Malcolm lives! The official biography of Malcolm X for young readers

Kendi (Stamped) delivers an expansive and immersive biography of human rights activist Malcolm X (1925--1965), which traces the figure's life from his birth in Omaha, Neb., to his assassination in New York City. "Before one can teach what's right for humans, one must learn what is right," the author states in an introduction using plain, conversational text. Subsequent chapters take on a propulsive cadence that chronicles critical events in Malcolm's life, including his father's death, ruled an accident by police, though Malcolm's mother believed her husband was murdered by Klansmen. Through a series of succinct yet richly detailed snapshots that include Malcolm's experience hustling in 1940s Boston as well as his incarceration for burglary in 1946, Kendi relays the revolutionary's relationship with the Nation of Islam's teachings and with the organization's religious leader Elijah Muhammad. The volume straightforwardly depicts the pair's antagonism and parallel journeys as Malcolm works to uncover Muhammad's corrupt teachings while defending and inspiring Black Americans during the civil rights era. Connecting the activist's life events--both personal and professional, in the United States and during his travels abroad--with contemporary literature, politics, and society, the narrative accessibly highlights Malcolm's complex journey toward learning "how to stand up to what's wrong. Even in oneself," and to achieve a better understanding of himself and the world around him. Archival documents and b&w photographs appear throughout; extensive back matter concludes. Ages 10--14. (May)

Scholar and award-winning author Kendi offers a thoroughly researched biography that examines the life of the activist, intellectual, and Muslim minister. Born Malcolm Little in Nebraska in 1925, he grew up in a household that openly defied white supremacy. In 1931, his dad died in an incident the police ruled accidental; his mom, however, believed her husband was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan offshoot called the Black Legion. Traumatized, Malcolm engaged in criminal behavior and developed a deep mistrust of white people. At 20, after being sentenced to prison for burglary, he was exposed to the teachings of the Nation of Islam. When he was released, 27-year-old Malcolm had been transformed. But over time, Malcolm began to reconsider his beliefs, eventually exposing the moral hypocrisy of leader Elijah Muhammad. By the end of his life, Malcolm had traveled extensively, including an enlightening trip to Mecca, gaining a global perspective. Meanwhile, Elijah sowed the discord that led to Malcolm's assassination in 1965. Using archival documents and photographs, Kendi frames the revolutionary's story as a "chronology of changes," offering enough historical background to orient readers without making the narrative excessively complex. Kendi traces Malcolm's journey from troubled but brilliant youth to divisive Black nationalist to human rights trailblazer. The short, accessible chapters compellingly contextualize global issues, speaking directly to readers and breathing new life into a critically relevant historical figure. A humanizing, resoundingly effective portrait showcasing history as a blueprint for radical change. (source notes, image credits)(Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.