Ali: An American Champion

Gr 4–8—A first-rate biography of an American legend. In the author's note, Denenberg states that the story of Muhammad Ali has, over time, been "transformed into something easily digestible and unthreatening," but promises to "reveal the true story of Muhammad Ali" through this thorough recount of Ali's life. Starting when Ali (then Cassius Clay) was 12, the book relates his commitment to the sport, describing how after school was over, the boy worked until 6 pm, then trained until midnight. Denenberg also talks about Ali's endless badgering of his opponents, for example, showing up at opponent Sonny Liston's house in the middle of the night, "daring him to…have a go right then and there." Interspersed throughout is information about the turmoil of the time period, such as African Americans' fight for desegregation and equality. There's also material on the Vietnam War and how Ali reacted by joining the Nation of Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay; his refusal to enter the army; and his association with civil rights leader Malcolm X. Most of the engaging narrative is done in the format of newspaper articles, man on the street interviews, and breaking news transmissions, all created by the author. Denenberg does an excellent job of capturing the era, and this book will serve as a gateway to discussions and lessons about this time in American history.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL