Dr. Ibram X. Kendi just dropped a brand-new Malcolm X biography made especially for middle schoolers, and it’s exactly what young readers need right now. This kid-friendly take on the civil rights icon makes Malcolm’s powerful story accessible, engaging, and perfect for middle schoolers and their parents alike.

The new biography, “Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers,” which dropped on May 13, six days before the human rights activist’s May 19 birthday, according to Parents.com, “[features] never-before-published letters, notes, flyers, photos, and extensive source notes, the middle grade book aims to capture Malcolm X’s antiracist legacy and spark important conversations among families reading it.”

Dr. Kendi announced his latest project on social media, revealing the cover of the new Malcolm X biography along with a powerful caption. His post instantly sparked excitement, leaving followers eager to grab a copy to add to their collections immediately.

It is an honor to present to the world, MALCOLM LIVES: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers. It comes out today! It is a gift to the world, and a gift to Malcolm as the world is about to celebrate his 100th birthday on May 19. His favorite gift, a book,” he began his post. 

“‘My alma mater was books, a good library,’” Malcolm once stated. If he was not ‘out here every day’ battling racism, then he says he ‘could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.’ While incarcerated, Malcolm transformed into a voracious reader. Reading and copying down and reciting the entire dictionary. Reading until lights out, only to sneak into the corner of his cell where a hall light illuminated the page. Reading on airplanes he took around the United States and the world to address millions of people as a Muslim minister, as an antiracist revolutionary. Reading in his attic office until he fell asleep, the open book as his nightly pillow.”

Dr. Kenidi concluded his post, “The short chapters in MALCOLM LIVES! are written in scenes that depict the world as Malcolm saw it back then, and as we experience it today. Having Malcolm speak to what was, what is. With plenty of Malcolm’s never-before published letters, notes, and photos that bring history to life. I hope MALCOLM LIVES! serves as a testament for the awesome power of the book. Inspiring young and adult readers to change the world like Malcolm. Malcolm Lives! is now available wherever books are sold. Link in bio.”

Suggested for children aged 10-14, “Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers,” is a powerful piece of literature that, “… allows people to see how [Malcolm X] came to feel empowered, and ultimately can turn around and allow us to feel empowered,” Dr. Kendi explained in an interview with Parents.com. He added, “life stories are among the greatest teachers.”

“Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers” is now available to add to your middle schoolers library. It could be one of their greatest summer reads yet!

Photo: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi Instagram