Becoming Muhammad Ali by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson
Hi, I am Advik. I love to read, write, bike, swim, and watch TV.
“Becoming Muhammad Ali” is a historical fiction book by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson. The book is about the most famous boxer, Muhammad Ali. It is one of the most genuine, inspiring books I have ever read. I love how Alexander tells his stories through poems and rhymes. I have never loved poetry, but this book is a definite exception.
Ali was given the name Cassius Clay Jr., and he lived in Louisville, Kentucky. Cassius’s boxing journey all started in a boxing section of an auditorium, where he was escaping the heavy downfall. Trying to report their missing bicycles, they find Joe Martin, a boxing coach and police officer. As Joe Martin starts to leave, Cassius strikes the heavy bag, and Joe is amazed. Joe-Martin then suggests that he practice boxing with him. Cassius gets hooked and practices every day.
Ali fails the first time he enters the ring and is nearly knocked out. Later, he wins his first official fight on “Tomorrow’s Champions.” After this, Cassius became so motivated to be the best boxer in the world that boxing became the center of his life. He won six Kentucky Golden Gloves tournaments and two National Golden Gloves tournaments. Ultimately, Cassius changed his name to Muhammad Ali, won a gold medal in the 1960 Boxing Olympics, and became the world heavyweight champion three times. His career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and passed away on June 3, 2016.
The collaboration between Alexander and Patterson was impressive. One thing I really loved about this book was all the insights into Ali’s childhood. I would recommend this book to kids who love historical fiction.
