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Malala Yousafzai

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Meet Malala. Get inspired. Malala Yousafzai always knew she wanted to become a doctor someday. But a new extremist group in her home country of Pakistan wanted to stop girls from going to school.Malala knew what was important, and so she spoke out. Even after she was attacked on a bus for her views, she persisted.Learn about Malala's incredible recovery and her journey to becoming a world-famous advocate of girls' rights and education -- and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.This highly accessible and narrative biography includes full-color photos and educational info!

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

13 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Jenni L. Walsh

16 books641 followers
Jenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful eleven-year-old, a soccer-loving nine-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.

But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.

Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable ​is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.

For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.

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5 stars
76 (40%)
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78 (41%)
3 stars
28 (15%)
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4 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Kim.
225 reviews2 followers
did-not-finish
July 22, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book! It's really well-written, but as I study anti-racism theory and work on my anti-racist praxis, one of the questions that comes up for me as a white researcher and writer again and again is: can white authors do complete justice to modern and historical figures of color (plenty of examples where white gaze and white lens get fundamentally in the way of telling narrative non-fiction about POC); can Americans do complete justice to the stories of non-Americans; should white authors who tend to publish with white editors, white publishers, etc. be profiting on stories like this?

On the one hand, representation in kid lit, even by white authors, can improve diversity in books. On the other hand, what will a non-Pakistani American author miss that a Pakistani American would know to include? Is it important for white authors to make public figures of color relatable to white children? I've been thinking a lot about this stuff lately. I couldn't find any evidence that any proceeds from this book go back to the Malala Fund, and that troubles me.

So, yeah, well-written book, but I have a lot of questions on a more meta level concerning representation, opportunity, who profits from diversity in books (if the profit is still building white wealth, are we doing it right?), etc.
Profile Image for Lara Samuels.
296 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2018
The book presents itself as a “nonfiction with literary elements”. It contains imagined dialogue which is shared only on the verso. Additionally, it isn’t clear that the author spoke to Malala or incorporated direct quotes. If quotes are used, there isn’t a distinction between fictional conversations and sources are not attributed. So while quite readable, this is a questionable purchase. I will continue to look for more suitable titles.
830 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2019
Excellent telling of the story of Malala Yousafzai.

When her education became threatened by the Taliban, eleven year old Malala began speaking out in favour of education for girls and boys. It was their best weapon against poverty and ignorance. A few years later, the Taliban attempted to kill her. She survived. Though he recovery was difficult she did manage to continue her education Most importantly, she continued to speak out in support of education for all children.

I was quite surprised by how much I learned from this book. I knew nothing of Malala's life before she was shot. At that time she was already and impressive young women

This book was written with middle school readers in mind, though parents will also learn much about this young woman as well. It is written in language suitable for young readers and the situations are explained in as simple terms as possible. I hope that Scholastic continues with further titles in this series.

I received and advance reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc., in exchange for an honest review.

#IndigoEmployee
Profile Image for Arjun Manoj.
170 reviews
June 10, 2024
it was very influential. Malala has inspired many girls around the world. She is a great person!
Profile Image for Jenni Walsh.
Author 16 books641 followers
December 20, 2018
Dear librarians, parents, educators, and readers,

I was so inspired while writing Malala's and Bethany's stories and I hope you'll be inspired while reading. A large thank you to the following booksellers and reviewers for their kind words!

"In this engaging and informative book, Jenni L Walsh distills Malala Yousafzai's complicated, violent history into one that will neither scare nor intimidate young readers. It introduces the global refugee crisis and the violence that exists around the world alongside Malala's example of the difference one person can make. Walsh doesn't sugarcoat, but her book makes an excellent case for hope and working towards a better future. A wonderful resource for young girls (and boys!)." - Vivienne Woodward, Head House Books

"The book provides an excellent account of Malala's experiences appropriate for a younger audience. The book reveals Malala's emotional experiences, as well as the facts of her life and the salient aspects of her community, society and country. For younger readers, though, the book is less detailed about the more violent and extreme sexism inherent in Malala's world." - Leslie Finkel, Wellington Square Bookshop

“What an amazing book for our younger readers! Jenni L. Walsh inspires us with a fascinating telling of Malala’s powerful story of persistence! A must read for the middle grade audience.” - Kathy Morrison, Newtown Bookshop

