February 21, 2018
Page 11
Mississippi
Alberta
North Portland
Vancouver
East County
Beaverton
Betty
Before
X
Local author
co-writes novel
with daughter
of Malcolm X
Jefferson High School alumna Renée Watson has
co-authored a book with the daughter of the late civ-
il rights icon Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz, and will
spend a week doing author visits and writing work-
shops at local schools, sharing her fifth book with
young readers.
On Saturday,
Feb. 24, Watson
will be the hon-
ored guest of the
North Portland Li-
brary for a reading
and conversation.
The event begins
at 1 pm. Watson
will read from the
new book and par-
ticipate in a Q&A
with the audience.
The first 50 guests
18 years old and
under will receive
a free, signed
book. The event
is free and open to Renée Watson
the public.
“Betty Before X” is a middle grade, historical fic-
tion novel inspired by the real life of Betty Shabazz,
Malcom X’s wife. The book illuminates four poi-
gnant years in Betty’s childhood and paints an in-
spiring portrait of a girl overcoming the challenges
of self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate
with young readers today.
The book has received high acclaim, including
praise from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who
said, “Today is a time when fearless and uncompro-
mising leadership is needed, and this story answers
the call. It should be an inspiration and playbook to
all women today, both young and old, who, like Bet-
ty, are paving their own path of strength.”
Ilyasah Shabazz, third daughter of Malcolm
X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, is an educator, activ-
ist, motivational speaker, and author of multiple
award-winning publications. She is an adjunct pro-
fessor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in
New York City.
Renée Watson is the author of acclaimed teen nov-
els Piecing Me Together and This Side of Home.
She splits her time between Oregon and New York.
To learn more about Watson, visit reneewatson.net.