A riveting opening chapter relates the now-legendary nonviolent standoff between the Black Muslims and precinct police following a street incident in Harlem and introduces Malcolm's multi-faceted authority. Carefully selected archival photographs and other illustrative material, a chronology, bibliography and index contribute to the considerable substance of this compelling volume illuminating the life of an African-American man whose mid-20th century deeds and writings continue to inspire many youth and adults today. Myers draws implicit parallels between today's challenges for some African-American youth and some of the experiences during the early years of the self-made survivor who became Malcolm X, by showing how in his youth, Malcolm expressed the universal need to belong. Through showing the changes Malcolm made in his own life, Myers demonstrates that youth do not have to fail themselves even though people and institutions fail them. An absorbing biography introduces this important leader to youth not yet ready for The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Honor Book, 1992 CCBC Coretta Scott King Award Discussion: Writing. (Ages 9-14)

"I believe in recognizing every human being
as a human being, neither white, black, brown, nor red."

This was just one of the messages that Malcolm X brought to people of color. He lived by the idea that black people should demand equality by taking their lives and futures into their own hands. With guidance from the religious leader Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm became one of the most powerful leaders of the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and his beliefs live on today.

Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers, together with illustrator Leonard Jenkins, delivers a straightforward and compelling portrayal of one of America's most influential figures.