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lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredibly powerful book. With a biography that doesn't shy away from harsh topics such as a father's death, imprisonment, and divisions in interpretation of religion, a compilation of quotes, and extremely detailed illustrations, this picture book packs a punch. Unfortunately, it may be a little too radical for a classroom (I don't think so, but some parents and administrators might), but it's absolutely perfect for introducing tough topics and tough individuals to a child.
This biography also does a great job of sticking to the truth and discussing both the successes and failures of Malcolm X--it also doesn't shy away from his death. This text clearly states that he was assassinated. It also comes with a timeline in the back, which provides further context for the background of his life.
And those quotes Walter Dean Myers chose are so powerful and so radical--I was astounded to see them in a children's picture book. Astounded, and very, very pleased. It's important to see all the various viewpoints of what was happening during the Civil Rights Era, and this book illuminates a bold opinion and interpretation.
The illustrations though--what absolute artistry! Everything about this book was so well done, so aesthetically pleasing, so informative. If you want to teach your kids about some iconic figures in February (or during any month of the year, really), this is a must have.
Review cross-listed here!
This biography also does a great job of sticking to the truth and discussing both the successes and failures of Malcolm X--it also doesn't shy away from his death. This text clearly states that he was assassinated. It also comes with a timeline in the back, which provides further context for the background of his life.
And those quotes Walter Dean Myers chose are so powerful and so radical--I was astounded to see them in a children's picture book. Astounded, and very, very pleased. It's important to see all the various viewpoints of what was happening during the Civil Rights Era, and this book illuminates a bold opinion and interpretation.
The illustrations though--what absolute artistry! Everything about this book was so well done, so aesthetically pleasing, so informative. If you want to teach your kids about some iconic figures in February (or during any month of the year, really), this is a must have.
Review cross-listed here!
beths0103's review against another edition
4.0
A concise, informative, and compelling biography of Malcolm X written by the beloved ambassador for young people's literature, Walter Dean Myers.
iffer's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up on impulse at the library. I was walking past the display of picture books, and was surprised to see a Malcolm X book included on the Black History Month display. I thought in my head, "That's odd," and also, "It's going to be terrible, isn't it..." Then I saw that it was written by Walter Dean Myers and thought that I actually trusted him to do a decent job, and he does.
At least in my elementary, middle and high school education, Malcolm X was non-existent, possibly even effectively censored. Assuming that your American history class would actually make it beyond World War II, it was as if the only important people in the Civil Rights Movement were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. Also, everything was portrayed as peaceful singing and roses, as well as complete solidarity among the African-American community, none of which is true. While A Fire Burning Brightly doesn't go into great detail, the bare bones information is there, as well as thoughtfully-chosen quotes to illustrate the stages of Malcolm X's life. Malcolm X's life doesn't make for a tidy narrative with specific "lessons" for kids, but that's what I like about this book:
"Malcolm X was a complex man living in a complex time of turmoil and change. He had blazed his way through the history of the fifties and sixties in America. And like so many flames, he warmed many...Others he burned...And like flames that burn too brightly, his light was too soon extinguished."
In my opinion, kids are smart enough to process complexity, and they're never going to develop an ability to empathize and generate a framework for understanding the complex tapestry of history if people like Malcolm X, a follower of Islam, who initially advocated for separation between the races, and who didn't believe that blacks could achieve equal rights through non-violence alone, are sanitized from kids' classrooms and books. This provides a good starting point.
P.S. I enjoyed the cool color palette and the paintings by Leonard Jenkins.
At least in my elementary, middle and high school education, Malcolm X was non-existent, possibly even effectively censored. Assuming that your American history class would actually make it beyond World War II, it was as if the only important people in the Civil Rights Movement were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. Also, everything was portrayed as peaceful singing and roses, as well as complete solidarity among the African-American community, none of which is true. While A Fire Burning Brightly doesn't go into great detail, the bare bones information is there, as well as thoughtfully-chosen quotes to illustrate the stages of Malcolm X's life. Malcolm X's life doesn't make for a tidy narrative with specific "lessons" for kids, but that's what I like about this book:
"Malcolm X was a complex man living in a complex time of turmoil and change. He had blazed his way through the history of the fifties and sixties in America. And like so many flames, he warmed many...Others he burned...And like flames that burn too brightly, his light was too soon extinguished."
In my opinion, kids are smart enough to process complexity, and they're never going to develop an ability to empathize and generate a framework for understanding the complex tapestry of history if people like Malcolm X, a follower of Islam, who initially advocated for separation between the races, and who didn't believe that blacks could achieve equal rights through non-violence alone, are sanitized from kids' classrooms and books. This provides a good starting point.
P.S. I enjoyed the cool color palette and the paintings by Leonard Jenkins.
stsvintlaurent's review against another edition
4.0
The life of Malcolm X, an adamant activist later endorsing the amalgamation of the black community and society, was vividly depicted by this book through effective storytelling and illustrations. When reading the part explaining the death of Malcolm's father, I wondered whether Malcolm's polarized viewpoint was the result along with his strong sense of justice. The book started off with background information regarding his childhood and incarceration, soon progressing to a turning point in his life where Malcolm decided to self-study in prison and join the Nation of Islam (NOI). His colossal impact as an activist was conveyed through excerpts from his speeches and examples of his success. However, the illustrations did not appeal to me as much as they would if they were actual photographs of Malcolm X or of him delivering speeches.
solar_lee's review against another edition
In this book, I really enjoyed how it really filled in the blanks for the questions and wondering I had while watching the Brainpop. I liked that the book was informative but at the same time still left you to have more questions.
lmurray74's review against another edition
5.0
A powerful introduction for young children to the life of Malcolm X and his role as a civil rights leader. The complexity of Malcolm X's life means his contribution is often absent from elementary school classrooms. There is more to take from MLK Jr's life on a superficial level. Malcolm X was jailed for robbing houses whereas MLK Jr was jailed for civil disobedience. Malcolm X's words could be construed as more divisive while MLK Jr's words could be mined for talk of unity. Both men are necessary figures in all elementary school classrooms, along with the myriad of women who contributed to the movement.
This book presents Malcolm X's life in biographic detail. The gorgeous illustrations accompany the story well. There is little analysis of his life, which you would expect from a book about Malcolm X aimed at a younger audience. Walter Dean Myers chooses his words carefully and there is much to expand upon. Educators can take the book further with students. This is an excellent foundation for learning more about Malcolm X's life and legacy.
This book presents Malcolm X's life in biographic detail. The gorgeous illustrations accompany the story well. There is little analysis of his life, which you would expect from a book about Malcolm X aimed at a younger audience. Walter Dean Myers chooses his words carefully and there is much to expand upon. Educators can take the book further with students. This is an excellent foundation for learning more about Malcolm X's life and legacy.
jsjammersmith's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful book which handles the life of a controversial figure in American history. But rather than focus purely on the controversies, Myers and Jenkins manage to tell a beautiful retelling of Malcolm X's humanity, showing that his life was one rife with struggles but one that was ultimately self-made. This will be a wonderful book for any parents who wants to teach their children of the incredible life of Malcolm X.
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