Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly

This well-balanced biography of the legendary Malcolm X is sprinkled with direct quotes spoken by the native Nebraskan who was born Malcolm Little. The reader learns about Malcolm's early years in Lansing, Michigan, the death of his father that eventually led to him being split up from his siblings as they were each placed in individual foster homes. The reader is able to feel the emotionally charged scenes thanks to the stunning imagery of Leonard Jenkins. From Malcolm's fancy zoot suits on the streets of Harlem to his studious nature as he learns about the Nation of Islam while in prison for robbery and gang involvement, this biography takes a wonderful stance on the life of Malcolm X, crediting him as a "complex man living in a show more complex time of turmoil and change." show less

Although no 40 page picture book could capture all the action that was Malcolm X's life, it did a decent job of it. I appreciated that this very "adult" character was rendered into a readable format for a young audience, pictures and all. The illustrations, paintings based on photographs, were attractive and hip. The story was interesting enough to attract readers. I appreciated that many direct quotations were included as well. As I have criticized in other biographies, however, I did not think that this book did the man justice in portraying his dynamic character. I have yet to find a work which carries the fire of Alex Haley's version. And unfortunately, that is just not a book I can share with my middle school readers.

Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly was an excellent history of how turmoil can change a man's perception in life. The detail and illustrations help to create a vivid image of the civil right's movement during the 1950's and 1960's. I believe that this would be a great book to read during Black History Month to a class. It was interesting to learn how Malcolm changed his name, his motivation in life, and his message to blacks during a very trying time. I would strongly recommend this book to a teacher working on a lesson in civil rights or covering the life of Malcolm X.

Walter Dean Myers authors a well written account of Malcolm X's life. It is meant for elementary age children; I would say grades 4+. The book tells of Malcolm's family, time in foster care, move to Boston and New York, time in prison, The Nation of Islam, his religious pilgrimage to Mecca, and his assassination. The explicit details are left out to keep it appropriate for younger readers, which I really appreciate.

I liked this book for a fourth or fifth grade class. It is a factual recollection of Malcom X's life, without going into detail of the violence. It is still mentioned so that the book is accurate, but leaving out extreme details makes it more appropriate for elementary students.

I like this book because it shows the history of blacks in our country and it makes it so it is appropriate for the young to read I like how Malcolm x went to prison and came out a better person I would also like to add that the book was really good in showing how important an education is for our youth

“Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly” is a biography of Malcolm X’s hardships as an African American boy struggling with his identity. Being raised around blatant racism, Malcolm found himself to be alone and misunderstood. As a result, he hung around the wrong crowds and did the wrong things. Going to jail for burglary, Malcolm found himself to be alone once again, until he found the Nation of Islam. After being released from jail, he went on to become a preacher and motivational speaker for blacks everywhere. His motto, “by any means necessary” carried a reputation with him wherever he went. By being such a renewed, vocal black man, others felt intimidated by this and his life became in jeopardy. Although he died so brutally show more in front of his family and followers, his legacy remained for generations to come. This is a good depiction of an African American biography because it shows his childhood and the struggles he endured before reaching the point of fame. show less