How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)

I started this book with the expectation that it would be Malala's story, but the first half was mostly about her family history and Pakistan's history with the Taliban. I got bogged down with the details but once into the second half of the book I realized that a history made sense to understand more of what happened to her and what she was fighting for. Malala is a very bright young lady and I wish her a life of health and hopefully she will someday realize her dream of education for everyone in the world.
After reading an article in the paper last week regarding the killing of the head of the Taliban by drone and the one replacing him was the one that gave the order to kill her, it will be a story that will continue. Malala, stay safe!

I absolutely love Malala and have a tremendous respect for the courage of this young girl. My primary reason for buying her book was to encourage her. I obviously had other reasons such as wanting to know more about her life, her story, her family, her courage, her fears, her thoughts, etc. While I recommend the book to everyone, readers need to know that this is not an easy read. Malala walks the reader through a lot of the details of her life leading to the accident. There were a few instances where I got lost in the weeds but I am not holding that against her. She is still a young writer and I am sure we will see more books from her over time. Thank you Malala for telling your story. The world needs more people like you.

I bought two of these books for my granddaughters who were always complaining about going to school. I wanted them to read how lucky they are to get an education. Like Malala, they just want to read about vampires, and as yet have not read the book. However, I did and it was a wonderful, inspiring, educational piece of work. It really helped me understand the conflicts of these middle eastern countries, and ,the despair and courage of the people caught between these opposing sides. I am so in awe of this young woman and her brave family that stood up to these horrible, ignorant people who want to murder anyone who goes against them. Malala is a special person and I wish her and her family peace. Thank you for sharing such an amazing, story of your life Malala, and I hope to hear more of you, and your quest for freedom in the future. By the way, my daughter-in-law will be using your book for a report at her college, and her teacher is thrilled that she chose it.

I admire Malala hugely for her strength of character and all she stands for, but I found this book long and poorly written. Yes, I know she was 16 when she read it, but I would hope an editor could organize one's thoughts in a more orderly fashion. This telling of the story meandered from topic to topic within chapters, and I would say about 150 pages of useless extra narrative could have been cut. The story itself, however, is truly amazing.

The story of Malala shows true courage and strength in the midst of some very harsh circumstances. Even after being shot by the Taliban, she is still speaking out for the girls in Pakistan and other countries to be able to get an education. I also found the book to have a lot of information about the Swat Valley, where Malala lived, as well as the country of Pakistan overall, especially the political and historical aspects of the country. Usually, the news has only part of the story. The book fills in the gaps and makes real the daily lives of those living in the midst of terrorist attacks, lack of electricity and other services, and lack of employment for much of the population. In spite of all the obstacles, the people face, many of those who have left the country out of fear for their lives, would go back if the country did not harbor the Taliban. Reading about the many courageous Pakistanis who are standing up against the Taliban, my hope is that the country can some day again be safe for those who have stayed and those who have left.

Malala is a global leader in the revolution for girls' rights, led by the right to an education. She's an articulate critic of fundamentalism and militarism on all sides, with healthy skepticism and a singular lack of bitterness over the terrible injuries suffered in a Taliban attack. Her attitudes and advocacy shows a real strength of adolescence we need to learn from and incorporate in a rapidly changing world in which the young may have better answers than we older folks... if she holds on to her refreshing idealism and we learn to listen more.

As with many people, this young lady captivated my attention when the world was outraged by the Taliban attack on her. When I saw her book, I wasted no time in ordering it. It was a heart warming account of a young girl with a dream and parents, especially a father, who supported her the entire way. She faced every adversity with courage rarely seen in adults let alone a child. Having read Three Cups of Tea and Benazir Bhutto's last book, Malala's personal account of life in the Swat Valley of Pakistan adds substance to the extreme difficulties in educating children in areas where Taliban and other extremists dominate. Malala's book is a very easy read and its honesty and sincerity touch you deeply.

This is a very well written, thought provoking book I typically don't buy printed books but I thought this was one that I should have for my collection, and I was not disappointed. Malala was an amazing child and has grown into a woman of great inspiration. I think everyone should read this book to gain a better understanding of the plights that women around the world are still facing to today, and the great lengths people are going to for change.

