I want to give major kudos to Dr. Ibram X. Kendi for this powerful and much-needed contribution! For far too long, Malcolm X has been confined to a narrow, militant stereotype—often portrayed as controversial, but in reality, deeply misunderstood. This book completely shifts that narrative. It pulls back the layers and reveals a more complex, human, and relatable version of Malcolm X. I was especially impressed with how Dr. Kendi frames Malcolm’s journey in a way that young readers can truly connect with. He doesn’t just tell Malcolm’s story—he invites readers to walk in his shoes, to feel the injustice he faced, and to see the world through his eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and truly can’t recommend it enough. It’s rare to find a middle-grade biography that doesn’t just inform but also empower. Dr. Kendi makes it clear why Malcolm’s story still matters today, and he does so in a way that fosters empathy and sparks real curiosity.

A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & publisher for the opportunity to read this book!!

I read this in tandem with the audio version. I liked this copy better than the audio because I could read it at my own pace and not have it be so short on everything. Everything else I loved

Love the cover and anything Ibram X Kendi writes is an auto buy! I bought a physical copy for my shelves. Thank you so much for the ARC.

I feel like my history textbooks never gave the appropriate amount of space to Malcolm X, his life, and his work. I suspect that some of that has to do with the fact that his message was a lot more challenging, especially for white Americans. At times, he was very clear that he had nothing to say to white America. For much of his life, he saw his mission, his calling as being to Black America.

This book doesn’t only relate Malcolm X’s life story from beginning to end. It also offers some context for the choices he made. At certain points, Dr. Kendi asks readers directly to consider the facts of history. He asks reader to think beyond what happened in one moment of Malcolm X’s life, but to look at the pattern of history before his life and since.

Some of the story follows Malcolm X’s life as a member of the Nation of Islam. I think the book explains the goals of the organization and their values really well. It also discusses where the leaders fell short of the values they preached. Dr. Kendi offers some thoughtful critique and, again, some historical context that will help readers place these events in the larger arc of history. He also emphasizes some of the reasons it’s important to know this history.

Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC! I am always looking for books for my school book club, and for my English Literature and Composition classes. This one is a perfect fit. Students will enjoy the subject--Malcolm X is STILL in our conversations at school--and they will appreciate knowing the back story of his life. This book acts like a textbook, but reads like storytime at the library.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Kendi does a great job of going through Malcolm's life and giving great context for everything--including tying things into the modern day. The photos and letters were used well to give extra context to the situations happening in each chapter.

The only minor complaint I had is that the writing style was a bit too simple/easy at times but makes sense considering it's for younger readers, I suppose.

This was not well-written for the young reader audience it's trying to reach and that is disappointing. So much has been done for narrative nonfiction for all ages and especially for young readers-- this is not one of the prime examples. I was curious about Malcolm X's life as I have read some, but not a lot about him. I know some from the [book:The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation|53138238] and Kendi obviously knows a thing or two but it didn't translate for this biography.

It was dry, unfocused, and used vernacular like "wicked smart" that threw me off right from the beginning. It read like a second person narrative and I think it tried to be like [book:Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You|52220686] but lacked the punchy writing that sucks you in to that story (which is Reynolds' rewriting of Kendi's original work).

The chapters were short but the pictures were misplaced and unincorporated into the storytelling and for a galley copy not easy to read or interpret other than the description underneath it. It felt uninspired, like a long form timeline without the necessary flair of feeling something more powerful.

I’m not really sure how I feel about this biography, which at times feels quite thorough, and at other times feels almost glancing, possibly because the author can be a bit sparse with contextual information. For example, it seemed there was a lot of detail about Malcolm’s childhood and adolescence, but then his international travels in the Middle East and Africa are covered quickly, without a whole lot of information. I also never felt the Nation of Islam was adequately explained. It is, however, already a long book for young readers, so I’m not sure how much more he could’ve realistically added.

The thing that bothered me most, though, is the writing style: lots and lots of short, choppy sentence fragments. I think it is probably intentional, meant to be accessible and/or reflective of Malcolm’s speaking style (?), but it really, really annoyed me.

I think this is a fine introduction to Malcolm X for young people; the short chapters and conversational writing style probably make it a somewhat easy read. But I also think it falls short in some ways.

As someone that knew very little about Malcolm X and his life and his journey I found this to be a great and easy way to learn about such a complex man and public figure.

I was able to listen to an early copy and also given the ebook so I didn’t miss out on the pictures which I thought were a great addition. I also thought listening was a great way to consume this book it felt like being chatted with from someone very passionate about the subject.

I enjoyed it and learned a ton.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for an alc and eARC.

Malcolm Lives! is a wonderful book to introduce Malcolm X to this age group. With short, impactful chapters, Malcolm X’s life leaps off the page and keeps readers engaged.

