Muhammad Ali: "I Am the Greatest" (American Rebels)
American Rebels Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
A biography of Muhammad Ali that chronicles his journey from facing racism in his early life to becoming a boxing legend and the world heavyweight champion. The book discusses Ali's refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War and the resulting political, racial, and religious discussions that ensued. Known for his outspoken nature, Ali continued to promote peace and goodwill globally, long after his boxing career, earning him the nickname 'The Greatest.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities did Muhammad Ali have that made him a great boxer and a significant figure in history?
Muhammad Ali famously said, 'I am the greatest.' What do you think he meant by that, and how does it inspire you?
Ali faced many challenges both inside and outside the ring. Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge? How did you handle it?
Muhammad Ali was not only known for his athletic prowess but also for his activism. Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in?
How can we apply Muhammad Ali's principles in our daily lives to help make a positive change in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief introduction about Muhammad Ali and why he is a significant figure in American history to set the context.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and relate the challenges faced by Ali to personal experiences they’ve had.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and hard work, traits exemplified by Ali, and how those traits can be applied in everyday life.
Highlight Muhammad Ali’s humanitarian efforts and discuss with your child how one individual’s actions can influence broader social changes.
After reading, continue to revisit the themes and lessons of the book in daily life to reinforce the positive messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: Muhammad Ali's journey in the book highlights his dedication and persistent effort to overcome challenges and succeed in boxing.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying focused and committed to their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Confidence and self-belief
Explanation: The story showcases Ali’s strong belief in his abilities and his confidence to proclaim himself as 'The Greatest,' even before achieving worldwide fame.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to believe in themselves and be confident in their capabilities, which is essential for their self-esteem and growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: Despite his bravado, Muhammad Ali showed respect for his opponents and people from all walks of life, revealing the importance of respect in sports and personal interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat others with respect, empathize with different perspectives, and uphold the value of sportsmanship in all activities.
Example Lesson: Handling criticism effectively
Explanation: Ali faced significant public and media scrutiny throughout his career, yet he managed to handle criticism gracefully and stay true to his convictions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to handle criticism constructively, use it to improve themselves, and maintain their integrity in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of social activism
Explanation: The book illustrates Ali’s role as a social activist, showing his commitment to fighting racial injustice and standing up for what he believed in.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to be aware of social issues, to think critically about the world around them, and to take action in their own ways to support causes they believe in.