This is the most provocative book (purported) written by a small teen I have ever read. I have been
impressed with several books recently, and wish there was a way to increase the rating to 10 stars.
Watching Malala respond to questions in several t.v. interviews, regardless of how much
help editing and researching some data in the book, she is a very capable young lady that
has been thru 'hell and back' . She has lived to not just tell of her sad life journey but to help all
people all over the world understand with candor, Women's plight thru clear observations.
Descriptions of her Parents and Culture in what is now part of
Pakistan provide the reader with vivid memories in part because of her being a girl...Also the way
she tells her story. Also because of her sensitive understanding of life itself. The touching
scenes she lovingly created remain etched in your mind. It is appropriate
she has been awarded considerable recognition for her bravery incl. Nobel Peace Prize.

i normally do not write reviews for books. i normally dont even read biographical books. but this is a must read...meaning, you must purchase a copy of the book for yourself, your family, your friends, and your coworkers. hell, even toss one at a complete stranger. as malala recounts her childhood, experiences, and injustices, your point of view on the world will change drastically. i feel as if if malala's spirit can be found in any one of us...we just havent found how to extract it yet, and make the difference.

The writing has a fresh, young, energetic, feeling from page to page. I have heard her talk on TV/Internet and there is a feeling that she is talking to me personally. This gives it a feeling for total truth, honesty about her exceptional life and personality. I enjoyed the feeling of being given a very personal look into the culture of that part of the world. Our press gives a one dimensional view in short sound bytes. Malala gives a more complete first hand accounting of the forces that hold her culture together, shows the strengths and dynamic forces that are in play day to day. She has lifted many layers of ignorance and filled me with a personal understanding for her and her peoples life dynamics.

I've been impressed with Malala from the first moment I heard her speak. She is wise beyond her years. I loved reading about her family life, what it was like growing up in a small town in Pakistan and her passion for learning. I had read about her being shot but did not know any details. She is very lucky to be alive. I love her positive attitude, her compassion for others and her fighting spirit. I highly recommend this book.

This is an amazing story of courage, family, and the importance of education. Malala is an inspiration in the way that she stands up for her values. In the process of hearing her story, we get an inside peek at what is going on in homes throught the Muslim world. It’s a bit hard to hear about How the Taliban behaves, but we should hear it. Its a difficult subject but it leaves you with a feeling of hope.

I believe his girl, Malala, is an amazing person of history already and she's only a teen. This book was quite eye-opening for me, since I had no idea just how bad parts of the Middle East can be. How sad what the common people of those countries have to live with. Living in fear all the time that you might offend the Taliban and get shot or put in jail for singing, dancing or wanting an education. I truly appreciate my freedoms as an American, but I think I appreciate them more from reading this book and understanding how it feels to not have freedoms.

This is an amazing story of courage, family, and the importance of education. Malala is an inspiration in the way that she stands up for her values. In the process of hearing her story, we get an inside peek at what is going on in homes throught the Muslim world. It’s a bit hard to hear about How the Taliban behaves, but we should hear it. Its a difficult subject but it leaves you with a feeling of hope.

I believe his girl, Malala, is an amazing person of history already and she's only a teen. This book was quite eye-opening for me, since I had no idea just how bad parts of the Middle East can be. How sad what the common people of those countries have to live with. Living in fear all the time that you might offend the Taliban and get shot or put in jail for singing, dancing or wanting an education. I truly appreciate my freedoms as an American, but I think I appreciate them more from reading this book and understanding how it feels to not have freedoms.

'I am Malala' is an autobiography of Malala Yousafzai. Malala is teenage education activist from the town of Mingora in Swat district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She became renowned worldwide after she was shot by the Taliban and suffered fatal injuries.

