I Am Malala: the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot By the Taliban is about a young, determined girl’s fight against the brutal Taliban in Northern Pakistan, and their extremist views of taking away the right to women’s education. Yousafzai describes her everyday experiences with the militant group, and her near death experience after being shot in the head by the Taliban. With her family, Yousafzai watches as the Taliban slowly take over her hometown of Mingora. Unlike most school girls her age, she speaks out against the Taliban’s unjust beliefs, and grows support for her cause from all over the world. Her strong-willed personality and urge to attend school empowers the reader throughout the book.
From the minute I started reading this autobiography, I was hooked in and amused by the new things I learned about Pakistan and what life in Northern Pakistan is like as a girl my age. Being a teenager, even Yousafzai enjoys to watch normal teenage movies such as Twilight and TV shows like Ugly Betty. This aspect built a strong connection with me as a reader. Yousafzai’s character and personality is very pleasant, and I admire her fight to advocate the importance of attending school for both boys and girls all over the world. Her determination, courage, and peaceful traits inspire me to be my best every day! If you enjoy reading about inspiring humanitarians and like to explore other cultures, I highly recommend this book for you!
Malala Yousafzai’s horrific shooting was particularly disturbing. Yousafzai had been a target for a Taliban ever since she had been advocating the importance of girls’ education in a highly conservative society. Her work has inspired me to put forth more effort towards my education as an IB middle school student.
Reviewed by Riwa, Grade 6, Twin Hickory Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 