School Library Journal - This look at Muhammad Ali, an inspiring athlete and civic activist, starts off with his childhood. Cassius Clay, as he was then known, was a young boy from Kentucky who always knew he would be successful. One day, his brand-new bicycle was stolen. He wanted to face the thief, but the police officer suggested that he first learn how to fight, and so Cassius discovered the sport of boxing. Though he wasn't the strongest fighter, he had a secret weapon: he was faster than anyone else. Cassius worked hard and proved himself in the ring, eventually winning an Olympic gold medal. However, the honor was not enough-he wanted to become a professional boxer. This young man with a dream became the most successful boxer in history. The illustrations will engage young readers and the inviting text will delight sports fans and those interested in other important historical figures. VERDICT An excellent introduction to the biography genre for young students.-Annette Herbert, F.E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Muhammad Ali by Isabel Sanchez Vegara is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series that looks at famous people and how they made a difference in the world. We follow young Cassius Clay as he determines to become strong to take on bullies. A punk thief had stolen his bike. He didn't want to feel powerless, so he took up boxing and found he had a knack for it. He would go on to win several championships, take a stand against war, and become a strong advocate for the disenfranchised. The end of the book has a more detailed timeline of his life, written more for older readers. I read this with my cubs. They love this series. Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

This was a nice introduction to Muhammad Ali. It is both a timeline, but also information that could get a child interested in learning more. One thing this book really has going for it is the illustrations. They are much different than most of the books in the Little People Big Dreams series. They are more cartoonish, almost “Simpson”-ish, with bubble people and bright colors. It really stood out. ( )