Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali - Paperback

by Charles R. Smith Jr. (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

"An in-depth look at Ali's life through twelve rhyming poems. . . . Collier's bold pictures . . . are among the best of his illustrious career." -- Booklist (starred review)

From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson's, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as "The Greatest" waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. The rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs, while bold collage artwork matches every move, capturing the "Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme" who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali. Back matter includes a time line.

Author Biography

Charles R. Smith Jr. is the author of Hoop Queens and its companion, Hoop Kings. He also wrote and illustrated the American Library Association Notable Book Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls, and Rhythms, among other titles. Charles R. Smith Jr. lives in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Bryan Collier is the illustrator of several award-winning books, including Uptown and the Coretta Scott King winners A Freedom River, Martin's Big Words, and Visting Langston. Martin's Big Words was also named a Caldecott Honor Book. Bryan Collier lives in New York.