Muhammad Ali: The People's Champion

This acclaimed picture book biography is a perfect introduction to the great Muhammad Ali. Reviewers praised this book as "powerful," "action-filled," and "dramatic."

New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers explores Muhammad Ali’s life and recounts his most famous fights in this celebrated picture book biography. Text and art combine to highlight "the raw emotional impact of victory, loss, confrontation and peace.” (Kirkus)

Myers examines the depth and complexity of the larger-than-life legend and heavyweight champion of the world, and the bold, vibrant art of Alix Delinois reflects the beauty and power of the man who could "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

This nonfiction picture book is a strong choice for sharing in the classroom or at home. Use it as an introduction to one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures in history.

"I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me."

He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., in Louisville, Kentucky. His very first boxing coach, former police officer Joe Martin, told him, "You better learn how to fight before you start challenging people." Once considered the underdog, Cassius, later known as Muhammad Ali, would eventually win the title of heavyweight champion of the world. Acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers recounts the champ's most famous fights and examines the depth and complexity of the larger-than-life legend Muhammad Ali. The bold, vibrant art of Alix Delinois reflects the beauty and power of the man who could "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

Praise for Ida B. Wells: “An important and inspiring book.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

Praise for Ida B. Wells: “Accessible.” - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Ida B. Wells: “Masterful.” - ALA Booklist

“Artwork, rendered in a painterly style, is dramatic and enhances the boldness of this boxing superstar.” - School Library Journal

“Exuberant. Delinois’s painterly illustrations express the famous boxer’s energy as well as the political upheaval around him.” - The Horn Book

“Unexpectedly far reaching, this is a Muhammad Ali for the thinking child.” - ALA Booklist

“This artful biography of Muhammad Ali begins with his childhood in Louisville, Kentucky—he started learning how to fight after his bicycle was stolen—and offers snapshots of his hard-earned career in the world of boxing. Visually striking.” - Publishers Weekly

“Delinois’s emotive style packs a prismatic punch of its own. The total effect is energetic and disorienting, getting to the raw emotional impact of victory, loss, confrontation and peace.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Illustrations in oils in rich browns, shades of grays, and white highlights show the fighter Muhammad Ali in many action poses exhibiting his strength and lightning speed. Sure to provide inspiration for young readers.” - Booklist