SYNOPSIS

As the daughter of a school founder, Malala loves learning and excelling at school in the company of fellow girls, even though her own mother was unable to read and write.

A lasting tradition of educational preference for boys becomes militarized by extremist Taliban leaders who threaten natural disasters if women and girls are allowed outside the home.

Over a few years, Malala’s town is overtaken by terror and violence, while hundreds of schools in the area are destroyed.

Mr. Yousafzai, an outspoken proponent of girls’ education and frequently interviewed by international journalists, invites Malala to share her experiences, too. Her voice gains global attention through posts and interviews.

Malala’s growing international popularity as a fighter for girls’ education elicits a Taliban death threat, acted upon in a school bus one day when she is 15.

Malala’s life is miraculously saved by the swift response of dedicated British physicians aided by the Pakistani military, and she is transported to Birmingham for a complex, lengthy recovery.

Malala’s family relocates to Birmingham, where Malala enrolls in high school and becomes the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. And her awe-inspiring story is still being written.

PERFECT AGE 9 – 99

We love

• An approachable and engrossing way to learn Malala’s story – down to earth and also profoundly inspiring.
• We learned a lot about Malala’s remarkable parents and their impact on her choices and resilience.
• This book is a perfect grownup’s read too, if you have the time!

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• All the facts and realities of a brutal fundamentalist regime are described without sugarcoating – if your reader is not ready for them it may be worth previewing the context (stoning of girls, subjugation of women, wanton violence against civilians)
• Younger / more sensitive readers who want to learn about Malala would enjoy Malala’s Magic Pencil, also written by Malala Yousafzai.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What could have motivated Malala to begin writing her stories online?
• Did Malala’s story give you a new appreciation for education? How so?
• Why do you think Malala’s father continued to visit neighboring towns and speak to people about education, despite the risks?
• If you could ask Malala one question, what would it be?
• Malala has an important organization called the Malala Fund – would you like to read more about it and see if we can support her in it?