Magic Johnson: Basketball Legend, Entrepreneur, and HIV/AIDS Activist

From the Series Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies
  • Interest Level: Grade 5 - Grade 9
  • Reading Level: Grade 6

Throughout his life, basketball superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson has met both challenges and opportunities with perseverance and leadership. Dubbed "Magic," Johnson blazed a spectacular career in basketball. His play with the Los Angeles Lakers as point guard alongside center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as his epic rivalry with the Boston Celtics' forward Larry Bird, marked a legendary era in the NBA. In 1991, Magic announced he had tested positive for HIV, a virus that can lead to the life-threatening disease AIDS, and was retiring from basketball. Little was known then about HIV/AIDS and its prevention. His declaration shocked the public but succeeded in putting a familiar and much-admired face on a disease that was shrouded in fear and prejudice. Magic Johnson's legacy includes his inspirational work as an advocate for the prevention of HIV and the still-incurable disease AIDS through his own foundation, which provides programs for HIV/AIDS education and prevention, including testing and safe sex practices.

Format Your Price Add
978-0-7787-2610-4
$14.95
978-1-4271-8102-2
$31.00
Interest Level Grade 5 - Grade 9
Reading Level Grade 6
Age Range 10 - 14
Dewey 796.32
Lexile 1090L
ATOS Reading Level
Guided Reading Level X
Subjects Biographies, Black History, History
Genres Nonfiction
Publisher Crabtree Publishing
Imprint Crabtree Classics
Copyright 2017
Number of Pages 112
Dimensions 7.25 x 9.25
Graphics Full-color photographs
BISACS JNF007050, JNF007100, JNF007110
Rights Included WORLD
Language English

Author: Diane Dakers

Full-color photographs