Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali

Collier's bold pictures...are among the best of his illustrious career, capturing both nuance and excitement.

Gr 5 UpSmith is best known for his high-energy poetry celebrating basketball and other sports, and this biography is his most ambitious undertaking yet. Rap-style cadences perfectly capture the drama that has always surrounded this boxer's life: "Louisville Lip leaps to life/just a few short years/after your first pro fight./Braggin'/and boastin'/and callin' the round, /signifyin'/how your opponent would go down." From Ali's childhood as Cassius Clay, to the realization that even an Olympic gold medal would not shield him from racial injustices, to a career that included three heavyweight titles, and his life after retirement, Smith skillfully weaves together the threads of the boxer's life, including his Muslim faith and his run-ins with the American government during the Vietnam War. Each chapter, or "round," represents a specific period, and selected quotes from Ali and voice-overs from announcers provide a "you are there" feeling. Collier's compelling watercolor collages with their brown overtones beautifully portray Ali's determination and strength. Each spread seamlessly melds powerful artwork and text in a way that transcends what either could be on its own. The thorough recounting of Ali's life, along with back matter that includes a time line and key statistics, makes this a superior choice over Tonya Bolden's "The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali" (Knopf, 2004). Smith's honest portrayal of Ali's strengths and flaws results in an impressive testimony to a man who never backed down from his beliefs. A first purchase for any collection looking for strong, well-rounded biographies: the poetry format will appeal to both seasoned and reluctant readers."Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA" Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This paean to the legendary pugilist offers a multifaceted portrait of the fighter as brazen, charitable, fiercely competitive and deeply spiritual. Smith's ("I Am America") poetry recalls the rhymed, rhythmic chants Ali used to inflate his image and taunt opponents (Fighting opponents and hatred/ with two glowing gloves, / you spoke your mind freely/ while radiating love). Each of the dozen chapters represents a period in Ali's life, from his birth through his boxing years, his conversion to Islam and retirement and diagnosis with Parkinson's. The fight scenes don't sugarcoat the violence: when his rock-solid fist, / released from way back, / slingshot your cheek/ and broke your jaw with a "crack". While some rhymes feel forced (Each victory inching you/ closer to Sonny/ Liston, the champion, / for title and money), Smith's chronicle of Ali's life is nonetheless remarkable in its use of a compact, verse format to convey a great deal of biographical material. Collier's ("Lift Every Voice and Sing") dynamic collages capture the emotional weight of both Ali's triumphs and failings; memorably, he depicts the fighters' blows as small ball bearings with fiery tails that radiate outward, heightening the sense of impact. Bold quotes from Ali and others seem to shout across the spreads and, along with Collier's artwork, provide a visual respite from the lengthy columns of verse. This unique and thorough tribute to a complex American hero should readily enthrall those seeking a less conventional biography. Ages 10-up. "(Dec.)" Copyright 2007 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

The text...illuminates the dazzle and daring of Ali, and ultimately the spiritual calm.
—New York Times Book Review 

 [A] unique work of art...Every page has wonderfully bold-colored, collage-style artwork enhancing the text.
—VOYA 

 Celebrates a legendary hero...Brian Collier's art matches Ali's every move.
—Sunday Republican

A new picture book with almost as much attitude as its subject...a dense, poetic biography.
—Columbus Dispatch

With striking, innovative artwork, this picture book employs rhyme, just as Muhammad Ali often did, to tell the story.
—Journal Inquirer

A challenging book that demands to be read aloud and will be a knockout for sharing.
—Parent Wise Austin

Mesmerizing.
—McClatchy News Services

Inspired...Collier's watercolor and collage illustrations are simply spectacular.
—Buffalo News

This vibrant, pulsing biography begs to be read aloud.
—The Times-Picayune