I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

Justification

I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World is an autobiography written for young adults. This book was reviewed by Horn Book Guide, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and was a starred book in Publishers Weekly Annex. Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Response

I am Malala was an eye opening book for me to read. (a) As a teacher and life-long learner, I understand the importance of education. I was able to connect with Malala’s message to the world about the need for education and the right to education. (b) Much of this book challenged how I view my perception of education as well as my view of the world. I am now able to understand how privileged we are in the United States, that all our youth receive a good education. Through Malala’s explanation of her struggles to continue her education, I can continually be grateful for the freedoms we have in regards to education in the United States. (c) At the same time as I am overwhelmingly grateful that I live in the United States, this book challenged my opinion of how much we insert ourselves into other countries' problems. This insertion including political and military agendas can be damaging to the local populations. I am Malala gave me a new perspective on the world I live in, especially in the area of education.

Conclusion

I am Malala was not necessarily an entertaining read, so much as it was interesting and informative. I would suggest this book to be a supplemental reading in a social studies class. I also believe students who are passionate about education and the Middle East would find that they may enjoy Malala’s story of courage and bravery.

Citation

Yousafzai, M. (2018). I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World. Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company.