"In some parts of the world, students are going to school every day. It's their normal life. But in other part of
the world, we are starving for education... it's like a precious gift. It's like a diamond."
~Malala Yousafzai
- Age Range: 8 - 11 years
- Grade Level: 3 - 4
- Paperback: 40 pages
- Publisher: Capstone Press; Reprint edition (July 1, 2016)
She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.
My review:
Looking back into my teenage years, I could never imagine not being able to learn or read books. I came from a parent who was a teacher, so, it was a given. In essence, I took my education for granted.
This is why I admire Malala and her father so much. For them, education is highly important and they stood up without fear so all could learn.
From the very first time I heard Malala's story, I have wanted to read about her and know more about her. Isn't ironic that I finally have had the opportunity to read and review this children's book about her? Think about it, at the point that she began to stand up against the Taliban, she would not even have been able to read this book about herself. Wow!
I found it interesting that she wrote scientific formulas in henna on her arms just so she could keep learning. I also thought it was interesting that of all the things she received in the hospital, that her prized possessions were her books and a couple of shawls.That is what I call continued education and the desire to learn.
I also loved that her father reopened the school for boy and girls after they were able to return from exile. His continued support of his daughter in a world where women have no standing is admirable.
The illustrations only enhance what is already and excellent book. The colors are muted are appropriate for the subject matter.
As a whole, the book is straightforward and honest. It packs and punch and leave the reader wanting to take action. Excellent book!
5 stars!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. This review is also part of the Multicultural Book Day posting which as of this review, takes place Jan.27, 2017. Book activities and further information is attached below. ~ M.M. Hudson aka Naila Moon
Where to find the author:
Rebecca Langston-George is a middle school language arts teacher who also trains teachers in writing instruction. Her articles, poetry and puzzles have appeared in many children’s magazines. When she’s not at the keyboard Rebecca volunteers for the local chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is also a past president of the Kern Reading Association. The granddaughter of a fabulous flapper, Rebecca lives in Bakersfield, California. Amazon Facebook
Janna Rose Bock is a freelance illustrator in Long Beach, California. She earned a BFA in illustration from California State University, Long Beach, and later continued her education at Concept Design Academy in Pasadena. She specializes in digital illustration and whimsical stylized illustrations.
Activities for further extension of this book:
1. Donate to the Malala Fund
Inspired by co-founders Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Fund’s goal is to enable girls to complete 12 years of safe, quality education so that they can achieve their potential and be positive change-makers in their families and communities. We work with partners all over the world helping to empower girls and amplify their voices; we invest in local education leaders and programs; and we advocate for more resources for education and safe schools for every child.
2. Tweet to Malala and keep up with what she is currently doing. @MalalaFund
3. Be a pen pal to another girl from another country. You could talk about what it is like to be in your school, what you are studying, draw pictures, send each other photos, always sign your name.
4. Watch Malala's speech to the United Nations upon accepting her Peace prize.
5. Make posters that promote peace and/or education, post them in prominent places.
6. Volunteer to help a younger kid read or help with homework
ABOUT MULTICULTURAL BOOK DAY:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/17) is in its fourth year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team is on a mission to change all of that.
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Fathers Incorporated,KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, ChildsPlayUsa, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomelo Books
Author Sponsor include: Karen Leggett Abouraya, Veronica Appleton, Susan Bernardo, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Delores Connors, Maria Dismondy, D.G. Driver, Geoff Griffin, Savannah Hendricks, Stephen Hodges, Carmen Bernier-Grand,Vahid Imani, Gwen Jackson, Hena, Kahn, David Kelly, Mariana Llanos, Natasha Moulton-Levy, Teddy O'Malley, Stacy McAnulty, Cerece Murphy, Miranda Paul, Annette Pimentel, Greg Ransom, Sandra Richards, Elsa Takaoka, Graciela Tiscareño-Sato, Sarah Stevenson, Monica Mathis-Stowe SmartChoiceNation
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHostsHERE.
MCBD Links to remember:
MCBD site: http://
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta
Free Kindness Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://
Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents:http://bit.ly/1sZ5s8i