"This inspiring book tells Malala's extraordinary story in a way that young readers will be able to identify with and understand." - Sally, Children's Book World

"Walsh tackles difficult subject matter, such as extremism and violence, in an age-appropriate manner...A solid pick for middle grade readers." - School Library Journal
Profile Image for Felicia Gant.
6 reviews
January 11, 2019
Amazing book for young readers on determination, keeping peace and fighting for what we believe in! Very well written and not graphic at all in the horrible way Malala was injured. I encourage all boys & girls to read this story about one brave girl!
Profile Image for Amelia.
48 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2019
Malala is a brave young girl who wanted to go to school. I know right, wanted to go to school, but she wasn't allowed to because the people who controlled her country decided that girls shouldn't go to school. Well, more like the people who took control of her country decided that girls shouldn't go to school. So, she decided she was going to speak out about all of this. She was going to make sure the world knew what was going on in her country, but one day she was shot. She almost died, but she was brought to a hospital in London, where she survived and became a big speaker about the injustices young girls were facing in her home country.
I think this is a really informative book about a young girl who took a big, scary group of people. I think that books like this will encourage young girls of all ages to follow their dreams. It encouraged me to do what I can to make a difference in somebody else's life. I really liked learning about somebody I knew nothing about and it put a new perspective on the events going on in another country that I had never thought about before. I didn't particularly like how the book assumed I wouldn't understand certain things, but it put its information into the simplest words it could find. I understand doing this sometimes but give kids some credit, they're very smart and may understand something without you having to go into a more simplistic definition, and it could have been turned into a cool research project. They could look up what they don't understand and gain a deeper understanding of that group or person.
I could use this in a classroom to introduce a research project on current events. I could have my middle school students read this book then pick an event in today's world and research it. They could choose any event in their community or in the big world. I would let them choose because you should never have to write about something you don't really care about. I could have them watch the nightly or morning news with their parents to begin the project. Then I could have a class discussion on what is going on in our community and what we think should be done to mitigate the issue. Then another night I could have my students look up on their computers or phones something they find interesting and have them write a short paragraph explaining why they liked it, what it was about, and what they think about the issue. Then, I could have them begin the research the project. They could work together in groups or by themselves and research a person or event they find interesting. Then they could each create an informative essay about their chosen topic or they could work together to make a project. They could bring any diorama, poster, tri-fold, shoebox, or really anything cool that would go with their research and could be explained during their presentation of that person or event.
Profile Image for Gail Shepherd.
Author 2 books89 followers
August 28, 2018
This wonderful middle grade "She Dared" series from Scholastic launches in January 2019 with the inspiring stories of two women (Malala Yousafzai and champion surfer Bethany Hamilton) who overcame great odds to make a difference, and in some ways changed the world (or at least our perceptions of what young women can be and do). Most of us know Malala's story, or the highlights of it -- she was targeted by the Taliban for the crime of pursuing an education-- but what Jenni Walsh has done here is to put Malala's tribulations and triumphs in an engaging and accessible form for middle grader readers--handling potentially frightening material, such as violence against women and terrorism, in a sensitive way that doesn't skirt the truth. Walsh also immerses readers in the colorful details of Pakistani culture and paints a vivid portrait of what being Malala must have felt like in such uncertain times. Malala's ambition to become a doctor and educate herself never flags, and her persistence in the face of such odds makes her a heroine for girls around the world. I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and living rooms, wherever girls and boys may be looking for courage, purpose, and inspiration. I hope there will be many more books in the
She Dared series!
[note: I read an advance readers copy of this book provided by Scholastic]
Profile Image for Morgan C.
1 review1 follower
November 17, 2019
This book paints an excellent picture of Malala's beautiful community, Swat Valley, located in Pakistan. Malala's world is seemingly perfect until it is rudely interrupted by the Pakistani Taliban. It's important for readers to understand Malala's passion for learning about the world around her; she takes her studies very seriously. Because of the Taliban's cruelty, they threaten that women are not allowed to leave the house to visit the market, nor are they allowed to attend school. This, of course, devastates Malala.
Malala's bravery and courage is what kept me reading. Despite the challenges she faced, Malala kept moving forward. Her supportive family was another part of this book that I think readers will appreciate. Malala's mother and father supported and encouraged her all throughout this story.
I liked that this book provided real truths about different parts of the world. I especially think this book could be beneficial to younger readers because it allows them to see the world through someone else's eyes. Malala did not have an easy rise to her fame and success; she nearly died. I think Malala serves as a wonderful role model for people of all ages, all ethnicities, skin colors, etc. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Julie Overpeck.
117 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2018
Thank you to the Kid Lit Exchange network for a preview copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Malala Yousafsai and Bethany Hamilton are featured as part of a set of biographies planned by Scholastic. The stories in the book were familiar to me because I have read Soul Surfer and I Am Malala, sources for these books, but they might be new to young readers learning about these young women for the first time. I like that the author wrote about the importance of faith in both girls' lives, since it is integral to understanding who they are and how they coped with their adversities. Both of these young women experienced traumatic events that changed the trajectory of their lives, including their amounts of influence and fame. I am curious to see if this pattern holds true for any other people planned for the series. I'd love to see Scholastic feature someone who has not been traumatized so that readers understand that they don't need to experience tragedy to make a difference.