Malala had a simple desire, to go to school and learn. Under the Taliban regime, Malala's right to education was revoked. The Taliban oppressed women. If women went outside, they were allowed to go only with their husbands or brothers, and they had to wear the burqa at all times. They also bombarded many girls' schools, so that girls would not go to school. In that age of oppression, Malala protested in her own way. She wrote a blog on BBC under a pen name. She revealed to the world, life under the Taliban regime and the atrocities of Taliban. After that she publicly went on to the radio and television, gave interviews and publicized girls’ education. In tough situations, it requires the courage to do the right things. At outset, I felt that this girl has done nothing extraordinary. But, if you are aware of the power of Taliban and how she could be punished for her acts, then indeed she has done a feat which requires extreme courage.

I wish Malala’s dream to become a politician and help people will be realized soon

This is a fascinating girl who against incredible odds fought for the rights of all youth to earn an education. I enjoyed too that this brought a reality to her as a person and not just an idea. I am keeping this book in hopes that my daughter can see that there is so much that can be accomplished. if you believe that's it's worth the effort no matter your age or sex. I'm goad I learned Malala's story.

After reading the story of this ordinary girl who did extraordinary things for education, I am more convinced than ever that every child on the planet has a right to be educated. Malala also addresses another topic, that of diversity. Let's celebrate our differences, not kill one another over them! Thank you, brave one, for reminding us that we can all do something to help others, one person at a time!

I AM MALALA is well written and enlightens the reader on the complexities of one of the regions of the world that is among the most difficult to understand. It's not just a head trip but a first person account by someone from and in the area and provides credible insights into the history of Pakistan, its people, its government, its politicians, its military, the Taliban, the USA's interest in the region and its history of interaction with these people. Most of all, Malala reveals the humanity of all the people involved, their beliefs and customs, their hopes and dreams and how education for all the children of Pakistan, boys and girls alike, holds the key to their future.
This 15-year old victim of ignorance needs to be heard. In many ways, she holds the antidote to the Islamic terrorists' version of Islam.
This brave young woman's story holds out hope for a people who walk in darkness.

An incredible story of bravery and determination. My belief in the need to educate the women of the world was intensified. I found myself appalled by the American role in Pakistan, but I honored the honesty of the teller. The writing in first person seemed awkward at times and had to have been based on the memories of others. In spite of this literary weakness, the book touched me deeply. It was worth reading.

Malala’s story is inspiring. She shares enough about history, her culture, and the area to help the reader gain insights and understanding. The writing is fluid and engaging. The audio version is well done as well. I switched back and forth between Kindle and Audible, and enjoyed both.

Boy, does this open your eyes to everyday life in Pakistan. I don't ever want to go there. Islam would be a religion of non violence if it wasn't for the Madrasa Schools teaching all the Boys how to be chauvinistic and women haters.... Sharia law should be band throughout the world!!!!! Poor Malala, being shot in the face just trying to speak up for women's rights to go to school and being treated fairly and educated. Great book! Couldn't put it down.

Powerful story of someone who overcame unbelievable odds, all because she was standing up for what she believed. I guarantee you will be impressed by Malala's courage, endurance, and commitment. Note: there's also an edition for younger readers. You may want to get both of them.

A must read that will empower every reader and provides insight into the plight of women worldwide. Excellent recommendation for teenagers to show that they have the power to make a difference even at their young age.

One marvels at the extraordinary amount achieved by such a very young girl, threatened and living in an extremely hostile environment, One was impressed by the support that she received from her immediate community in that very remote part of the world.One is also filled with admiration at the poise with which this young girl addressed the United Nations and the assembled gathering that included the Norwegian Royal family when she received the Nobel Peace Prize - both occasions following the horrific injuries she sustained at the hands of her assailants in Pakistan.
The book was easy to read and she told her story in a simple but moving way. The enthusiasm and pride taken by Malala and her fellow pupils in attending school was also impressive.
Thorourghly recommended.

Very well written by a brave and courageous young lady. It makes you realize how well we have it in our country and how lucky young people are to receive an education. So many young folks take that for granted here in this country. I would recommend this highly. I also found it interesting to read about the recent history of Pakistan which was included at the end of the book. I saw her interviewed on Jon Stewart's show and was very impressed with her and decided then that I wanted to read her book.

Very interesting subject, young Malala Yousafzai. This girl's story inspired my ELLs to write their own story of their experiences as refugees and immigrants. Personally, I found it a valuable addition to my "teacher's library."

Such a great book. Would definitely recommend. Very brave and humble girl, terrible to know such a thing could have been committed against a young child. God bless her for speaking out for education, it is SO IMPORTANT

Malala is a very courageous young lady and wise beyond her years.
While a knew some of what happens in Pakistan and its history, I learned lots more. My hope is that Malala is in some way, able to realize hers and her fathers dream of education for all in Pakistan and the entire world. The irradication of ignorance, in my opinion, will also be the irradication of all the violence we see in the world today and maybe even the preservation of human life on our beautiful planet earth.

Great book. It was interesting to see 9/11, Taliban, and politics from a different perspective than my own. Her stories about different things were wonderful. I gave three stars instead of five because something bothered me about this book and I can't exactly put my finger on it. By the end of the book I was glad it was over. Hopefully she will grow into adulthood and do wonderful things.

Absolutely riveting story about this young girls courage in the face of certain death. She was very lucky to come out alive. Her book is inspirational and very interesting.

It is appalling how Pakistani men view their women and how they treat them. It is inhumane. Hopefully, Malala's book will give others the courage to speak out. Education is everyone's right.

She has a great opportunity to be a beacon of hope for others in her country. Thankfully she is here. But, is she safe? Time will tell. God Bless her!

This courageous and intelligent young girl has the tenacity to stand up for her beliefs despite threats made real through an attempted assassination. The book is simply written yet offers a very clear history of Pakistan, and particularly the Swat Valley, throughout the encroachment of the Taliban on the lives of ordinary people living out their Muslim faith. Though politics, religion and faith are strong themes, there seems to be restraint exerted towards keeping the read as apolitical as possible. Without hesitation, I handed my copy to my 12 year-old to read when I was finished and recommended the book to her school for next years "One School, One Book".

This was a very interesting book. It has given me much insight as to life in another country which I will never totally understand, though made me look online to find exactly where it was located and curious to find out more about life in Pakistan. The Taliban and other terrorist groups have given many people a bad rap and that is unfortunate. It is encouraging to know that not all people think as they do, but it is a tragedy that the terrorist make life so terrifying. Malala is a powerful image, for an important issue. She is inspiring and I pray never stops this endeavor.

A must read for all. Everyone says that about books they like. This is different. It does not point out one religion being right or wrong. It does not point out the atrocity of following false leaders. It points out the empowerment of education and what havoc lack of it can reek. It encourages the flames of bravery within each of us to speak up about injustices. Once I saw what she sacrificed, I could not help but be appalled at my own lack of voice in even small injustices lived out around me daily. It is inspiring to say the least. Life changing to say the most. Buy it, read it. Her voice will help you find yours.

I greatly enjoyed reading the story behind the public figure we have come to know and the opportunity to learn more about the culture in Pakistan and about the beautiful valley of SWAT. Reading it brought to mind accounts I have read about the launch of the cultural revolution in China and the human dilemma of choosing whether to remain silent or to give voice to wrongs that happen when strong/violent leaders start shifting one's country toward intolerance. I hope that one day Malala will be able to return to her country and help to expand education for girls and those in poverty.

This book has really changed my way of thinking in many ways. The determination to learn as much as possible and how important it is for you women to embrace education. How lucky we are as Americans to have the freedoms that we do, and how spoiled we can be with our opportunities. I wish I had this book when I was a young girl, I think I would have taken a much different path in my life. The book is very well written and I'm absolutely impressed by Malala's determination and bravery. I'm also very impressed by her father's support.. what a good man! I highly recommend this book to everyone. Thank you Malala, I have learned so much from you already :p

I really enjoyed reading her inside story on how a group can negatively take over an entire community/country. Also helped explain the difference between the Taliban and the Muslim religion in an interesting way. I also had my son read it. It has very adult concepts but since they are presented form a child's perspective I felt it was a good way for him to learn them. It prompted some conversations that I wish we didn't have to have. But as a young man, if he learns these lesions early, then maybe he can be a part of the change. Many thanks to Malala for sharing with us.

an incredible story! I normally don't read books like this, but I was generally intrigued by the story. after i saw her appearance on The Daily Show, I decided to make the purchase. I didn't know what I was getting myself into but quickly found myself not being able to put the book down. not only was it her story of being shot, but also what was really going on in Pakistan and what was not reported by the news media. a truly powerful and awe inspiring read. proceeds from the sale go towards the Malala Fund for Education so I bought extra copies for friends and family. I highly recommend this book.

