BETTY BEFORE X

Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X's daughter, narrates her middle-grade novel about four years in her mother's life, starting in 1945, when Betty was 11 years old. The story shows how Betty became an activist in the Civil Rights movement. In clear, measured tones, the author recounts Betty's discomfort with her home life and her work with the Housewives League, which supported black-owned businesses. She also discusses speeches made by influential figures of the day in Betty's church. Shabazz differentiates between Betty and her mother, Ollie Mae Sanders, through pitch and projects the latter's frequent annoyance, showing why Betty often felt underappreciated. An afterword helps young listeners understand Betty Shabazz's importance in American history and and provides additional discussion on the other people in the narrative. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2018]