ALA Booklist (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Young Langston greatly admires prizefighter Muhammad Ali, so when a flyer appears in his neighborhood announcing Ali's upcoming appearance, Langston determines to go. When the big day arrives, Langston stops by the local barbershop to have his afro trimmed to look just like his hero's. Later, he and his mother are turned away from the event by security (the appearance is only intended for those who attend that school), until a chance encounter with Ali reverses the guard's decision. Asim's vivid prose captures the spirit and enthusiasm associated with the charismatic Ali, and local setting details, including the Wall of Respect mural and the local barbershop, are evocatively described. The text also incorporates several original rhymes composed in Ali's style. Ford's vibrant illustrations, rendered in acrylic and colored pencil, feature rich hues filled with many setting details. Several spreads also highlight Ali's athleticism and agility, expressed in multicolored zigzags, starbursts, and exclamations. An author's note explains the many reasons Ali was revered and describes the 1975 incident that inspired this story.

Kirkus Reviews

A child named Langston anticipates his hero's visit to his hometown.On the Wall of Respect, a mural of Black heroes, Langston, a Black boy, notices a flyer announcing that boxing champion Muhammad Ali is coming to town. Langston admires Ali not only for his athleticism, but also for his poetry. Ali's boastful rhymes delight Langston, who tries out his own rhymes on the playground at school. Langston's mom loves Ali's commitment to justice: "He is never afraid to tell the truth." Finally, the big day arrives. Langston gets his hair cut just like Ali's while listening to elders' stories about the champ. With his mom, he rushes over to the high school. But at the door, a guard stops them, saying the event is for students only. Langston and his mom plead with the guard to let them in, but they are unsuccessful until a legend steps in on their behalf. From the Wall of Respect to the joyful schoolyard to the barbershop full of people, this is a delightful depiction of a close-knit African American community finding inspiration in one of its greatest legends. The poetic text is an enjoyable read-aloud, and Ford generates excitement on each page with a combination of movement-based portraits, community scenes, and expressive faces. (This book was reviewed digitally.)This bundle of Black joy belongs on every bookshelf. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Asim pays tribute to Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) in this uplifting picture book about a child’s encounter with the boxer. Young Langston, portrayed as Black, is overjoyed upon spotting a flyer announcing an upcoming visit from his hero, Ali. Leading up to the athlete’s arrival, metropolitan scenes paint tg exalted picture of him: kids trade boastful Ali-inspired rhymes on the playground; at home, Mom reflects on the champ’s honesty; and at the barbershop, someone recounts a famous fight. Momentary tension arises around Langston’s entering the event, but Ali comes to the rescue, inspiring the boy’s concluding lines: “I’m quick and I’m strong./ I’m Black and I’m free./ I’m brave and I’m bold,/ like Muhammad Ali.” With vibrant colors, Ford’s acrylic paintings evoke the pride Langston and his community take in Ali. An author’s note concludes. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)

School Library Journal (Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 2–4— Langston is excited to learn his hero, Muhammad Ali, is visiting his neighborhood. He loves Ali, not only for his athleticism but for his poetry. In fact, he imitates it on the playground: "I'm smart as a fox and as fast as a hound. I can sneak up on you without making a sound." Langston prepares to see Ali by getting his hair shaped to look just like the champ's; there's a hurdle, but his hero steps in and saves the day. Langston feels inspired by the meeting and creates a new verse to share. The poetry uses a different font, bursting forth from Ali's and Langston's mouths with a pow. The illustrations in colored pencil and acrylic vibrate with energy. The people and neighborhood are shown in detail and convey everyone's personality. An author's note explains why Ali appealed to Asim, and that Langston's experience was based on how his own mother met the champ. If the prose narration falls flat in a spot or two, when it resorts to verse it soars. VERDICT A delightful story about meeting one's hero and feeling empowered by it, this heartwarming book is a strong first purchase and is bound to be a story hour hit.— Tamara Saarinen