Title: The Awakening of Malcolm X
Author: Ilyasah Shabazz, Tiffany D. Jackson
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date: January 5, 2021
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Summary
In prison, Malcolm Little is struggling with his past. He’s unsure of his future, drifting from moment to moment, not sure what to get involved in. Plagued by bad dreams from his past and an uncertainty about the affect he can have. He wants better for his people, but he’s not sure how to get it.
As Malcolm starts to befriend the other prisoners, he starts reading books. Joining the debate team. And joining the Nation of Islam. Through these avenues, he grapples with politics, race, and religion at the time. Slowly, he starts to awaken to the climate around him. When he comes out from prison, he dons a new identity: Malcolm X. Ready to make a difference in the world.
Review: The Awakening of Malcolm X
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for an advanced copy of this book to review! I saw a few advertisements for it, and I was super excited to read it. It’s an in-depth look at Malcolm X’s young adult years, told in a way that makes his life more relatable to teenagers.
While this book is a sequel, it can definitely be read on its own. We piece together Malcolm X’s past with flashbacks and dreams that Malcolm has when he was in prison. His story is a familiar one; he finds books and Islam in prison. We get to see how he transforms into the Malcolm X we’re most familiar with. Overall, we get to see how rigged the system is against Black people and the way that Malcolm wants to fight against the system.
In addition, it’s easy to see research was done on the topic. However, this doesn’t take away from the story. There is a good mix of history, personal details from Malcolm X, and just enough fiction woven in. The topic is also timely, relating to the Black Lives Matter movement that’s still happening in the United States.
This book would be a great addition to any classroom or library.
4.5/5 stars
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