A Spark of Greatness - by Laila Ali (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The true story of how Laila Ali went from being the daughter of the beloved boxing champion Muhammad Ali to being an undefeated boxer herself, by nurturing the spark of something great inside her.

Are champions born or made? You might look at Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, and think she was born to be a boxer. But you'd be wrong about Laila.

Growing up, Laila adored her dad, but it wasn't always easy to share him with the world. She had a quiet fire inside--strong, stubborn, and fierce--and sometimes it got her into trouble.

It wasn't until she was a young woman that she learned women could box, too. That fire inside her finally had a home. Through hard work, focus, and heart, Laila learned how to channel her strength--and to believe in herself.

Written by Laila herself and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera, this beautiful true story of resilience and determination encourages every reader to find their own spark, trust their power, and let their inner confidence shine.

Review Quotes

"A story about stepping forward, even when the path isn't clear, and trusting that you can define success for yourself." --Essence

"An inspiring portrait of resilience and ambition. A worthy contender." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Laila Ali is the daughter of the late beloved global icon and humanitarian Muhammad Ali. She leads with the light of his legacy as a five-time undefeated boxing world champion, whose record includes 24 wins (21 of which were "knockouts") and 0 losses. Laila is also a wellness advocate, TV host, and chef and the force behind the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand. Alongside her husband, former NFL star Curtis Conway, Laila cherishes family life in Georgia with their two children, Curtis Jr. and Sydney.

Cozbi A. Cabrera received a BFA from Parsons School of Design. Her cloth dolls (muñecas) have garnered the attention of collectors around the world and have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is the illustrator of several books, including Me and Mama, which was a Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She is also the illustrator of Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré and Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, which was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She lives in Evanston, IL.