Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography

Written by Andrew Helfer

Narrated by Ezra Knight

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, lived a short, often violent life. This story frames Malcolm's death with his upbringing and the racial and political struggles that defined his adult life. Malcolm was struck by racial injustice at a young age. His father was murdered-though police ruled it a suicide-for his involvement in civil rights movements. He graduated from junior high at the top of his class, but his dreams were crushed when his teacher told him a black boy could never become a lawyer. Later, he joined the Nation of Islam and preached for civil rights-but this made him a target of the United States government and of ruthless assassins. This audio companion for the graphic novel Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography allows readers to follow along with the book's evocative drawings by Randy DuBurke. Listeners will gain a new perspective on the activist from this dynamic biography. "Far from reverential, the account includes chapters on Malcolm X's life as a hustler and his own disturbing racism ... evokes powerful visual drama and brings the big issues close in a way that is sure to interest YAs for biography assignments as well as discussion of the issues."-Booklist

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781470355197

Andrew Helfer

Andrew Helfer has written everything from Batman to Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography.

Reviews for Malcolm X

[brendasteele47 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very informative! Great information! Learned key Points I didn’t know. Thank you

[Austin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was a decent general description of a man's life, but it did very little to explain why Malcolm X was and is such a pivotal historical figure. The book mainly focuses on Malcolm's contentious relationship with a Nation of Islam American cult faction. I came away from the reading of this book still unsure of what Malcolm X actually did to benefit African-Americans. I intend on finding another book that will hopefully explain it better.

[Laila Yaghnam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Malcolm X left behind a legacy like no other. There’s nothing in this world that would’ve stopped him from speaking out on the injustices that many black Americans faced. His ideologies are extremely relevant and every person should be aware of them. #BlackLivesMatter

[Wise Feminine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We Love You Beautiful King and You Will Live On!

[.monkey.-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The drawings are stark black and white, no shadowing, not always finely detailed, but perfectly done to portray everything that needs portraying. The text was nothing special for me, I've read his autobio and this essentially serves as a very condensed version of it, but the art adds the detail that bolsters the text.

I'm probably being a little harsh in only giving 3 stars, as I don't see anything bad about the book, but my reviews are naturally subjective, and knowing his autobiography as well as I do, this just felt a little flat to me. But for anyone who enjoys graphic novels, especially if not having read much about him, this ought to be a good pick.

[ashleymarkeitatate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book offered a strong and detailed look into the life of Malcolm X. He was a man of many skills and he was quite popular. Malcolm, during his younger years, was into a lot of trouble. He ended up being sent to prison where he was, in my opinion, manipulated into joining the Nation of Islam. After he became a member, his life took on a drastic turn that eventually led to his death at age 45.

I would undoubtedly share this book with seventh and eighth graders. It is a realistic look at his time. Instead of things happening dealing with racism being sugar-coated, as I realized my teachers did with me, this book puts them in your face. I could see reading this book during Black History Month. It is also a more fun read because the images in the book really contribute to the story. I would also be a little concerned about how students would process this information presented, because, like I said, it is a jarring experience and it is real. Breaking the class up into small groups so they can express how they felt about it and hear feedback from other students would also be a great idea.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a different experience for me because I have not read a comic book in quite some time. I have seen the movie based on his life and it was interesting to see the connection between the graphic book and the movie. My favorite part of the book was when Malcolm realizes that the man he idolized was actually human and sort of a fake. That would be a good lesson to express to students: never place anyone on a pedestal because you never know what that person is going through.

[ohioyalibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quick yet fact-filled interesting read. Seems to be a very honest portrayal of his life.