In the history of legendary boxers, there was Joe Louis and Sonny Liston . . . and then, “the heavens opened up, and there appeared a great man descending on a cloud, jump-roping into the Kingdom of Boxing. And he was called Cassius Clay.” Clay let everyone know that he was the greatest boxer in the world. He converted to the Nation of Islam, refused to be drafted into a war in which he didn’t believe, and boxed his way back to the top after being stripped of his title. The man that came to be known as Muhammad Ali was heard in a voice no one will ever forget.
Starred review, Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2007: "Biblical syntax and cadences lift The Greatest from sports legend to prophet in this remarkable homage."
Starred review, Booklist, February 2, 2007: “All of Ali’s considerable charisma is vividly captured by Roca’s oil paintings.”
In the history of legendary boxers, there was Joe Louis and Sonny Liston . . . and then, “the heavens opened up, and there appeared a great man descending on a cloud, jump-roping into the Kingdom of Boxing. And he was called Cassius Clay.” Clay let everyone know that he was the greatest boxer in the world. He converted to the Nation of Islam, refused to be drafted into a war in which he didn’t believe, and boxed his way back to the top after being stripped of his title. The man that came to be known as Muhammad Ali was heard in a voice no one will ever forget.
Praise
Starred review, Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2007: "Biblical syntax and cadences lift The Greatest from sports legend to prophet in this remarkable homage."
Starred review, Booklist, February 2, 2007: “All of Ali’s considerable charisma is vividly captured by Roca’s oil paintings.”
