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Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
Malcolm X grew to be one of America’s most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book biography celebrates a vision of freedom and justice.
Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his large, warm family, young Malcolm Little was a natural born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.
Together with acclaimed illustrator AG Ford, Ilyasah Shabazz gives us a unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X, with a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.
Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his large, warm family, young Malcolm Little was a natural born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.
Together with acclaimed illustrator AG Ford, Ilyasah Shabazz gives us a unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X, with a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Ilyasah Shabazz
11 books229 followersIlyasah Shabazz, third daughter of Malcolm X, is an activist, producer, motivational speaker, and the author of the critically acclaimed Growing Up X and the picture book Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X. She lives in Westchester County, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 11, 2021
Picture book biography on the childhood of Malcolm X, written by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz and illustrated by Ag Ford. The illustrations were great.
This book points to a happy childhood albeit plagued with several severe events. His parents were caring and provided a great home environment with many educational and recreational activities. His mother provided many gardening and ecological learning opportunities.
His first family home was burned down by neighbors that disagreed with his parents views on equality. His family moved and his father built a new house, only to be later killed by community members, for basically the same reason. His mother then had problems coping and taking care of her family. The family was then separated. Malcolm had a great childhood until this separation.
Amazingly, the positive things in the book outweighed the tragic events in young Malcom's life.
Reading for ages 6 to 10.
Black History Month Read
This book points to a happy childhood albeit plagued with several severe events. His parents were caring and provided a great home environment with many educational and recreational activities. His mother provided many gardening and ecological learning opportunities.
His first family home was burned down by neighbors that disagreed with his parents views on equality. His family moved and his father built a new house, only to be later killed by community members, for basically the same reason. His mother then had problems coping and taking care of her family. The family was then separated. Malcolm had a great childhood until this separation.
Amazingly, the positive things in the book outweighed the tragic events in young Malcom's life.
Reading for ages 6 to 10.
Black History Month Read
May 19, 2025
Hoje é o centenário do grande Malcolm X e aproveitei para ler esse livrinho sobre sua infância escrito por uma das suas filhas.
Como a própria Ilyasah Shabazz deixa claro nas notas da autora, esse livro soa mais como uma homenagem aos pais do Malcolm X do que a ele próprio, sua mãe era culta e inteligentíssima, seu pai um orador nato, dessa união Malcolm herdou tudo que de melhor puderam oferecer antes que a tragédia abatesse sobre a família, seu pai fosse assassinado por racistas e sua mãe internada por exaustão mental, mas aí já era tarde eles já tinham moldado um pequeno revolucionário.
Como a própria Ilyasah Shabazz deixa claro nas notas da autora, esse livro soa mais como uma homenagem aos pais do Malcolm X do que a ele próprio, sua mãe era culta e inteligentíssima, seu pai um orador nato, dessa união Malcolm herdou tudo que de melhor puderam oferecer antes que a tragédia abatesse sobre a família, seu pai fosse assassinado por racistas e sua mãe internada por exaustão mental, mas aí já era tarde eles já tinham moldado um pequeno revolucionário.
March 14, 2017
I should open by saying that I loved the illustrations in this book. A.G. Ford outdid himself with this book. The illustrations are vivid and beautiful. The trouble I had was with the text. I think this could have used a lot more trimming and editing. This is simply going to be too much for many young readers. I can't help but feel like this was given a pass on the editing portion of its publication process because it was a book about Malcolm X written by one of Malcolm X's children, and it really needed that editing to make it fit better with the comprehension level of its intended audience. I would say that the best audience for the text as it is would be an upper elementary to middle school audience simply due to its wordiness.
If you're looking for a book on Malcolm X, know what you're getting yourself into before picking this one up. It's a long, text-heavy, tribute-style book that, while beautiful, would be a hard sell with kids. It might seem a little too preachy and moralistic for older readers, though this is the sort of text that well-intending grandparents might mistakenly pick up for their grandchildren.
