Home › Books for Ages 9–12 › Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

Regular price $17.08 USD
Regular price $28.47 USD Sale price $17.08 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New English

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s memoir for young readers traces his journey from childhood in New York, where he was known as Lew Alcindor, to a life shaped by basketball and social activism. The account connects challenges including racism, prejudice, shyness, and family expectations with the influence of supporters and mentors such as his parents, coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee. Its scope extends beyond a record-setting basketball career to the people and experiences that helped shape Abdul-Jabbar’s path on and off the court.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers interested in sports biographies and basketball history.
  • Readers curious about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s childhood, mentors, and development as an activist.

Themes

Growing up and identityBasketballMentorshipRacism and prejudiceSocial activism

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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, pleasing a strict father, and 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.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews