Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, who grew up poor in Alabama, always dreamed of playing professional basketball. But Charles battled weight problems for most of his childhood. When he tried out for his high school basketball team in 10th grade, he was cut. But through hard work and a positive attitude, Charles made the team as a junior, going on to win a scholarship to play basketball at Auburn University.

Drafted in 1984 by the Philadelphia 76ers, Charles soon became a star in the NBA. During his 16-year career, the perennial All-Star helped redefine the position of power forward. He won league MVP honors in 1993 and, in 1996, was named to the NBA's list of 50 greatest players of all time. Throughout, he gained a reputation for creating controversy. This book tells the story of the incomparable Sir Charles.