If you're looking for a book on Malcolm X, know what you're getting yourself into before picking this one up. It's a long, text-heavy, tribute-style book that, while beautiful, would be a hard sell with kids. It might seem a little too preachy and moralistic for older readers, though this is the sort of text that well-intending grandparents might mistakenly pick up for their grandchildren.
January 19, 2021
This is catered for children but since I don't have a child to read to and all my baby siblings and cousins have grown up, I read this for myself and as expected, loved it so very much. Everyday I live inspired by the extraordinary life that was Malcolm X and after watching One Night in Miami (highly recommend EVERYONE to as well its an important movie!) I had the sudden urge to consume everything and anything Malcolm X again which is how I came across this :)
This book is a very short illustrated homage to the values instilled in Malcolm X as the curious charismatic child he was, by his parents Louise and Earl, that grew to define his identity and his determination to seek a world that is equal, fair and filled with love and peace for humans of all walks of life, amidst a society and world that was dominated by the opposite. Malcolm utilized tragedy as a source of strength, even as a vunerable child and the book showed that no matter what sort of difficulty he faced, or how painful the experiences obviously were, the real disaster for him was losing the hope and love his parents instilled in him and he never did. He always had his hope and his dreams to keep him rising every morning. And I think such feelings is something every black child growing up in the west during post slavery era could resonate with. And even today as the civil rights movement is still very much unfinished.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning too and perfectly matched the feeling of the book. Anyone looking for a short insightful read I recommend this. (It'll barely take 15 minutes to finish) 🥰
This book is a very short illustrated homage to the values instilled in Malcolm X as the curious charismatic child he was, by his parents Louise and Earl, that grew to define his identity and his determination to seek a world that is equal, fair and filled with love and peace for humans of all walks of life, amidst a society and world that was dominated by the opposite. Malcolm utilized tragedy as a source of strength, even as a vunerable child and the book showed that no matter what sort of difficulty he faced, or how painful the experiences obviously were, the real disaster for him was losing the hope and love his parents instilled in him and he never did. He always had his hope and his dreams to keep him rising every morning. And I think such feelings is something every black child growing up in the west during post slavery era could resonate with. And even today as the civil rights movement is still very much unfinished.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning too and perfectly matched the feeling of the book. Anyone looking for a short insightful read I recommend this. (It'll barely take 15 minutes to finish) 🥰
February 10, 2020
I picked this up because of a list of children's books for black history month. I don't know a lot about Malcom X, unfortunately, so I'm trying to learn. This book would be great for an older child. The author writes well about her father's upbringing, but it would most likely go over a young child's head. I feel this was a good place to start in my search for information.
September 6, 2023
A daughter's love or her father shines in this picture book memoir/biography about Malcolm X.
August 18, 2014
This book is absolutely wonderful! Such eloquent writing and amazing illustrations. Yes!
January 15, 2018
An inspiring book..I really enjoyed reading it..
May 11, 2021
This is a gorgeously illustrated book and a lovingly written look at young Malcolm’s life. Decadent word choices add a poetic feel to the text as you get to know more about his younger years. A great book to add to school or classroom libraries.
August 14, 2020
Fantastic book for children about Malcolm X's childhood years.
September 9, 2025
Bunch of quotes:
After all, Earl and Louise knew that possessions come and go, but faith, love, and perseverance would sustain them.
“Well, believe it or not, there was a time when that butterfly thought of itself as ugly, frightened, and all alone. It did not understand the value of its own little life. It had to learn about patience because it had no idea what the future would hold. It had to develop and mature and blossom. And now look at it—it’s beautiful, proud, smart, and free.”
But most important, she knew that the more words you learned, the better you could communicate, and the more in life you could create. She firmly believed that knowledge acquired today would transform into wisdom tomorrow.
Sad, lonely, and confused, the beautiful colors of life he once knew flattened into an uninspiring shade of muted gray.The grief was stifling and nothing seemed to help—Malcolm was broken.
At first it (the butterfly) seemed uncertain, perhaps confused by its new life outside of the safe little shell—but in time it began to take flight, soaring through the world around it, bringing joy and color everywhere.
And for the rest of his life, whenever doubt, sadness, fear, or pain would come creeping into his thoughts— he would firmly hold on to one constant force that always gave true meaning to his family life: love.
After all, Earl and Louise knew that possessions come and go, but faith, love, and perseverance would sustain them.
“Well, believe it or not, there was a time when that butterfly thought of itself as ugly, frightened, and all alone. It did not understand the value of its own little life. It had to learn about patience because it had no idea what the future would hold. It had to develop and mature and blossom. And now look at it—it’s beautiful, proud, smart, and free.”
But most important, she knew that the more words you learned, the better you could communicate, and the more in life you could create. She firmly believed that knowledge acquired today would transform into wisdom tomorrow.
Sad, lonely, and confused, the beautiful colors of life he once knew flattened into an uninspiring shade of muted gray.The grief was stifling and nothing seemed to help—Malcolm was broken.
At first it (the butterfly) seemed uncertain, perhaps confused by its new life outside of the safe little shell—but in time it began to take flight, soaring through the world around it, bringing joy and color everywhere.
And for the rest of his life, whenever doubt, sadness, fear, or pain would come creeping into his thoughts— he would firmly hold on to one constant force that always gave true meaning to his family life: love.
August 19, 2015
Must read for children and adults
A different book about Malcolm. In depth understanding of his childhood through his relationship with his parents and siblings.
LOVE
A different book about Malcolm. In depth understanding of his childhood through his relationship with his parents and siblings.
LOVE
July 31, 2020
This was an interesting book to read but was very text heavy.
Ford’s illustrations are beautiful. They remind me of Kadir Nelson’s work.
Ford’s illustrations are beautiful. They remind me of Kadir Nelson’s work.
December 23, 2024
This is a very nice biography of Malcolm X focusing solely on his childhood. It may not be suitable for all young readers because of a depiction of their house burning from KKK violence and some of the things the family faced because not everyone appreciated their commitment to equality. It says the KKK "did disagreed with Earl [Malcolm's father]'s right to live in a free society. In fact they did not seem to think he had a right to live at all." The text hints that Mr. Little was a victim of racist violence but doesn't say specifically what happened. There's also mental health issues and the Little children were taken away from their mother and she was institutionalized. It sounds like she too was a victim of racism though she survived.
The writing was very nice. It doesn't talk down to kids but it's not a dry bio either. It's more thematic. It focuses on love not hate. "Malcolm may have lost his family, but he never lost the values for which the Little family stood, and for the rest of his life, whenever doubt, sadness, fear or pain would come creeping into his thoughts-he would firmly hold on to one constant force that always gave meaning to his family life: love."
This book was written by the daughter of Malcolm X. She was very young when he was killed and learned about his life and personality from her mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins' children. She wrote this book to "encourage young readers to access the transformational power within, as exemplified by the early childhood of [her] father." and also to pay tribute to her grandparents "who provided the unconditional love and nurturance that would anchor his lifelong process of learning -forever aspiring to be better and to always give back to society along the way."
The author notes that ALL parents wherever she goes love their children and want the best for them. They want their children to receive a quality education, to be respected as human beings; and to have equal access to opportunity- regardless of race, creed, or gender. Her goal is to empower little children "to feel good about who they are and to encourage them to live up to their highest potential -regardless of life's circumstances." She also discusses education and how her grandparents understood that a true knowledge of one's heritage was essential to a child's healthy identity formation. They instilled in their 7 children this value and emphasized the importance of literacy, accountability and leadership to prepare them to live "purpose-driven" lives "as members of the global family."
The writing was very nice. It doesn't talk down to kids but it's not a dry bio either. It's more thematic. It focuses on love not hate. "Malcolm may have lost his family, but he never lost the values for which the Little family stood, and for the rest of his life, whenever doubt, sadness, fear or pain would come creeping into his thoughts-he would firmly hold on to one constant force that always gave meaning to his family life: love."
This book was written by the daughter of Malcolm X. She was very young when he was killed and learned about his life and personality from her mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins' children. She wrote this book to "encourage young readers to access the transformational power within, as exemplified by the early childhood of [her] father." and also to pay tribute to her grandparents "who provided the unconditional love and nurturance that would anchor his lifelong process of learning -forever aspiring to be better and to always give back to society along the way."
The author notes that ALL parents wherever she goes love their children and want the best for them. They want their children to receive a quality education, to be respected as human beings; and to have equal access to opportunity- regardless of race, creed, or gender. Her goal is to empower little children "to feel good about who they are and to encourage them to live up to their highest potential -regardless of life's circumstances." She also discusses education and how her grandparents understood that a true knowledge of one's heritage was essential to a child's healthy identity formation. They instilled in their 7 children this value and emphasized the importance of literacy, accountability and leadership to prepare them to live "purpose-driven" lives "as members of the global family."
February 9, 2019
Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X is a children's picture book written by Ilyasah Shabazz and illustrated by AG Ford. It is a cursory biography about the childhood of Malcolm Little, who would one day become Malcolm X.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. I also finished reading his autobiography today, so, I thought that this book would be apropos.
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist. Some saw him as a courageous advocate for the rights of blacks, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans, while others accused him of preaching racism and violence.
Shabazz's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It details the childhood of Malcolm Little and his family. The narrative felt heartfelt and personal as it should considering Shabazz is the daughter of Malcolm X. Ford's illustrations are phenomenally drawn and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It chronicles the childhood of Malcolm Little and the lessons he learned from his parents, his six siblings, and his best friend Big Boy. It is these many lessons that shaped what Malcolm Little would become one day. The narrative gives a wonderful insight of how the Little Family lived and about halfway through the book tragedy strikes as Earl Little was killed, Louise Little was sent away, and Malcolm and his family was separated. Malcolm struggled afterward, but found roots in the lessons he learned during his upbringing.
All in all, Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X is a wonderful brief biography and precursor about an amazing icon that would one day become Malcolm X.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. I also finished reading his autobiography today, so, I thought that this book would be apropos.
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist. Some saw him as a courageous advocate for the rights of blacks, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans, while others accused him of preaching racism and violence.
Shabazz's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It details the childhood of Malcolm Little and his family. The narrative felt heartfelt and personal as it should considering Shabazz is the daughter of Malcolm X. Ford's illustrations are phenomenally drawn and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It chronicles the childhood of Malcolm Little and the lessons he learned from his parents, his six siblings, and his best friend Big Boy. It is these many lessons that shaped what Malcolm Little would become one day. The narrative gives a wonderful insight of how the Little Family lived and about halfway through the book tragedy strikes as Earl Little was killed, Louise Little was sent away, and Malcolm and his family was separated. Malcolm struggled afterward, but found roots in the lessons he learned during his upbringing.
All in all, Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X is a wonderful brief biography and precursor about an amazing icon that would one day become Malcolm X.
