The art knocked me off my feet. But the rest was rather lackluster. Obviously, the information presented is important, but I'm not sure the weak plot is the right vehicle to deliver it to its intended audience. It also feels self-aggrandizing (which isn't surprising from the guy who wrote like 5 memoirs). Regardless, I think there is an audience for this (basketball nerds); and I think this is a good way to get that audience to learn about civil rights. I just felt it falls into the trap that so many historical YA graphic novels fall into: they don't deliver in a captivating enough way that I feel will grab a teen's attention.

This graphic novel gives an honest look at Kareem’s life, not just the basketball greatness, but the journey of becoming. I learned enough from this book that sent me down a rabbit hole, of soliciting my boyfriend for further research help.

It lowkey gave Our Friend Martin vibes … yall remember that movie? The way the main character would have dreams or flashes in time? That’s what this felt like, with Kareem reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his choices as both an athlete and a man.

There’s also a clear message here: don’t limit yourself. Your passions, beliefs, and talents can (and should) coexist. Kareem shows that you can be more than just one thing—and that’s a lesson we all need from time to time.

Favorite quote - The more things you can say “I love” about, the bigger and brighter your world is.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC. I wanted to know more about kareem just because ive heard the name over the years but wasn't too familiar so i decided to read this one and i will say it was informative on history and stuff and also shows us about kareem and his life and stuff i also liked that it had another story in the book as well basically the main lead doing a project on kareem and also navigating his life as well i thought it was cool. I do think this will be a great graphic novel for middle schoolers!

Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press via Netgalley for my advanced reader copy!

This story follows a teenaged aspiring NBA player Monk who is assigned by his coach to make a project focused on Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The catch is, instead of highlighting Jabbar’s basketball career, Monk must showcase his social justice accomplishments.

I didn’t know much about Jabbar when I picked up this book but the story had me sucked in from the first page. The action is beautifully drawn and the commentary with dialogue makes the reader feel connected with the characters from the jump. With a dash of magical realism, the graphical novel gives a fresh take on the importance of knowing history and practicing activism.