Biographical Poem: Twelve Rounds to Glory The Story of Muhammad Ali

Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali. Smith Jr., Charles R. Illustrated by Bryan Collier.  Candlewick Press, Cambridge, MS. 2007.

This is the story of Muhammad Ali/Cassius Clay's life and events that created the legend he became. The book begins with the beginning of his life and proceeds through each life altering event.  Smith does an excellent job of telling the story in poetry, and including both the positive and not so positive elements of Muhammad Ali.

I did not know much about Muhammad Ali's life, just that he was a famous boxer and his quote "fly like a butterfly, stink like a bee".  Smith brought this man to life before my eyes, I felt as if I was sitting alongside the boxing ring watching a fight, hearing him give a speech, or listening to him brag about himself as he put other boxers down.  After reading this book, I wanted to learn more about Muhammad Ali, I want to talk with someone who was present at a boxing match.  To me that is a good book, one that makes you want to find out more.

The illustrations are amazing. The likeness to Muhammad Ali is perfect. Some pages have "busier" illustrations where others have a very simple one. Each illustration enhances the part of the poem it is representing, they do not take away or outshine the poem.  Some illustration have a few words or a quote from the text.

At the end of the book there is a time line of Muhammad Ali's life. This was a great way to end the book and pointed out other interesting facts about his life that were not mentioned in the poem.

This book would be a great addition to any library. It is a great demonstration of a Biographical poem. I can see boys in particular wanting to read this book over and over, but it could appeal to girls as well.

Awards:  2008 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award

 2008 Norman Sugarman Best Biography Honor Book

To hear poems from this book read by the author visit the following link:

 http://www.charlesrsmithjr.com/mybooks-4-8.htm

An extension to this book was suggested by Charles R. Smith on his website, I thought it was a great idea.

*Have students talk to a parent or adult and have them tell the student their life story. Once they have their story, have them pick out the interesting parts and create a poem in a style similar to this book.  (I think this would be a fantastic Grandparent's Day activity).