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Ilyasah Shabazz, Renée Watson

Betty Before X

Ilyasah Shabazz, Renée WatsonFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Ilyasah Shabazz, Renée Watson

Betty Before X

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Detroit, Michigan • 1940s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

810L

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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

4.5

2,513 ratings

83%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.5

2,513 ratings

83%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Detroit, Michigan • 1940s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

810L

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