December 12, 2021
This book absolutely wrenched my heart out and brought me to tears.⠀
⠀
The book is about Malcolm X (from his birth to around 13) and the early years of his life that formed him into the amazing man he was. While Islam is not mentioned in the book, Malcolm X is a Muslim hero and should be remembered and taught about to all of our children! ⠀
⠀
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little to two incredible parents, a Preacher father from whom he got his speech skills, and a multi-lingual(5 languages!) intelligent mother from whom he got his critical thinking skills.⠀
⠀
Malcolm had a beautiful childhood that is portrayed in the book: gardening, learning, fishing, and playing with his siblings. He was smart and happy....until racism changed his life.⠀
⠀
His parents were part of a Black equality movement of their time, and white supremacy didn’t leave them alone. The first act of racism Malcolm experiences is the fire that burns down his home. And the second act is the killing of his father by the KKK. THEN: the state declared his mother unfit to raise him and his siblings and took her away, splitting them all up into foster care. ⠀
⠀
This part broke my heart. Imagine a mother being forced to leave her kids after her husband is murdered! This is the definition of systemic racism-and is an example of why many black children are stripped from advantages/opportunities at an early age.⠀
⠀
But Malcolm, just like a butterfly, emerges stronger and more beautiful from his cocoon. And the book ends with him being voted class president in 7th grade, a huge honor and a sign of hope for the future.⠀
⠀
This picture book is perfect to start the conversation with kids aged 6-10 about Black history in America, and about racism and how it affects people’s lives! ⠀
⠀
Books like this help move readers and relay the emotional consequences of racism, highlighting the need for equality and justice for all.⠀
⠀
Racism isn’t only in the past. It happens now, and it needs to stop.⠀
⠀
The book is about Malcolm X (from his birth to around 13) and the early years of his life that formed him into the amazing man he was. While Islam is not mentioned in the book, Malcolm X is a Muslim hero and should be remembered and taught about to all of our children! ⠀
⠀
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little to two incredible parents, a Preacher father from whom he got his speech skills, and a multi-lingual(5 languages!) intelligent mother from whom he got his critical thinking skills.⠀
⠀
Malcolm had a beautiful childhood that is portrayed in the book: gardening, learning, fishing, and playing with his siblings. He was smart and happy....until racism changed his life.⠀
⠀
His parents were part of a Black equality movement of their time, and white supremacy didn’t leave them alone. The first act of racism Malcolm experiences is the fire that burns down his home. And the second act is the killing of his father by the KKK. THEN: the state declared his mother unfit to raise him and his siblings and took her away, splitting them all up into foster care. ⠀
⠀
This part broke my heart. Imagine a mother being forced to leave her kids after her husband is murdered! This is the definition of systemic racism-and is an example of why many black children are stripped from advantages/opportunities at an early age.⠀
⠀
But Malcolm, just like a butterfly, emerges stronger and more beautiful from his cocoon. And the book ends with him being voted class president in 7th grade, a huge honor and a sign of hope for the future.⠀
⠀
This picture book is perfect to start the conversation with kids aged 6-10 about Black history in America, and about racism and how it affects people’s lives! ⠀
⠀
Books like this help move readers and relay the emotional consequences of racism, highlighting the need for equality and justice for all.⠀
⠀
Racism isn’t only in the past. It happens now, and it needs to stop.⠀
November 9, 2022
“All good things begin with a fundamental structure,” and thanks to his parents, so too did the life of Malcolm Little, a leading African-American Muslim and human rights activist who came to be known as Malcolm X. With a strong childhood foundation grounded in faith, hard work, and resilience, Malcolm learned powerful life lessons in perseverance and the reverence of knowledge despite the hardships and challenges African Americans faced during the Jim Crow era.
Today, our children face an endless deluge of pop-culture icons and social media influencers, making biographies of true heroes critical to their upbringing as sound human beings. These stories direct our children's hearts toward admirable character traits and ideas that are worth learning. This fantastic biography written by Malcolm’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, does just that—earning our Gold Star for introducing young readers to a true American hero. Note: In order to fully appreciate the hardships his parents faced, it would be beneficial for readers to understand the historical context surrounding the childhood of Malcolm Little.
We rate children's books for virtue, language, story, and beauty and flag content advisories when needed.
Read more at MindfulMuslimReader.com.
“Books Worth Reading”
Today, our children face an endless deluge of pop-culture icons and social media influencers, making biographies of true heroes critical to their upbringing as sound human beings. These stories direct our children's hearts toward admirable character traits and ideas that are worth learning. This fantastic biography written by Malcolm’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, does just that—earning our Gold Star for introducing young readers to a true American hero. Note: In order to fully appreciate the hardships his parents faced, it would be beneficial for readers to understand the historical context surrounding the childhood of Malcolm Little.
