X: A Novel

Malcolm's parents tell him that he can achieve anything, but he believes that’s a lie as his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of being a lawyer have been dashed. He feels there’s no point in trying, and escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and drugs. This bio-novel for grades 11-12 follows true events in Malcolm X’s life from childhood to imprisonment for theft at 20, when he found the faith that helped him forge a new path and command a voice that still resonates today. A useful literature circle book to explore social justice and racism in the U.S. and the early years of the civil rights movement leader.