Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
No Series
What’s inside...
This book is a revealing and poignant account of Malcolm X's childhood, as told by his daughter. It explores his upbringing, the racial discrimination he faced, and the experiences that shaped him into one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement. 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Malcolm X’s childhood experiences shape his future actions and beliefs?
What challenges did Malcolm face growing up, and how did he overcome them?
Why is it important to learn about different people’s lives and histories?
How can we use Malcolm's story to inspire us to make positive changes in our own lives?
What qualities did Malcolm show as a young boy that were important for his later life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences or thoughts on overcoming challenges to help your child relate to Malcolm’s story.
Encourage your child to think about how the people and the environment around them influence their own beliefs and actions.
Ask your child what qualities they admire in Malcolm and discuss how they can develop or demonstrate similar traits.
Highlight the importance of education, persistence, and resilience shown in the book and discuss how these can be applied in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book outlines Malcolm X's early years, detailing how he overcame various obstacles including racial discrimination and personal tragedies.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their personal challenges, whether it's dealing with bullying or overcoming any fear.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes how Malcolm X valued education and was a self-taught individual, highlighting his journey of reading and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pursue their education earnestly and instills a passion for lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book touches on Malcolm X's exposure to different cultures and ideologies which shaped his views.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultural perspectives and understand the importance of empathy.
Example Lesson: Change and personal growth
Explanation: It illustrates Malcolm X's evolution in thoughts and beliefs throughout his life, showcasing his ability to change and grow.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that it is okay to change their opinions and grow from their experiences, fostering a mindset of personal development.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself and others
Explanation: Malcolm X's activism and leadership in civil rights movements are highlighted, demonstrating his courage to fight for justice.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be advocates for themselves and others, emphasizing the importance of standing up against injustice and inequality.