Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Author)

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
In his first memoir written especially for young readers, Abdul-Jabbar focuses on his relationships with several important coaches in his life--including his father, his high-school coach and UCLA basketball coach John Wooden--as he tells the story of his life and career.
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School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 7 Up--The NBA's all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, traces his path to becoming a basketball superstar and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Born in Harlem in 1947, shy, thoughtful Abdul-Jabbar was not on anyone's "most likely to succeed" list at the start. In this intimate narrative, he reveals how the influence of selfless, wise coaches and role models helped shape him into a proud man who scored big in basketball and grew confident as an African American and a practicing Muslim. While the tone of the work is understated and contemplative, the memoir contains powerful ideas for reflection and discussion about racism, politics, identity, and religion. The book is about so much more than a single basketball star's rise to fame. Abdul-Jabbar intertwines his narrative with that of other people who railed against injustice such as Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Bruce Lee. Students who enjoy sports will appreciate the details of Abdul-Jabbar's talent and acclaim, as will those who gravitate toward insightful contemporary reads from authors such as Jason Reynolds. VERDICT This timely and unforgettable memoir is essential for middle and high school collections, and affords rich opportunities for classroom and book club discussions.--Melissa Williams, Berwick Academy, ME

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

* "In our current moment when black athletes are joining the national confrontation with the nation's overwhelming legacy of racial injustice, few are better suited to provide context than Abdul-Jabbar.... Wrestling with what it means to be black, determining his own responsibility and capacity to respond to injustice, and becoming the "kindest, gentlest, smartest, lovingest version" of himself takes center stage in this retelling of the early part of his life. Like the author's unstoppable skyhook, this timely book is a clear score."—Kirkus, starred review
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780316555418
Lexile Measure
990
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
November 06, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Cultural Heritage
JNF053140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Prejudice & Racism
JNF007110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Social Activists
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF054020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Basketball
JNF053010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Adolescence
JNF049100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Religion | Islam
Library of Congress categories
United States
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiograp
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Issues / Prejudi
JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / United States
Social reformers
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Issues / Adolesc
Basketball players
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Sports & Recreation / B
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Religion / Islam
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem

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