A moving portrait of Yuri Kochiyama-an ordinary woman who became an extraordinary activist-and her bond with Malcolm X

When Japanese American activist Yuri Kochiyama shook Malcolm X's hand at a courthouse in 1963, it sparked a transformative friendship built on justice, solidarity, and hope. In Postcards from Malcolm X, Mia Wenjen and illustrator Keith Henry Brown trace Kochiyama's remarkable journey from a small-town girl in California to a fearless advocate for human rights. Her experiences-her father's death at the hands of the FBI, her family's internment during World War II, and her work with Japanese American soldiers-shaped a life of activism that connected her to Harlem's civil rights struggle and, ultimately, to Malcolm X himself. Through accessible, narrative storytelling and evocative art, this book introduces readers to an unsung hero of the civil rights movement and to the extraordinary friendship between two leaders from different communities, bound by a shared vision of equality. Featuring original postcards from Malcolm X, extensive back matter, and a detailed timeline, this is both a powerful history and an inspiring call to action for young readers.

Mia Wenjen is a writer, activist, and advocate for diversity in children's literature. She cofounded Multicultural Children's Book Day, a national nonprofit that promotes inclusive stories and broadens representation in classrooms and libraries. The author of several picture books and anthologies, Wenjen's work centers on celebrating cultural heritage, amplifying underrepresented voices, and inspiring young readers to see themselves in books. Postcards from Malcolm X reflects her passion for sharing untold histories and highlighting the power of cross-cultural friendships. She lives in the Boston area with her family. Keith Henry Brown is an illustrator, designer, and art director whose work celebrates the vibrancy of music, culture, and history. A lifelong jazz enthusiast, he has created artwork for jazz icons including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins, and served as an art director for Jazz at Lincoln Center. Brown is also the illustrator of several acclaimed picture books, where his bold, expressive style brings important stories to life for young readers. With Postcards from Malcolm X, he honors the legacy of friendship, resilience, and justice through powerful visual storytelling. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.