We rate children's books for virtue, language, story, and beauty and flag content advisories when needed.
Read more at MindfulMuslimReader.com.
“Books Worth Reading”
July 13, 2023
I loved this book. Beautiful artwork. Says it is recommended for ages 6-10, but I would suggest 8-12. The art is beautiful and luminous and the messages uplifting and self-empowering.
This is one of the first female-empowering books I’ve read in ages that talks positively about Malcom’s mother, Louise Norton Little, a highly-educated woman who chose to stay home, raise and educate her children, who then changed the world.
The author’s note at the end was my favorite as normal. The Note from the author, Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcom X’s daughter…states that she wrote to “encourage young readers to access the transformational power within [themselves]…and to pay homage to [her] grandparents, Earl and Louise Little.”
I think I fell in love with the book at her description of “Papa Earl” at the beginning of the narrative, and the loving and self-reliant way they raised their children. She states that her grandparents “understood that a true knowledge of one’s heritage was essential to a child’s healthy identity formation…[and emphasized] the importance of literacy, accountability, and leadership ideals” for their children.
The story Shabazz relates is one of resilience, hope and advocacy of “egalitarianism for all—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.” It is a story of family love.
This is one of the first female-empowering books I’ve read in ages that talks positively about Malcom’s mother, Louise Norton Little, a highly-educated woman who chose to stay home, raise and educate her children, who then changed the world.
The author’s note at the end was my favorite as normal. The Note from the author, Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcom X’s daughter…states that she wrote to “encourage young readers to access the transformational power within [themselves]…and to pay homage to [her] grandparents, Earl and Louise Little.”
I think I fell in love with the book at her description of “Papa Earl” at the beginning of the narrative, and the loving and self-reliant way they raised their children. She states that her grandparents “understood that a true knowledge of one’s heritage was essential to a child’s healthy identity formation…[and emphasized] the importance of literacy, accountability, and leadership ideals” for their children.
The story Shabazz relates is one of resilience, hope and advocacy of “egalitarianism for all—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.” It is a story of family love.
December 4, 2019
The book is a biography on Malcolm X before he was known as Malcolm X. it starts about giving background information about his family, specifically his parents. then moves into hardships their family faced. For example, their house was burnt down, by townspeople. The book explains how they pushed forward no matter any hardship. Malcolm sparked interest in inequality and freedom first from his father's preaches. And learned purpose and reason from gardening with his mother. The book goes on to explain other simple things that Malcolm learned valuable lessons from. His father passes away from the KKK and his mother was taken away. Malcolm then changes. He becomes disobedient and acts out. Malcolm felt alone and out of place longing for anything to bring him joy. One day he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and he explained a lawyer. He realized he has a lot to offer. This book is good for 2-4 grades. You could use it as a history assignment when people do a project on a person of history.
April 13, 2018
“All good things begin with a fundamental structure” said Malcom’s father.
This book was written to encourage youth to have access to this information that shows that transformational power is within us. It tells the story of how Malcom little grew up. It exposes that he went through many trivial times including his house burning down, death of a parent, and racial profiling. Positive things came from his time also including him learning many of life’s simple lessons through his mother. Malcom struggles but comes out on top. He uses his passion to become the 7th grade class president! He grew up in an environment that perused perseverance and accountability. With this background, he would grow up to be an influential man.
This story would be good to include in the classroom. It teaches history and includes diversity of a minority group. Both of these things are important for children to grasp an understanding of. This is a powerful story with beautiful illustrations.
This book was written to encourage youth to have access to this information that shows that transformational power is within us. It tells the story of how Malcom little grew up. It exposes that he went through many trivial times including his house burning down, death of a parent, and racial profiling. Positive things came from his time also including him learning many of life’s simple lessons through his mother. Malcom struggles but comes out on top. He uses his passion to become the 7th grade class president! He grew up in an environment that perused perseverance and accountability. With this background, he would grow up to be an influential man.
