Becoming Kareem

Growing Up On and Off the Court

By: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld

Narrated by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The first memoir for young readers by sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

From a childhood made difficult by racism and prejudice to a record-smashing career on the basketball court as an adult, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life was packed with ""coaches"" who taught him right from wrong and led him on the path to greatness. His parents, coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, and many others played important roles in Abdul-Jabbar's life and sparked him to become an activist for social change and advancement. The inspiration from those around him, and his drive to find his own path in life, are highlighted in this personal and awe-inspiring journey.

Written especially for young readers, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court.

Critic reviews

* "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

* "More than a play-by-play sports story, it's an honest, powerful exposition of what it means to be black in white America, offering a de facto history of the civil rights movement."—Booklist, starred review

* "This timely and unforgettable memoir is essential for middle and high school collections, and affords rich opportunities for classroom and book club discussions."
—SLJ, starred review

"Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is... as gifted an intellect as he is an athlete... It's a tale by a wise elder-- about basketball, sure, but also about cultural, political, social, and religious awakenings, big stuff narrated in a very accessible way."—The New York Times Book Review

Recommend

This was a great listen. I learned a lot about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Prior to reading this book, I did not know much about him. Now, I feel fully informed. Surprisingly, I thought the book would extend past his young adulthood, but it didn’t. I was eager to learn more about him and his life experiences up until his current age. Nonetheless, this a great read!

Excellent read

I hope he does another book on the rest of his life. It was terrific from start to bush md I want more.

Kareem!

How can it not be good. Must hear/read and pass along to friends and family

Kareem inspires!

Thought I knew his story, but hearing the details directly from him was really moving. So very inspiring for ANYONE trying to find their own path and speak their own truth.

becoming Kareem

this book is a good book to read about Kareem abdul jabbar , him being a catholic , having an islamic family by changing his name to kareem abdul jabbar , the part that made me sacred about the book was if people don't believe in jesus Christ they go to hell when they die . and I prayed to jesus that if its true that I will go to hell for not believing in him . I would recommend this book to if you want to learn about kareem's life