53 pages • 1 hour read
Betty Before X
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 1940s
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
810L
Super Short Summary
Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson explores the preteen years of Betty Sanders, who becomes known as Betty Shabazz and Betty X. Set between 1934-1940, the story follows Betty's life from living with various family members to joining the Housewives’ League in Detroit where she faces racial discrimination and starts her journey in activism, exploring themes of love, resilience, and personal growth. This story depicts scenes of racial discrimination and racist violence.
Inspirational
Emotional
Hopeful
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
2,513 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson skillfully explores Betty Shabazz's formative years, capturing her resilience and activism. The narrative engages young readers and offers historical insight, yet some find the pacing uneven. Overall, the book is lauded for its educational value and inspirational themes.
Who Should Read Betty Before X?
Readers who appreciate Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson are often middle-grade students with an interest in historical fiction, social justice, and African American history. Similar audiences would enjoy One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.
2,513 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 1940s
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
810L
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