Me and Muhammad Ali
What’s inside...
A little boy named Langston is a huge fan of boxing champion and poet Muhammad Ali. When he hears that Ali is coming to the local high school, he is overjoyed and prepares for the big day. Despite facing obstacles at the door, Langston's determination allows him to meet his hero. The encounter leaves Langston feeling empowered and inspired, chanting words that reflect Ali's influence on him.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Muhammad Ali's actions inspire others around him?
What qualities do you admire most about Muhammad Ali and why?
If you could meet Muhammad Ali, what would you ask him?
How can we apply Muhammad Ali's principles in our daily lives?
What challenges did Muhammad Ali face and how did he overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate aspects of Muhammad Ali’s life to the child’s experiences, asking them to consider how they might handle similar situations.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and courage as demonstrated by Muhammad Ali, highlighting these qualities in stories from your own life or those around you.
Encourage your child to think about what makes a person a role model by exploring Muhammad Ali’s various roles as an athlete, activist, and humanitarian.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of standing up for what one believes in, and ask your child about causes they feel strongly about.
Highlight Muhammad Ali’s famous quotes and ask your child what they think these might mean, fostering critical thinking and interpretation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases how Muhammad Ali, despite numerous obstacles, consistently worked hard and remained dedicated to his craft.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges, whether with academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect and empathy for others
Explanation: Through interactions between the characters, the book highlights how Ali treated people with respect and understanding, even those who were different from him.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to treat their peers with kindness and endeavor to understand perspectives different from their own.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-belief
Explanation: The narrative conveys how Ali's confidence in his abilities propelled him to greatness, inspiring those around him.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to believe in their own skills and talents, fostering a positive self-image and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Ali's rigorous training regimen and dedication to his sport are meticulously detailed, emphasizing the hard work behind his success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to apply themselves diligently in their studies, sports, or hobbies to achieve success.
Example Lesson: Civic responsibility
Explanation: Ali's involvement in social causes and standing up for what he believed was right is prominently featured, showing his commitment to societal issues.
Real-World Application: It can teach children the importance of being involved in their communities and standing up for justice and equality.