Me and Muhammad Ali

Langston is a huge fan of boxing champ Muhammed Ali, and when he hears that Ali is coming to his local high school, he is ecstatic. He gets a special haircut and floats like a butterfly to meet his hero, but a guard tries to stop him. Langston learns a thing or two about fearlessness from the champ and is quick about not taking "no" for an answer, and his dream comes true.

Format: Hardback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Langston, like many of his peers, holds a deep admiration for boxing champion Muhammad Ali. Ali's unparalleled speed, strength, confidence, and poetic prowess have left an indelible mark on Langston's heart. He is particularly captivated by Ali's ability to glide like a butterfly and sting like a bee, and the inspiration Ali's words provide him to craft his own poems. Langston's excitement reaches its peak when he learns that Ali will be visiting his local high school. He prepares for the occasion by getting a special haircut and emulating Ali's graceful movements, hoping to meet his hero. However, his hopes are dashed when a guard at the door prevents him from entering, claiming that the event is exclusively for students. Undeterred by fear, Langston draws upon the lessons he has learned from Ali and refuses to accept "no" as an answer. With determination and resilience, he finds a way to gain entry to the event, and his dream comes true when he finally meets Muhammad Ali. The encounter leaves Langston feeling a profound sense of warmth and fulfillment, as he chants the words that have become his mantra: "I am quick and I am strong. I am Black and I am free. I am brave and I am bold, like Muhammad Ali!"

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 286 x 214 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781524739881