Asim, Jabari. Me and Muhammad Ali. Nancy Paulson Books, 2022. 978-1-524-73988-1. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades K-2.

Muhammad Ali is the main character’s hero, and he is thrilled when he finds out that the champ himself is coming to his town. He spends all morning getting ready, going to get his hair done, hearing stories about Ali, and pumping himself up the whole time. When the moment comes to go hear Ali speak, he and his mom are turned away. The author’s note at the end tells that this is loosely based on a real story that happened to the author’s mother, in a similar manner that it occurred in the book.

THOUGHTS: This is a lovely book that shows a different side of Muhammed Ali outside of the fighting ring. This book will be enjoyed by fans of Ali as well as fans of wonderfully written and illustrated picture books.

Picture Book          Mary McEndree, Lehigh Valley Regional Charter Academy