The Awakening of Malcolm X
#2 in Malcolm X Series
on Goodreads (1,146)
What’s inside...
The Awakening of Malcolm X is a powerful narrative account of the activist's adolescent years in jail, written by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz along with 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe award-winning author, Tiffany D. Jackson. In Charlestown Prison, Malcolm Little struggles with the weight of his past and his uncertain future. He befriends other prisoners, writes to his family, reads extensively, joins the debate team, and becomes involved with the Nation of Islam. Throughout his time in jail, Malcolm grapples with issues of race, politics, religion, and justice in the 1940s. As his time in prison comes to an end, he undergoes a transformation, emerging not just as Malcolm Little, but as Malcolm X, ready to face the world and fight for civil rights, black power, and prison reform.
Character compass
Malcolm Little
Shorty
Reginald Little
Bimbi
Discussion points
How do you think Malcolm X’s early experiences shaped his views and actions later in life?
What lessons can we learn from Malcolm X’s journey about advocating for change?
In what ways does the book highlight the importance of education and self-discovery?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Malcolm X faced? How would you handle similar situations?
What did you find most inspiring about Malcolm X’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the social and historical context of Malcolm X’s life, discussing the challenges and changes during his time.
Create a safe space for open dialogue, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes without judgment.
Point out specific passages that emphasize resilience and self-empowerment, asking your child how they might apply these concepts in their own life.
Discuss the importance of diverse perspectives in literature and history, and explore other books and materials related to Malcolm X and the Civil Rights Movement.
After your discussion, consider watching a documentary or visiting a museum exhibit on Malcolm X to further enrich your understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book details Malcolm X's journey in prison and how he used his time to educate himself and overcome the challenges he faced.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and self-education, understanding that obstacles can be opportunities for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-awareness and personal growth
Explanation: Malcolm X's transformation during his time in prison highlights his journey of self-discovery and commitment to personal improvement.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in self-reflection and commit to personal development, understanding their own values and beliefs.
Example Lesson: Power of literacy and education
Explanation: The narrative shows how Malcolm X's dedication to reading and educating himself played a crucial role in his intellectual development and activism.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to value their education, engage with diverse learning resources, and understand how knowledge empowers individuals to make meaningful changes.
Example Lesson: Standing up for justice
Explanation: Throughout the book, Malcolm X is portrayed advocating for civil rights and justice, demonstrating his strong moral convictions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of standing up for what is right and advocating for fairness and equality in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Transformation through introspection
Explanation: Malcolm X's time in solitude allowed him to reflect deeply on his life and ultimately redirect his path towards positive change.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of introspection and how taking time to reflect on one’s actions and beliefs can lead to significant personal transformation.