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Becoming Kareem
- Growing Up on and off the Court
- Narrated by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
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Becoming Kareem
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Publisher's Summary
SLJ Best Book, 2017
NAACP Image Award nominee, 2017
The first memoir for young listeners 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-inspiriting journey.
Written especially for young listeners, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
What the critics say
* "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
* "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
What listeners say about Becoming Kareem
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shawn McNamara
- 2019-11-05
Great Light Gym Listening
Kareem is a complicated figure being one of the greatest NBA players of all time but being somewhat moody and introverted off of the court. This book was an enlightening look into his early years. It was really cool to hear him tell his own story.
I listened to it at the gym and it was both inspiring and easy to follow while working out. Definitely would recommend.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Awais Akhtar
- 2020-12-31
Okay
The first audio book that I've listened to and it was alright. I wished there was more information about his time in the NBA as well but the book mostly talks about events outside the NBA.
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