Title: Muhammad Ali by Matt Christopher, ISBN: 0-316-10843-X, Little Brown and Company, New York, 2005, $4.99, 113 pp.

Genre: Biography

Characters: Muhammad Ali

Plot: This book chronicles the life of Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali. Cassius wanted to fight someone and somehow found his way into a gym. He began boxing to get out his frustrations. He discovered he not only liked it but was very good at it. Cassius fought for many years, all the while saying at the top of his lungs for all to hear that he was the greatest. His goal was to be the heavyweight champion of the world.

As Cassius grew stronger and became a better fighter, he won many fights including the one which earned him a gold medal in the Olympics. This victory earned Cassius a professional boxing career. Over time, he got stronger and did become the heavyweight champion of the world.

It was during this time that Cassius decided to change his religion and become a member of the Nation of Islam. He then changed his name to Muhammad Ali to reflect his new beliefs. Although Muhammad Ali struggled in many aspects of his career and life, he never gave up on his dream and continues to make public appearances today despite his failing health.

Touchy Areas: Religion

Related Titles: Ali! the Sports Career of Muhammad Ali: The Sports Career of Muhammad Ali (Sports Legends) by James Hahn, Lynn Hahn, Howard Schroeder; Muhammad Ali by Randy Gordon; other Matt Christopher books.

DVD: Muhammad Ali - The Whole Story (1996); A.K.A. Cassius Clay (1970);

Music: Ali [SOUNDTRACK] Various Artists - Soundtracks - 2001

Art: http://www.limelightagency.com/wood/enlarge/muhammad_ali.html
http://www.absolute-playstation.com/naz_boxing_ps/naz_boxing_ps_ml_9.htm

Evaluation: I would give this book 7 out of 10.

Reviewed by: Judith Hesse, University of Toledo