Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X - OPTIONAL

Shabazz, Ilyasah  Malcolm Little:  The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X  Illustrated by Ag Ford  Atheneum Books, 2013.  $17.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

This is an illustrated biography of the early years of Malcolm X’s life.  He was born into a large family and his parents were heavily involved in improving African-American’s lives.  His father taught Malcolm to believe in other people’s goodness and their right to freedom and equality. Malcolm’s mother taught him to appreciate the world around him and to value education.  Malcolm’s father was killed and Malcolm and his siblings were separated, but Malcolm took the things that his parents taught him and because a leader.  

This is a beautifully illustrated book and it covers the early childhood of Malcolm.  The story is written by Malcolm’s daughter and she writes an author’s note that admits to the fact that she constructed the story based on family stories and what she imagined Malcom’s parents to say to him.  It’s descriptive and wordy, but it paints the picture of a boy who was loved by his parents and believed in freedom and equality.  

EL-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.