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

By Diane Dakers

Book Overview

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: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0778726088
• ISBN13: 9780778726081
• Release Date: January 2016
• Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8