This story would be good to include in the classroom. It teaches history and includes diversity of a minority group. Both of these things are important for children to grasp an understanding of. This is a powerful story with beautiful illustrations.
March 25, 2019
An important and beautiful book that belongs in every educator's repertoire. I sure do appreciate that the author is a member of the family and had access to Malcolm's siblings... this provides a fresh perspective and reminds us of all the reasons to admire the man. Includes author's note.
edit: I did a little research and found an essay that concluded: "All in all, Louise Little spent twenty-six years in the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Malcolm and his brothers arranged for her release in 1963, and reported that she made a near complete mental, and physical recovery." She must have been a hell of a woman, because being in a mental institution for 26 yrs in those days could easily have been enough to break her even if she went in perfectly sane and healthy (which she apparently did not, as the circumstances seem to point to a sort of a 'gaslighting' by white 'welfare' workers, and so she was stressed and vulnerable but not insane).
edit: I did a little research and found an essay that concluded: "All in all, Louise Little spent twenty-six years in the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Malcolm and his brothers arranged for her release in 1963, and reported that she made a near complete mental, and physical recovery." She must have been a hell of a woman, because being in a mental institution for 26 yrs in those days could easily have been enough to break her even if she went in perfectly sane and healthy (which she apparently did not, as the circumstances seem to point to a sort of a 'gaslighting' by white 'welfare' workers, and so she was stressed and vulnerable but not insane).
July 21, 2022
I'm comparing two picture books about Malcolm X: (1) Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly, written by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Leonard Jenkins (2000), and (2) Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X, written by Ilyasah Shabazz and illustrated by A.G. Ford (2014).
The text by Myers (the acclaimed author of Monster and lots of other books) is a conventional biography of Malcolm X the *man*, from birth to death. The art by Jenkins is jarring, which may fit with Malcolm's controversial ideas (though they're glossed over in the text).
In contrast, the art by Ford is very aesthetic. And the text by Shabazz focuses on Malcolm Little the *boy* and is based on information she got from his siblings. (She is one of Malcolm's daughters.) I'd recommend the Shabazz book for someone who's already familiar with Malcolm X (perhaps from Myers' book) and would like to know more about him.
The text by Myers (the acclaimed author of Monster and lots of other books) is a conventional biography of Malcolm X the *man*, from birth to death. The art by Jenkins is jarring, which may fit with Malcolm's controversial ideas (though they're glossed over in the text).
In contrast, the art by Ford is very aesthetic. And the text by Shabazz focuses on Malcolm Little the *boy* and is based on information she got from his siblings. (She is one of Malcolm's daughters.) I'd recommend the Shabazz book for someone who's already familiar with Malcolm X (perhaps from Myers' book) and would like to know more about him.
February 24, 2024
It's Black History Month.
This is the story of Malcolm Little AKA Malcolm X when he was a boy. I feel it would be geared for older children, maybe 4th grade and older because the text is quite long and of the subject matter. I think any younger would not fully understand.
It is written by his daughter Ilyasan Shabazz. She wrote it after years of hearing stories of her father and of her grandparents. Malcolm is one of 7 children. He was smart, always up to something, full of questions, a natural leader, and a fun-loving prankster.
The Little's were a close knit family who believed every man should be treated with justice and with equality, though many didn't feel that way. And because of that the Little's home is burned down and, though, not proven, Malcolm's father was killed/murdered.
The pictures are gorgeous. You can feel the emotions of the people in the pictures.
This story is about love. You can feel it.
This is the story of Malcolm Little AKA Malcolm X when he was a boy. I feel it would be geared for older children, maybe 4th grade and older because the text is quite long and of the subject matter. I think any younger would not fully understand.
It is written by his daughter Ilyasan Shabazz. She wrote it after years of hearing stories of her father and of her grandparents. Malcolm is one of 7 children. He was smart, always up to something, full of questions, a natural leader, and a fun-loving prankster.
The Little's were a close knit family who believed every man should be treated with justice and with equality, though many didn't feel that way. And because of that the Little's home is burned down and, though, not proven, Malcolm's father was killed/murdered.
