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.

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.

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

**Betty Dean Sanders**  
An intelligent and curious young girl living in 1945 Detroit, who grows up with a complex family dynamic and becomes increasingly involved in the Civil Rights movement, inspired by her determination to achieve racial justice.

**Mrs. Malloy**  
A positive and nurturing churchgoer who becomes a mother figure to Betty, known for her generosity and commitment to community activism and support for the Housewives’ League.

**Ollie Mae**  
Betty's biological mother who has a strained relationship with her, characterized by a difficulty in expressing affection despite attempts to support Betty in other ways.

**Suesetta**  
Betty's best friend, who offers unwavering support and shares Betty's love for music; she becomes an important source of stability and companionship throughout their experiences with racial discrimination.

Ilyasah Shabazz

Renée Watson

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Part 1: “Detroit, Michigan: 1945”

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Part 2: “Detroit, Michigan: 1946”

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Part 3: “Detroit, Michigan: 1947”

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Part 4: “Detroit, Michigan: 1948”

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