Becoming Kareem : growing up on and off the court

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Title:

Becoming Kareem : growing up on and off the court

Author:

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem, 1947- author.

Obstfeld, Raymond, 1952- author.

Summary:

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 Adbul-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 became the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court. -- From dust jacket.

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

xii, 289 pages, 16 pages of unnumbered plates : illustrations ; 22 cm

Genre:

Autobiographies.

Personal Subject:

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem, 1947--Juvenile literature.

Subject Term:

Basketball players -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Social reformers -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Author(s):

Obstfeld, Raymond, 1952-

Publisher:

Little, Brown and Company,

Publication Date:

2017

ISBN:

9780316555388

Publication Information:

New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2017.

Call Number:

J 920 ABDUL

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003302885	Juvenile Nonfiction	920 ABDUL	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

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, pleasing a strict father, and 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.

Author Notes

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Since retiring, he has been an actor, a basketball coach, and the author of many New York Times bestsellers. Abdul-Jabbar is also a columnist for many news outlets, such as The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter, writing on a wide range of subjects including race, politics, age, and pop culture. In 2012, he was selected as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador and in 2016 Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award which recognizes exceptional meritorious service. He lives in Southern California.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 7 Up-In this young readers edition, legendary basketball star Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., reflects on his life from childhood to school to the basketball court, shedding light on the experiences and people who helped shape him into the man he became and discussing how his search for peace, meaning, and fulfillment led him to Islam. © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

Basketball legend Abdul-Jabbar awkwardly reads the audio edition of his memoir aimed at young listeners. The book recounts his childhood and timid teenage years in NYC, his transformation into a basketball phenomenon, his success on the court, and his spiritual growth and conversion to Islam. Throughout, he talks about the people he met and admired-such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Wilt Chamberlain-who left enduring marks on his political views and life on and off the court. Unfortunately, Abdul-Jabbar's performance lacks confidence and too often sounds like he's reading off the page rather than telling his life story. Abdul-Jabbar's story is fascinating, but the audiobook is frustrating to listen to. Ages 10-13. A Little, Brown hardcover. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.