Twelve Rounds to Glory: The story of Muhammad Ali

By: Charles R. Smith Jr.

Determination, Faith, Love, Hope, Injury
Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

This book tells the reader about Muhammad Ali’s life on a trip through twelve rounds of glory. It leads you through a journey through his childhood and to when he became a three-time champion. It also describes his struggle, but at the same time the blessings in his life.
Lexile Reading Level: NP

Electronic Resources:

Timeline

Students will use this interactive online tool to create a timeline on 12 events which are important in Muhammad Ali’s life. They will do this after they read the book.

Fast Facts

This is a website which gives general facts about Muhammad Ali. This can be used before they read the book, to get some background information about Muhammad Ali.

Key Vocabulary:

This vocabulary should be taught before reading the book.

Trained

Conqueror

Olympics

Heavyweight Champion

Soar

Protest

Eruption

Champion

Reading Strategies:

Students will complete a KWL chart before and after they read this book. Students will write down prior knowledge of Muhammad Ali on the board. As a class they will decide what they want to learn about Muhammad Ali. They will also write what they have learned from the book.

Writing Activity that demonstrates Inferential Comprehension:

Students will respond to the quote “bathed in Beautiful light” (Smith, 2007, p. 76). Have the students write what they believe the meaning of this quote is referring to Muhammad Ali in two paragraphs.

Twelve rounds to glory: the story of Muhammad Ali. Cambridge : Candlewick Press.