Ilyasah Shabazz

Co‑written by Malcolm X’s daughter, this novel follows the early life of Malcolm Little, a boy whose dreams of becoming a lawyer are shattered by murder, loss, and systemic racism. From a childhood marked by his father’s death and his mother’s removal, to teenage rebellion in Boston and New York’s jazz‑filled nights, Malcolm drifts into a world of crime, drugs, and dangerous alliances. When he lands in prison at twenty, a profound spiritual awakening redirects his path toward activism and the powerful voice that would later reshape America. The narrative balances gritty realism with the inner turmoil of a young man searching for purpose, offering teen readers a raw, honest portrait of a future leader’s formative years.

In the heart of 1945 Detroit, eleven-year-old Betty struggles to find a true sense of belonging in a house that rarely feels like a real home. Though she knows her mother loves her, an unshakable feeling of being unwanted constantly weighs her down. She finds her only solace in the local church, where powerful singing and fiery speeches from guest activists like Thurgood Marshall ignite a spark within her. Inspired by the passionate calls for African American rights, Betty steps up to volunteer for the Housewives League, throwing her energy into supporting Black-owned businesses. In this captivating story inspired by real events, you will witness the formative years of the girl who would eventually become the iconic Dr. Betty Shabazz. It is an incredibly moving portrait of a young woman overcoming deep personal challenges to discover her confidence, self-acceptance, and a fierce dedication to the civil rights movement.

Dive into the powerful story of Malcolm Little during his challenging adolescent years in Charlestown Prison. You'll meet a young man grappling with the weight of his past and an uncertain future, plagued by nightmares. As he navigates prison life, Malcolm begins an incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. Watch as he befriends fellow prisoners, reaches out to his family, and devours every book in the prison library. He joins the debate team, sharpening his mind and voice, and explores profound questions of race, politics, religion, and justice in the 1940s. This is the intimate account of how Malcolm Little, through deep reflection and intense study, begins to awaken. By the time his incarceration ends, he emerges not just as Malcolm Little, but as the influential figure the world would come to know: Malcolm X. This gripping historical novel invites you to understand the roots of a revolutionary mind and the power of personal change, offering a compelling look at the making of a civil rights icon.