Mysterious Deaths - Malcolm X

Spike Lee's recent film highlighted the fact that the death of political figure Malcolm X remains controversial. Is it a coincidence that Malcolm X was killed just as he was attempting to extricate himself from the powerful forces of the Nation of Islam? Read more Continue reading Read less FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Gr 6-9--This volume focuses on Malcolm X's violent death and its aftermath; readers are barely introduced to the militant African-American leader before he is gunned down in Harlem's Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. The facts and conjecture surrounding the assassination would be all the more interesting if they were presented along with substantive background information on the man and his mission. This fact aside, Sagan gives a detailed and thought-provoking account of the murder, police investigation, trial, and various assassination theories. Even though Louis Farrakhan ultimately admitted that the Nation of Islam was responsible for the killing, there are still unanswered questions including, "Who gave the order to shoot Malcolm?" The author concedes that the whole truth may never be known. Well-chosen, heavily captioned black-and-white photographs complement the text. In lieu of source notes, annotated lists of works consulted and further reading are provided. This title is an acceptable addition and should be used in conjunction with Walter Dean Myers's Malcolm X (Scholastic, 1993) or Jack Rummel's Malcolm X (Chelsea, 1989) .

Pat Katka, formerly at San Diego Public Library

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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