X

"X A Novel" offers a powerful and deeply personal look into the early life of Malcolm X, co-written by his daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, alongside Kekla Magoon. This young adult novel chronicles Malcolm Little's journey from a childhood marked by his father's murder and mother's institutionalization, through his disillusionment with societal promises, to his escape into the vibrant yet perilous nightlife of Boston and New York. It unflinchingly portrays the systemic racism and personal struggles that shaped him, culminating in his imprisonment at age twenty, where he found the faith that would redefine his life and legacy. This book is ideal for young readers aged 12-18, providing a crucial historical perspective and sparking discussions on identity, justice, and resilience.

Co-written by Malcolm X's daughter, this riveting and revealing novel follows the formative years of the man whose words and actions shook the world. Malcolm Little's parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that's a pack of lies--after all, his father's been murdered, his mother's been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There's no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm's efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he's found is only an illusion--and that he can't run forever. X follows Malcolm from his childhood to his imprisonment for theft at age twenty, when he found the faith that would lead him to forge a new path and command a voice that still resonates today.