Muhammad Ali Was a Chicken? (Wait! What?)

August 23, 2021
In an introduction and 12 chapters, Gutman brings his signature humor to this narrative nonfiction biography of Muhammad Ali, “one of the most important sports figures in history.” Organized as a play-like dialogue between siblings Paige and Turner, both cued as Black, the accessible profile explores the titular question and covers Ali’s origins and career; it’s also packed with plenty of quotes from the boxer and reactions from the narrators (“Of course, dreams won’t make you the champion of anything. You’ve got to work”). Steinfeld contributes fine-lined, dot-eyed b&w illustrations, punctuated by speech bubbles, as well as attractive infographics such as “18 Famous People Who Changed Their Names.” This well-designed series starter will keep the attention of both fans of Ali and those who are new to nonfiction. Ages 6–8.

Starred review from June 1, 2021
Grades 2-5 *Starred Review* From the provocative titles and the unusual narrative voices to the juxtaposition of fact and wit, Wait! What? (2 titles) is not your typical biography series. Paige and Turner, a pair of siblings, act as joint narrators, holding an extended conversation about a famous person. Smart, curious, and competitive, each narrator enjoys nothing more than topping the other's cool factoid or amusing anecdote with an even more amazing one. And while readers will enjoy the narrators' one-upmanship, it doesn't slow the pace of the biography, which offers chronological accounts of the people profiled, noting their strengths and occasional flaws, clearing up misconceptions, and providing insights into their personalities. Each title gives Paige and Turner an opportunity to debate the question posed in the title. In Muhammad Ali Was a Chicken?, Paige notes that Ali became the world heavyweight champion three times, and Turner argues that after experiencing turbulence, Ali was afraid of flying. In addition to the tiny heads that indicate whether Turner or Page is speaking, at least one black-and-white, digital illustration appears on nearly every page, giving the books an inviting look. Combining Dan Gutman's ongoing interest in biography with his talent for humor, this engaging new series for young readers is a winner.

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