This brand new biography about Malcolm X especially for young readers is full-from cover to cover-of great information about a key figure who spoke up for the rights of black Americans.
Malcolm X may be a new name to some children, but this book will make him come alive and they will learn everything about him from the years before he was born up until the time of his assassination. It covers everything. The book explains things in a way that young readers are sure to understand and engage with. There are primary sources printed throughout the book as well. This gives kids a chance to look at Malcom's real letters and other pieces of writing as well as see photos of places he lived and worked.
I highly recommend this book for libraries and book stores to share this new story of a man who made such an impact on American History.

This was a very interesting read and I learned many new facts about Malcolm X that I hadn’t known before. I think young readers will appreciate the compelling story and the short chapters, though the book might feel a bit long for a typical middle-grade audience. I especially liked the inclusion of actual documents and photographs, which added authenticity. However, I found the frequent use of speculative language—such as "maybe Malcolm did this" or "perhaps Malcolm said that"—a bit distracting. It made parts of the narrative feel more interpretive than I would have preferred. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.

Malcolm Lives! Is one of the best biographies I have ever read, including those designed for adults. The book covers Malcolm's life, from before he is even born, to the after-effects of his life; truly an in-depth coverage of his life. It is written in such a way that you feel like you are viewing his life in real-time, and like you really know him by the end. Malcolm Lives! Gives historical context around the times and events in the book to help readers really understand what Malcolm was going through, dealing with, and experiencing. Along with being an amazing biography, this book is also an incredible introduction to the multifaceted Civil Rights Movement (Human Rights Movement).
I absolutely loved the documents and photos within the book. My poor eyes would have loved a transcribed version to go beside the letters for easier reading, but it added a lot of depth to the book to be able to see Malcolm’s and others actual handwriting and wording. It made everything feel more real.
The sentence structure was a little difficult for me to follow as it starts and stops; but, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi said he specifically chose this model to reflect the way Malcolm X spoke and wrote, which I greatly appreciate.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, and am left completely blown away, and with a strong urge to devour everything by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, and anything about Malcolm X.

Kendi tells the fascinating story of Malcolm X's life in his refreshingly candid way. A compelling read for young readers and curious adults. Kendi gives enough detail to immerse the reader in the story of this fascinating man, his life and struggles. One thing is clear to me after reading: There's a lot about Malcolm X that many people don't know.

Malcolm Lives is a well researched and informative book about the life of Malcolm X. Kendi, award winning author, writes history that is not only informative but easy to read. The book is quite long at 400 pages. This fact may be a deterrent for 10-14 year old readers unless they are big fans of Malcolm X.

Malcolm Little, later Malcolm X, grew up in Nebraska where his parents openly defied white supremacy. In 1931, his dad died in an incident the police ruled accidental, but in actuality, he was most likely murdered by the Ku Klux Klan offshoot called the Black Legion.

Malcolm was six when his father died. Traumatised by this event, Malcolm became involved in criminal behavior and developed a deep mistrust of white people.

As a youth, Malcolm endured violence, loss, hunger, foster care, racism, and being incarcerated. Still he persevered through it all to make a lasting impact, as a Black Muslim, a family man and a revolutionary.

Kendi has included, in this biography released 100 years after his birth, never-before-published letters, notes, flyers, photos, and extensive source notes.

Reading this book offers readers a front row seat into the intimacies of Malcolm’s legacy.

I must admit that I did not know that much about Malcolm X before I read this book. His history is just not talked about or taught as readily as MLK Jr. I believe this book is much needed for the youth of today so that they can learn about him and understand his legacy. Who knows??? Some angry black boy might pick up this book and understand exactly what Malcolm is describing and that might help him learn to not be so angry anymore. While this book is informative and educational, it is also heartbreaking. A life ended at thirty nine years old with so much good left to do and sweet children left to raise. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I will definitely discuss this book with my students and help to educate them on the life of an important man in American history.

There are a lot of misconceptions about Malcolm X, spread in part by a white power establishment terrified - as it has been since the beginning of the American Republic in fact - by any suggestion of Black militancy. Whites turned to MLK, Jr. in the 1960s in part because they believed (not entirely accurately) he represented a more conciliatory alternative to demands for Black rights.

But as Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi points out in an interview about this book:

“What’s striking is in 1967, Martin Luther King started expressing ideas from the Black Power movement that was largely birthed by Malcolm X. By 1967, King was moving towards Malcolm. King was talking about the importance of Black solidarity, and the recognition that there are these ideas suggesting that everything Black is bad.”

[Fortunately for King’s favorable reputation among whites, he was assassinated before he could make too many moves in that direction.]

Kendi seeks to correct misconceptions about Malcolm X, directing his writing toward younger readers, particularly those who have not had much Black history. The publication coincides with the centennial of Malcolm’s birth on May 19, 1925.

