Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues

Saadia Faruqi

Book cover for Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues
Book cover for Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues
Book cover for Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues
Book cover for Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues

Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues

Ali the Great and the Karate Belt Blues

Saadia Faruqi

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Description

Ali's hero is Muhammad Ali, and he can't wait to learn to fight like the champ at karate class. But when he's given a white belt and told to start with the little kids, he feels more like a chump than a champ. Will Ali find the patience to work his way up from beginner to great? Ali the Great, by Yasmin author Saadia Faruqi, is a charming chapter book series about Pakistani American second grader Ali Tahir. Ali's big ideas will resonate with young readers who believe that every problem has a creative solution--you just have to find it!

Critical Reviews

Ali the Great is back with more charming adventures in this early chapter book series. In these new titles, Ali competes in a class spelling bee, takes his first karate class inspired by his idol Muhammad Ali, learns it's brave to cry after a fall on the monkey bars and hones both swimming and big brother skills. Each book opens with an introduction to Ali's close-knit Pakistani ­American family and includes Urdu words, offering cultural context and linguistic ­diversity. End matter features themed jokes, simple crafts with clear instructions, and discussion questions to support comprehension and engagement. The books are structured in three short chapters, with simple vocabulary and short sentences ideal for newly ­independent readers. Bold, colorful illustrations appear on nearly every spread, ­enhancing accessibility and appeal. The ­titles can be read in any order and each stands on its own. VERDICT A standout ­diverse series for early readers; highly recommended for growing collections.-- "School Library Journal"

Publishing Information

Publisher: Picture Window Books
Pub date: 2025-08-01
Length: 32 pages

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