned boxer, Muhammad Ali. By starting the story when he won his first title as Clay, moving forward to when he won twice more are Ali, and then back to his childhood as Clay, the constant name jumping may throw off children trying to follow the thread of this tale. Despite the non-linear plot format, the illustrations are full of movement and color to hold readers’ interest. Recommended purchase for children’s biography sections.
December 11, 2020
Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born is a nonfiction picture book about Muhammad Ali before he was the all time best boxing champion. Talks about who he was before he changed his name and where his fighting all began. It goes on to talk about his professional career.
I like this book because it gives great stories and details about someone who many people know about, but don't know the true story of who he is. I like this pictures in this book, and it was awesome flipping through them.
I would use this book in my classroom because Muhammad Ali was a famous boxer, and possibly one of the best to ever to do it. Kids would love to learn more about him, and use this book for a research project if needed.
I like this book because it gives great stories and details about someone who many people know about, but don't know the true story of who he is. I like this pictures in this book, and it was awesome flipping through them.
I would use this book in my classroom because Muhammad Ali was a famous boxer, and possibly one of the best to ever to do it. Kids would love to learn more about him, and use this book for a research project if needed.
April 25, 2018
This picture book takes us through Muhammad Ali's childhood and how he came to be a legendary boxing champion. From the days he went by Cassius Clay and his bicycle was stolen, to his performance in the ring as Muhammad Ali, we learned that this individual never gave up on a challenge. The illustrations that accompany this text are nicely done, and the placement of the text adds dimension to the page. The real-life pictures at the end of he text are a great addition. This is a great text to use in any classroom.
May 27, 2017
A well written and equally vibrantly illustrated picture book about the Greatest boxing legend of our time, this story takes us back to his childhood. It recounts the story of Ali as a young boy racing down the streets on his favorite bike. When it gets stolen, he vows to get it back and won’t back down. Not without a fight.
See other books in our Inspiring Muslim Leaders and Thinkers booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/in...
See other books in our Inspiring Muslim Leaders and Thinkers booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/in...
February 15, 2017
Wow! I couldn't care less about boxing, but this was an awesome book. Interesting choice to start in adulthood and switch to childhood a few pages in. That's common in biographies for older readers, but it's rarely done in picture books. Seems to work fine here, though. Made me appreciate Ali more both as a person and an athlete.
Read
May 13, 2020We read this one to compare/contrast it with Between the Lines, about football player-slash-artist Ernie Barnes. It was a great pairing! Lots of similarities and differences. Good short biography to introduce Ali, and certainly to help kids get interested and connect with his story (I didn't know he became a boxer because his bike got stolen, did you? Great story!).
November 27, 2017
a picture book biogrpahy of boxing champ Muhammed Ali. Starts with his biggest accomplishments and then flases back. Leaves some gaps for those not familiar with the story. Early elemenatray maybe preschool one on one.
June 3, 2017
Excellent intro to the champ and his life.
July 22, 2017
Loved the illustrations. Enjoyed learning about Ali's life as a young boy and how he got started with his boxing career.
May 29, 2018
Wonderful amount of detail in this book. Great illustrations.
June 21, 2018
Hometown Hero!
May 29, 2019
A nonlinear biography of Muhammad Ali. It starts by highlighting some of his most famous fights and then jumps back to his childhood and how he started boxing.
June 23, 2019
I suggest this book, it is good and I think you should read it.
July 22, 2019
Not a huge fan of boxing, but this was an interesting biography of Muhammad Ali and shows how he got started boxing.
July 26, 2019
I find the lack of focus on his humanitarian work in this incredibly disappointing.
March 13, 2017
Solid biography, the illustrations are very cool and add great perspective, a piece at the end fills in the holes left by the focus of the biography on childhood, great message about working hard.
February 27, 2017
Great pictures, good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews