Muhammad Ali (Little People, Big Dreams)
Once, a little boy named Cassius Clay had his bicycle stolen. He was so angry. He wanted to confront the thief, but a police officer told him that before he did, he needed to learn how to fight. Soon, Cassius had taken up boxing. While he wasn’t the strongest boxer, he was the fastest and he dazzled his opponents with his poetic ‘trash-talk.’ He kept training, fighting and winning. He decided he was going to be the greatest boxer of all time.
Over the years, Cassius studied the teachings of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was proud to be himself. He refused to fight in the Vietnam War and showed himself to be a gentle man of principle and dignity. Not only did he go on to be the Greatest, winning the Heavyweight Championship three times, but Muhammad Ali also became a human rights activist and an inspiration and friend to people all over the world.
In this moving, inspirational book, the easy-to-read text and contemporary, colourful illustrations provide an exceptional addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection. Clearly showing the importance of being true to yourself, the story also demonstrates how every hero starts off as a child with a dream and reassuringly shows that it’s okay – in fact it’s important – to dream big, even when it isn’t easy to do so. A photographic timeline of Muhammad Ali’s life is included, bringing the hero home to the reader. Beautifully designed and instantly accessible.
