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books_inthewild's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful. Inspiring.
I Recommend to ALL readers- young readers (grade 4 and up) and adults alike.
So much amazing history. An engaging story, with Inspiring and lovable characters. Themes of racism, Injustice & prejudice- with layers of hope, and work being done, and generations being raised to make the world better.
Can’t say enough. And what apt timing in the history we are currently in, where, as the book writes “the seeds [still] need to be planted”
Read this!!!
I Recommend to ALL readers- young readers (grade 4 and up) and adults alike.
So much amazing history. An engaging story, with Inspiring and lovable characters. Themes of racism, Injustice & prejudice- with layers of hope, and work being done, and generations being raised to make the world better.
Can’t say enough. And what apt timing in the history we are currently in, where, as the book writes “the seeds [still] need to be planted”
Read this!!!
dinahsaur's review against another edition
3.0
To preface this, I absolutely loved Shabazz's previous book X, about her father, Malcolm X.
I did enjoy learning about Betty's childhood and life in Detroit in as an African-American child. However, this book and X did not feel like companion books at all, which disappointed me. I think if I had gone into this book with different, or no, expectations, I might have enjoyed this book more. As it was, this book felt much younger than I'd hope for.
Unfortunately, this book did not feel remarkable to me. I've read enough segregated post-WW2 children's historical fiction. The only thing that felt exceptional was the truth of the story, the reality of the main character, and the author's relationship with Betty.
I did enjoy learning about Betty's childhood and life in Detroit in as an African-American child. However, this book and X did not feel like companion books at all, which disappointed me. I think if I had gone into this book with different, or no, expectations, I might have enjoyed this book more. As it was, this book felt much younger than I'd hope for.
Unfortunately, this book did not feel remarkable to me. I've read enough segregated post-WW2 children's historical fiction. The only thing that felt exceptional was the truth of the story, the reality of the main character, and the author's relationship with Betty.
alboyer6's review against another edition
5.0
A great book that brings to life the childhood of Dr. Betty Shabazz growing up in Georgia and then Detroit. Had to keep tissues handy.
jwinchell's review
4.0
This is one of those deeply historical fiction novels that I wish had a big sticker on the cover saying “Read the afterword first!!” While I was reading I kept thinking that what this book was lacking was context. What about the young readers who don’t know much about Malcolm X, much less Betty? You have to have that background knowledge to appreciate what daughter Ilyasah is doing here: laying the foundation for Betty’s devotion to civil rights, education, and love for her sisters and family. There are substantial pages at the end dedicated to the Author’s Note, a timeline, notes on the characters, and synopses of Detroit in the 1940s and The Housewives’ League. Even if you know something about Malcolm and Betty X, read all of that first.
knbee's review
5.0
Loved this one. Super accessible historical fiction (though mostly true) about an incredible woman (Betty Shabbazz- Malcolm X's wife) and a seminal period. Though people's ugliness is on full display, the warmth she found in her church community stuck with me well after the last page.
brandypainter's review
4.0
This book is a narrative on the life of Betty Shabazz's childhood. This is the little girl who would grow up to be the wife of Malcom X and a community leader. It is considered fiction because of the way the story is told, but her daughter is one of the author's so the basic facts of Betty's life are true. The book is a short, quick read. It's perfect for kids who love historical fiction or stories about complicated families and friendships. I found it engaging and hard to book down.
cjmedinger's review
5.0
I am so ashamed of my lack of knowledge of Betty before reading this book. I still know next to nothing about her, but I am at least now aware of some of the things she did. Taken without historical context this is a great story about growing up in the 30's and 40's in the US. Understanding that this is actually Betty Shabazz, this book is an INCREDIBLE way to educate young and old alike about her actual life and activism before marrying Malcolm X. While this book is geared toward young middle readers, it's a well crafted tale for anyone.
victorialynch's review
4.0
So grateful for this "side of a story" and to learn about Dr. Betty Shabazz.