The result is a thoughtful, fair examination of Malcolm X’s life, that is poignant, compelling, and inspirational. Kendi makes great efforts to clarify terms and political circumstances from earlier periods with which readers might not be aware (such as residential racial covenants, the idea of “Sundown Towns,” the legacy of “Little Black Sambo,” overt racism in the police and among firefighters (it tends to be more hidden today) and the potential lethal consequences of that, and so on. (But he is evenhanded: he also identifies Black behavior he finds objectionable when appropriate.)

He poses uncomfortable questions when the narrative suggests them, questions that may be uncomfortable for readers of all races; he is interested in stimulating thought and discussion, and getting at the truth, rare qualities these days.

He even devotes space to explaining the construct of racism itself. As Kendi points out, “race” is a *power* construct made up in the 1400s to justify enslavement of Africans, which necessitated “establishing” a differentiation between “superior” and “inferior” races. In spite of no biological or genetic differences, the construct continues to hold immense power both for those who need to feel superior and for those who have absorbed the message of inferiority.

As for the biographical content, anyone who has the least bit of empathy will feel for the injustices and repeated life-threatening circumstances that Malcolm’s family endured as a Black family trying to thwart racist “rules” and live in the same way and in the same places as white people. But whites were determined not to allow it. The story of what happened to Malcolm’s parents and to Malcolm as a young boy is horrifying, and quite painful to read about.

Kendi shows us how Malcolm Little became Malcolm X, and how a boy with so much tragedy in his life and so many disadvantages (such as being poor and Black) overcome all of it to become a leader that was loved (and feared) by so many.

Importantly, as Kendi demonstrates, Malcolm played a significant role in promoting the message of “Black is Beautiful” and encouraged cultural pride.

Malcolm was assassinated in 1965. His wife Betty was pregnant with twins, and they had four other children. The week before, his house, full of his family, had been firebombed, but they survived. Police claimed Malcolm did it himself “to get publicity.” Malcolm announced plans to speak on February 21 and reveal the names of those who actually did the firebombing. Five armed men came to the event with orders to kill Malcolm, which they did with multiple shots. He died on the stage; he was only 39 years old.

Tragically, the five assassins were members of the Nation as Islam, the same as Malcolm was. But there are still unanswered questions about the role played by the NYPD, the FBI, and even the CIA.

Kendi concludes:

“They killed Malcolm X. Then again, they failed to kill Malcolm X. Because Malcolm did great things in his thirty-nine years on this Earth. He told Black people to love themselves. He fought for human rights. He fought against racism. He fought against global White supremacy. He tried to generate an antiracist revolution so Black people - so all people - could finally be respected and secure their human rights. . . . When you have done great things people remember you. When people remember you, they speak your name. When people speak your name, you live. Like history, Malcolm lives.”

Evaluation: This is a beautiful, excellently-written book that would be a “must” inclusion in any library, but like Kendi’s book “How to Be an Antiracist,” recently removed at the direction of Pete Hegseth from the U.S. Naval Academy Library, chances are it will not receive its due. It is everyone’s loss.

I had high hopes for Malcolm Lives but sadly it fell flat. Although I think it’s fantastic there is a YA book about Malcolm X, and it was interesting to learn his story I don’t see students getting caught in the writing wanting to know more. That being said, I’ll still be buying it for my classroom library because I know Malcolm X’s story is an important one for students to learn, and is one that is often undervalued.

I did enjoy this book. It is clearly well researched. It is also very wordy. 400 pages for 10-14 year old's is A LOT. To put this into perspective, my 7th graders read The Hobbit each year. It is the longest novel we read and takes us about a month to get through it. It is around 300 pages. The size alone is going to intimidate many young readers and will probably cause them to not pick up the book. I would definitely use excerpts of this book in my curriculum and keep it on my shelf for students who might want to read it on their own, but I would not be able to utilize it as a complete novel study.

As far as the wordiness, Dr. Kendi often speculates on what is happening in certain situations. He starts the book with "Maybe they rode through the rustling trees in the distance. Maybe not." I understand the purpose of the speculation but now you have a 400 page book meant for 4th and 5th graders. The word 'maybe' is used in the book 82 times by my kindle's count and the majority of them are when Dr. Kendi is speculating on what would have been going on during a certain event. It seems a bit excessive. I would assume Dr. Kendi wants kids to read this book. But maybe not.

Malcolm Lives! is Ibram X. Kendi's biography of Malcolm X, written for young readers. The book goes all the way back to the beginning, introducing Malcolm's parents (followers of Marcus Garvey) and taking us deep within his family to understand not only his contributions as an adult, but how he got there. Written in Ibram X. Kendi's unflinching and honest voice, the style meets kids where they are with short, clear sentences. This will be an essential book for readers in building a better understanding of Malcolm X's life and legacy. Malcolm X's story is often missing from discussions of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s in middle grades, and this book will hopefully open the door to broader conversations and deeper understanding of the history of the period. Readers should proceed with care for discussions of substance use, systemic racial trauma, and family trauma.