Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

The first memoir for young readers by sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

From a childhood made difficult by racism and prejudice to a record-smashing career on the basketball court as an adult, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life was packed with ""coaches"" who taught him right from wrong and led him on the path to greatness. His parents, coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, and many others played important roles in Abdul-Jabbar's life and sparked him to become an activist for social change and advancement. The inspiration from those around him, and his drive to find his own path in life, are highlighted in this personal and awe-inspiring journey.

Written especially for young readers, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/21/2017
ISBN: 9780316555388
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.40d

Review Citations: School Library Journal 05/01/2019 pg. 108
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2017 pg. 81
Booklist 11/01/2017 pg. 34
Voice of Youth Advocates 12/01/2017 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2018 pg. 105
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2018 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 192404 / Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court
Reading Level: 7 / Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus / Point Value: 10