In the upcoming July issue of School Library Journal, Postcards from Malcom X has received a very nice review!
“School libraries need true stories of the enduring importance of cross-cultural alliances and community organizing.”
Gr 3-7–This book introduces middle school readers to the life and activism of Yuri Kochiyama, highlighting her meaningful correspondence and powerful friendship with Malcolm X. Informative text and painted compositions detail the relationship between this Japanese American activist and the African American civil rights icon. The book also includes Malcolm X’s assassination in the Audubon Ballroom, where Kochiyama was in attendance, depicting the event with sensitivity and without graphic imagery. While the text omits important information for brevity’s sake, this can be weighed against the significance of this contribution to picture book biographies for older elementary and middle school readers. Stunningly layered illustrations of ink, watercolor, gouache and pastels by Brown in a limited color palette of browns, tans, reds, and blues draw readers in with visual interpretations of key moments. This slim, accessible volume is likely to whet independent readers’ curiosity to learn more. Excellent back matter includes a timeline, short paragraph-long biographies of both historical figures, along with a glossary and notes from the editor, author, and artist.
VERDICT: School libraries need true stories of the enduring importance of cross-cultural alliances and community organizing. Recommended for middle grade nonfiction collections.
Reviewed by Jessica Fenster-Sparber , Jul 01, 2026
p.s. Related posts:
Postcards from Malcolm X Cover Reveal!
Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
Geography Game featuring WWII Internment Sites and Children’s Books
Civil Rights Movement for Kids through Art and Books
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