As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, and to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could work hard every day to make her wishes come true. Her story shows theworldview that allowed her to hold on to hope even in the most difficult times. 5-8 years.
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala
By Linda Maslo
When Malala Yousafzai was born, people shook their heads because girls were considered bad luck. But her father looked into her eyes and knew she could do anything. In Pakistan, people said girls should not be educated, but Malala and her father were not afraid. She secretly went to school and spoke up for education in her country. And even though an enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Malala travels aroundthe world to speak as an advocate for the right to an education and equality of opportunity for every person. 4-8 years.
Malala Activist for Girls’ Education
By Raphaele Frier, Illustrated by Aurelia Fronty
Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban and fought for the right for all girls to receive an education. When she was just fifteen years old, the Taliban attempted to kill her, but even this did not stop her activism. At age eighteen, Malala became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace prize for her work to ensure the education of all children around the world. 6-9 years
Malala Yousafzai
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Manal Mirza
When Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan, her father was determined she would have every opportunity that a boy would have. She loved getting an education, but when a hateful regime came to power, girls were no longer allowed to go to school. Malala spoke out in public about this, which made her a target for violence. She was shot in the left side of her head and woke up in a hospital in England. Finally, after long months and many surgeries, Malala recovered, and resolved to become an activist for girls’ education. Now a recent Oxford graduate, Malala continues to fight for a world where all girls can learn and lead. 4-7 years
My Name is Malala
By Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Miriam Quraishi
This is Nobel Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai’s first board book offering parents and educators a way to show that extraordinary figures are real people who are both relatable and inspiring. Malala is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and, of course, an activist. The last spread features a brief bio to provide more context for parents, caretakers, and educators who want to start a conversation about Malala’s activism. Baby to 3 years
Who Is Malala Yousafzai?
By Dinah Brown, Illustrated by Andrew Thomson
Malala Yousafzai was a girl who loved to learn but was told that girls would no longer be allowed to go to school. She wrote a blog that called attention to what was happening in her beautiful corner of Pakistan and realized that words can bring about change. She has continued to speak out for the right of all children to have an education. In 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize. 8-12 years
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
By Karen Leggett Abouraya, Illustrated by L.C. Wheatley
Malala Yousafzai is a young Pakistani who spoke out for every child’s right to an education. She and two of her classmates were targeted by a Taliban gunman. The life-threatening injury strengthened her resolve. Malala spoke at the U.N. on her 16th birthday in 2013, nine months after she was shot. 5-8 years
Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girl’s Rights
By Malala Yousafzai and Sarah J. Robbins
Malala’s powerful memoir of risking her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely than ever. 6-10 years
Malala, A Brave Girl From Pakistan
Iqbal, A Brave Boy From Pakistan
By Jeanette Winter
Meet two heroes of Pakistan who stood up for the rights to freedom and education. Each was unafraid to speak out. Iqbal spoke against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade and Malala spoke for the right of girls to attend school. Both were shot by those who disagreed with them, he in 1995, and she in 2012. Iqbal did not survive. Malala miraculously survived and continuesto speak out around the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. 6-10 years
Malala: A Hero for All
By Shana Corey, Illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles
This Step 4 biography reader shares the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Even as a young girl in Pakistan, Malala spoke up about the importance of girls’ education in speeches and on her blog. Since the Taliban was intent on denying girls an education and silencing anyone who disagreed with their laws, this was very dangerous. Malala wasshot, but she survived the attack. Malala’s resolve has only magnified her voice. She delivers her message of human rights to millions of people around the world. 7-9 years
I Am Malala: This is My Story
By Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region in Pakistan. They said that girls could not go to school. Raised in a once-peaceful area of the country that was transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believed in. She fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause. Now she is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. For Teens
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
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