Publishers 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. |
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. |
