author / illustrator: Éléonore Caniau-Derache, Marc Daniau
ages: 8+
48 pages
24 x 33 cm
hardback
Les Éditions des Éléphants
Rights sold: English (world)
Gold at His Knuckles, From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali
A magnificent picture book that retraces the story of one of the greatest athletes of all time, an iconic figure in African-American history: the boxer Muhammad Ali.
In the heart of segregated 1950s America, Cassius Clay trains to fulfil his dream: to become the greatest boxer of all time!
He racks up victories, but that does not stop the man who renamed himself Muhammad Ali from continuing to face contempt from white people because of his skin colour, his conversion to Islam, and his refusal to take part in the Vietnam War.
In a finely balanced dual narrative, the author alternates between the point of view of young Cassius Clay, the future Muhammad Ali, and his coach Joe Martin, who takes him under his wing from the age of twelve — unaware that he is training one of the greatest champions in history.
THE AUTHOR
Eléonore Cagneau-Derache is a French primary school teacher. Passionate about children’s literature, she completed a doctoral thesis on Sherlock Holmes in adaptations for young audiences and has written numerous articles for the art magazine Dada. She is also the co-author of a non-fiction book on fashion published by Seuil Jeunesse. She lives in Bois-Colombes (92), close to Paris, France.
THE ILLUSTRATOR
Marc Daniau paints and writes for the press, communications, music production, and children’s publishing. He has written children’s novels and has illustrated numerous collections of tales and picture books, including the highly acclaimed Ruby Head High published by Éditions des Éléphants. He lives in Charente-Maritime near Saintes (17), France.
IN THE MEDIA
"a successful and compelling illustrated children’s book about the making of a champion, set against the backdrop of ongoing segregation in the United States. A wonderful discovery!" - Sceneario.com
"An accurate and inspiring portrait of an iconic figure in African-American history." - Biblioteca
"The story reveals the extraordinary life of one of the greatest boxers of the last century and recounts his battles in the ring and for civil rights. Beautiful oil paintings accompany this story, which gives a voice to numerous witnesses." - L'Humanité
"A beautiful large-format documentary album illustrated with magnificent paintings." - La Revue des Livres pour Enfants.
BY THE SAME ILLUSTRATOR
Ruby, Head High - Ruby Bridges' First Day of School
- Published in partnership with Amnesty International in France.
- National School Reading List, cycle 3 (France)
- Shortlisted for the "Prix des incorruptibles" award (2018-2019)