Malala: Activist for Girls' Education

Author Raphaële Frier and illustrator Aurélia Fronty join forces in this inspiring picture-book biography of education activist Malala Yousafzai, first published in France. The narrative follows Malala's story from birth, and chronicles how, as a result of her unusual upbringing - her father Ziauddin was an educator, and unlike many in his Pashtun culture, believed that schooling should be extended to girls - she became a vocal advocate for the right of young girls in Pakistan to get an education. Despite growing threats from the Taliban, Malala continues her advocacy, eventually surviving an assassination attempt. Even this did not stop her, and she continued her education and activism in the UK, going on to found the Malala Fund to show more advocate for girls' education worldwide, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. The book concludes with an extensive afterword giving more information about Malala, her people and country, and her struggle for education rights...

Originally published in France as Malala pour le droit des filles à l'éducation, this informative and beautifully-illustrated volume is the fourth picture-book I have read about Malala Yousafzai, following upon her own Malala's Magic Pencil, Lina Maslo's Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala, and Jeanette Winter's Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan / Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan. I initially sought it out because I enjoyed illustrator Aurélia Fronty's work on another French picture-book biography, Franck Prévot's Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees. I'm very glad that I did track it down, as I found it (not unexpectedly) absolutely gorgeous, from an aesthetic perspective, and quite well-told and informative, from a textual standpoint. I appreciated the fact that Frier delved into the factors which caused the rise of the Taliban in the Swat Valley - namely, the exploitation of a terribly destructive earthquake by a fundamentalist Imam, as a means of convincing people that Allah was angry with them - and that she highlighted the role of Malala's father, in encouraging both her education and her activism. These are elements of the story also ably explored in Maslo's book. The artwork is, as mentioned, just beautiful, and make me wish I could track down more of Fronty's work. All in all, a very worthwhile title, one I would recommend to picture-book readers interested in biography, or in inspirational stories of young people standing up for their rights, and making a difference in the world. show less

Malala Activist for Girls' Education is an inspirational book about Malala Yousafzai and how the events of her life lead to her to becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. We learn as readers where Malala grew up as well as how the threat of constantly loomed. I really liked how this book explained the events in Malala's life, telling the reader what was happening and why. I also enjoyed the beautiful illustrations, they really helped tell the story and were visually appealing simultaneously. Malala and her story of hope, perseverance, and striving for education are simply inspiring. She risked her life to fight for her own and other girls' educations. It also makes me and, I suspect, other readers appreciate the rights and show more privileges we have. Readers in the United States like myself have the freedom to attend school without the threat of the Taliban. Malala and many others had to fight and speak out against those who would rather girls and women oppressed than learning. I also really liked that there was more information after the story ended, pictures of Malala, a map of Pakistan, information about Malala's work, and explanations about different aspects of her life. There is so much important and useful information in this book, it is rather impressive.
This book has a lot of serious talking points, I think that would lead to great discussions. I will say that probably a disclaimer before reading would be beneficial and definitely an extensive discussion after would help tremendously. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. show less

This is this exquisitely illustrated book about Malala Yousafzai, the girl who stood up the the Taliban and became the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. This version of her story however is told at a level any reader can understand. The beginning starts out with describing Malala's parents, highlighting the love the gave her and explaining the challenges of raising a girl in Pakistan. Each page brings the reader (or listener) closer to Malala's culture, expressing the extreme misfortunes they faced. Schools were being bombed and set to fire once the Taliban were in charge and eventually in 2009 girls lost their right to an education. Malala's strong sense of leadership and her dedication to education shines through as she show more fights to receive an education. Because of the support of Malala's parents, she was an experienced speaker and author. The entire book leads to the dreadful experience we are all too familiar with, Oct. 9, 2012 when Malala is shot three times for her stance on education. Miraculously, Malala survives. She continues to speak about against violence and for the education of girls worldwide. July 12 is known as Malala Day to celebrate every child's right to an education.

Following the content of the book there is a timeline of Malala's life, along with a photo of Malala and an easy to read map of Pakistan. There is a brief description of Pakistan. I was surprised to read that Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world, and also further motivated to share Malala's story with this book. The end of the book gives compressed descriptions of the Pashrun people, girls education worldwide, religion, Malala's inspirations, and quotes from Malala herself. There are photographs, with descriptions, showing Malala throughough the varying phases of growing into the activist she has become today. The final page gives the reader more information, listing two books and four websites for further reading. Malala's story cannot be told enough. Too many girls worldwide are suffering without education, and together we are suffering because of this. I would suggest this book for any age level. show less

This was a nice little book that introduces children to Malala, who she is, what she stands for and what her life is about. Malala is very brave and her story empowers young girls to stand up for their rights and what they believe in even when it is not easy.

Very nicely illustrated, written in simple terms that will appeal to children and help teach them about things that are not easy to talk about. This book is also a reminder to our children that the things they may take for granted are not available to other children in the world. It can open up discussions on many levels about many world issues.

Highly recommended for all children, especially little girls.

**Received free from Netgalley for an honest review**

Excellent biography of a powerful woman who blossomed from a very brave girl. A great way to get the conversation going, and inspire others to speak out. I recommend this for older children and young adults. The story not only speaks of Malala's life, but her dreams, her inspirations, and all that she has and wishes to accomplish.

Advance Review Copy

I have read various books about Malala Yousafzai and I liked this version of the story. Raphaële Frier has written this story to appeal to young readers and it is beautifully illustrated by Aurèlia Fronty. Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education must deal with some heavy and dark situations but manages to do so without being too dark or violent.Explaining the Taliban and why they wanted to kill a child just because she encouraged girls to go to school is not an easy thing to do. The highlights of her life are dealt with in some detail with more information at the end of the book. It is well written for a young audience. The illustrations are wonderful. The colours are vivid and bright and depict a happy life before the evil of the show more Taliban. The photographs at the end of the book showing Malala and others at various events gives a more realistic view for those who want to follow up with more research and resources.

This is a great biography for children presented as a picture book. It is wonderful to see books like this to introduce young children to non-fiction books and this topic should appeal to many of them. Learning that a free education is rare and not available in many countries might surprise them, learning that a child almost lost her life to get an education is shocking. This is a book that should be in every public and school library.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Top 100 pick because:

Malala is one of the greatest and most inspiring people alive today (and of those not alive). She has mutliple books about her already, even though she is not even 25. This picture book biography explains her story with rich detail, color, and texture for illustrations and text. Another solid story about an incredible young woman with an incredible story and message to the world.