Me and Muhammad Ali
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A little boy’s joyous encounter with his hero, boxing champion and poet Muhammad Ali, is everything he’s dreamed of—and more!
Like most of the kids he knows, Langston is a huge fan of boxing champ Muhammad Ali. After all, Ali is the greatest for so many reasons—his speed, his strength, his confidence—and his poetry. Langston loves that Ali can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, and Ali’s words give him confidence to spin his own poems. When Langston hears the champ is coming to the local high school, he’s ecstatic—this will be a day that will go down in history for him. When the big day arrives, Langston gets a special haircut, and floats like a butterfly to meet his hero—so imagine his disappointment when a guard tries to stop him at the door, saying the event is just for students. Fortunately, Langston has learned a thing or two about fearlessness from the champ and is quick about not taking “no” for an answer. And just like that, a dream comes true for Langston that leaves him feeling wrapped in a warm glow and chanting I’m quick and I’m strong. I’m Black and I’m free. I’m brave and I’m bold, like Muhammad Ali!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Asim pays tribute to Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) in this uplifting picture book about a child's encounter with the boxer. Young Langston, portrayed as Black, is overjoyed upon spotting a flyer announcing an upcoming visit from his hero, Ali. Leading up to the athlete's arrival, metropolitan scenes paint tg exalted picture of him: kids trade boastful Ali-inspired rhymes on the playground; at home, Mom reflects on the champ's honesty; and at the barbershop, someone recounts a famous fight. Momentary tension arises around Langston's entering the event, but Ali comes to the rescue, inspiring the boy's concluding lines: "I'm quick and I'm strong./ I'm Black and I'm free./ I'm brave and I'm bold,/ like Muhammad Ali." With vibrant colors, Ford's acrylic paintings evoke the pride Langston and his community take in Ali. An author's note concludes. Ages 3–7.