The pictures are gorgeous. You can feel the emotions of the people in the pictures.
This story is about love. You can feel it.
May 27, 2017
We love picture book biographies as they help children understand and see that someone who was once like them grew up to make a difference in the world. Written by his daughter, this inspiring book celebrates a vision of freedom and justice, and shows the childhood story of Malcolm X, one of America’s most influential figures.
When confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened, and he had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. This lyrical story should be discussed in every classroom because it carries a message that resonates still today—for all of us to live to our highest potential.
See other books in our Inspiring Muslim Leaders and Thinkers booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/in...
When confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened, and he had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. This lyrical story should be discussed in every classroom because it carries a message that resonates still today—for all of us to live to our highest potential.
See other books in our Inspiring Muslim Leaders and Thinkers booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/in...
December 9, 2020
This children's picture book is all about Malcolm X's childhood and how his parents shaped him as a young boy to become an activist for equality. This book shows students how much you can learn from everyday life, similar to how Malcolm learned important lessons from things like gardening or cooking. Also, I loved this story because of how much we learn about his parents who were truly amazing people. Malcolm truly had a tragic childhood, but it shows how we can persevere through hard situations and it makes us stronger. I think this is a great book for the classroom library because students are able to relate to the humble beginnings of one of the most important activists who ever lived, and see all the life lessons he learned along the way. As anti-racist literature, it also lets students know that they need to stand for what is right and fight against inequality whenever they see it.
April 9, 2018
This book shares the story of Malcolm X when he was a child. His parents were supporters of Marcus Garvey and equality for all. There is a section where Malcolm's mother, while working in the garden with them, "taught her children to love every living creature equally - large or small, pretty or ugly, fast or slow, insect or plant. The garden was a testament to true and unconditional brotherhood from the earth on up to the sky, a daily lesson in acceptance and equality."
The illustrations in this book are just stunning. The amount of text on the page makes this a picture book to share with older readers.
The illustrations in this book are just stunning. The amount of text on the page makes this a picture book to share with older readers.
January 24, 2019
I am so glad that Ilyasah Shabazz is writing the stories of her amazing and world changing parents (see Betty Before X) but this picture book of the early years of Malcolm X leaves out such large chunks of explanation that it becomes confusing at times. What happened to Malcolm's dad? Who were the "good friends" who appear cheerfully waving in the illustration when the text says the Malcolm and his siblings were split up and became wards of the state? What happened to Malcolms mom? Mr. Ostrowski has the potential to be a evil (and racist) character but that isn't really explained in the text. Fabulous illustrations by Ag Ford.
March 17, 2021
The parents of Malcom X, Earl and Louise Little, had a profound impact on his life, as this narrative nonfiction biography explains. Both were followers of Marcus Garvey, who believed that all humans were created equally. "Malcom's father would preach about faith, self-reliance, and hard work to the throngs of people gathered at local churches and assemblies." Malcolm's mother taught all her children at home. "She knew that the more words you learned, the better you could communicate, and the more in life you could create."
Beautifully illustrated.
Beautifully illustrated.
December 7, 2022
As someone who has read the autobiography of Malcom X, it was so enjoyable to see aspects of Malcolm's life illustrated and told from the young perspective of this influential figure. The ways in which it depicted the young years of Malcolm, and the events that began to ship him into the activist that he later became was very well done. This book would defiantly be suitable for children a little bit older only because these are some concepts that very young children wouldn't be able to grasp yet. Overall I enjoyed this book very much.
May 1, 2023
This book's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and the words are beautifully arranged in a tenderly told story about the man most know as Malcom X. This story lets us see Malcom as a child (and for me personally to see the trauma and disappointments of his childhood) which is important to sharing the his history to children. I say this because all adults were once children! I share books with children and they would be able to identify with young Malcom. What a wonderful way to introduce young children to the influential figure of Malcom X.
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