My 4th grade daughter fought her teacher to use this book for her hero book report. Her teacher said the person had to be dead. My daughter convinced her that Malala is worthy of this category inspire of her youth and not being killed. We are obsessed with her story! This was a version of her story that was not too graphic or scary for my 9 year old to read.

An exceptional adaptation of Malala's story for young readers. By telling the story of her fight for girls' education as well as sharing the ways in which she's just a young girl like any other, she shows how even ordinary young people can be capable of extraordinary courage. My daughter, a 6th grader, found this book engrossing and inspiring.

I was humbled reading this book. This young girl has more wisdom than most people have in a life time. She is still trying to make change even after as much as she's been through. The whole book tries to tell the whole of her story, from her beloved Pakistan to having to go through the ordeal of being shot by the Taliban. It really can transform your thinking that there are many perspectives on a subject. In the end, are we not equal? Woman and men? This is a seriously good read. It will hopefully get you to change your outlook on the education of all people.

This young lady has so much spunk; she is definitely one in a million. I would never have taken the chances she has in her short life. And although she doesn't seem to have a very good opinion of Americans, I've come to realize how grateful I am to have been able to grow up an American female with all its freedoms. I can't imagine living any other way.

This true and incredible story was at first confusing because of the different words used to explain a foreign custom or belief or condition found in the Islam lands. It caused me to re-read parts of the book. I finally was able to understand and read more quickly about Malala. She is brave beyond belief. She also writes beautifully! Read this story!!!

Great account of Pakistan in the recent years from a child's/teenager's point of view. We know very little about what's happening in that side of the world. I think it should be read in high schools all over the world (not only in US) to give people a sense of empathy in an early age. It is too easy to blame people without knowing where they come from and what they have experienced. There were times when I had to remind myself that her story tells a very recent history of Pakistan because it feels like she lived ages ago in terms of the poor urban infrastructure, primitive conditions, level of ignorance...etc. It is an easy read and very captivating.

didn't expect much from this novel thinking it would be pretty self centered but boy was I surprised. This young woman went way beyond herself to how her life and family existed, loved and grew. What the society is/was like, the politics given quite evenly on both sides. I was quite impressed and would recommend this book. It was our book club choice and I probably wouldn't have selected it on my own, but am so glad I had the opportunity to read and mull it over with other ladies.

I ordered this book after seeing Malala on "The Daily Show" and being so impressed by her courage and her wonderful attitude towards what had happened to her. The book is very interesting and, admittedly, I knew far too little about the Swat Valley where she lived and about the politics in Pakistan at the time. The way the book is written reflects who she is and by the time you get to the end, you will feel yourself much more knowledgeable about her life and about the hardships people have had to endure for things we in the U.S. take for granted.

Written with the freshness of youth, this tale is inspiring for all of us. Woven into her families history and the broader history of Pakistan is the disturbing account of how after the earthquake of the early 2000's the Swat Valley came under the sway of an illiterate fanatic, who held the illiterate populace psychologically hostage to his brand of extreme religion, while claiming the earthquake was punishment for prior deviance from strict behavior. The army reversed much of this, but the man is still at large, and the valley is now not much freer. Malala's account of her family's steadfast efforts to bring some sanity into the region and her father's commitment to education for the area is a ray of hope and example for all of us.

A moving story that aids in understanding another culture. This book is very relevant in view of current events. Both in her writing and in her life experiences, Malala exhibits a maturity far beyond her years. I hope she realizes her dreams and becomes a leader in bringing peace to her country some day.