These books include good photographs and cite several sources. Overall good, easy-to-read biographies.
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,025 reviews219 followers
January 22, 2019
She Dared: Malala Yousafzai by Jenni L. Walsh, 128 pages. Scholastic, 2019. $7.

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Malala lived in Pakistan with her parents and two brothers. She dreamed of becoming a doctor and loved everything to do with school. When the Taliban leaders start to infringe on the rights of the people in her community, Malala starts to speak out against the oppression. She is targeted by the Taliban and shot while taking the bus home from school. She received medical care in England and has used her experience to try and bring attention to the needs of girls around the world.

This is a great succinct biography about Malala’s life. I especially enjoyed the ending that includes all the ways that she has reached out and helped since this experience. Her story is inspiring and courageous and this version of the story is well done without being scary.

C. Peterson
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
57 reviews
December 5, 2019
This is a biography about Malala Yousafzai. The book begins with Malala's first experience with the Taliban. Malala's father is constantly speaking out against the Taliban. Malala joins in the fight, speaking out against the Taliban's ban on girl's education. This book follows the story of Malala as she fights for her right for an education, and the trials that come with fighting against the Taliban.

I absolutely loved this book. I was so inspired to hear the story of Malala. I love the way the book present Malala and her fight against the Taliban. It is so informational, but also so moving in many ways. This biography would be great to keep in a classroom to show children what kind of things go on in different countries around the world. This is a great way to show children the impact they can have on the world.
Profile Image for Carolyn Menke.
Author 2 books170 followers
August 29, 2018
An inspirational story of perseverance, Malala Yousafzai (She Dared) follows the life of one exceptional young woman who risked her life to stand up for others. At a young age, Malala knew she wanted to become a doctor. It wouldn't be easy, but it was possible, until an extremist group puts her community, her family, her dream, and her life at risk. What happens next is masterfully told by Jenni L. Walsh, appropriate for middle grade readers. Malala is the role model I want for my own daughters and I can't wait to share this book with them!
Profile Image for Kelley Mitchell.
552 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2019
Humans are capable of amazing things. That Malala would continue to beat her drum for freedom after the obstacles in her life is amazing. That she would hold true to her faith and to her heritage even while trying to change the role of women is amazing. That she would, at such a young age, pick up the gauntlet of change for girls all over the world is amazing. It makes you realize how fortunate you are to live in a time and place where girls are treated the way we are, and how important it is to change to world to a place where we are equally valued and treated.
32 reviews
Read
April 29, 2021
Malala Yousafzai always knew she wanted to become a doctor someday. But a new extremist group in her home country of Pakistan wanted to stop girls from going to school.Malala knew what was important, and so she spoke out. Even after she was attacked on a bus for her views, she persisted.Learn about Malala's incredible recovery and her journey to becoming a world-famous advocate of girls' rights and education -- and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.This highly accessible and narrative biography includes full-color photos and educational info!

Lexile Level: 700
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brandy.
594 reviews
November 30, 2024
I read the uncorrected proof. I appreciate the life of Malala shared to younger readers. It reads as a narrative more than I expected it to. The book was categorized as “Biography/Autobiography” but the genre line felt blurred. I had a hard time understanding how the information (and ideas for dialogue) was gathered. I would have loved an author’s note with the information. Did the author speak or work with Malala in any way?

It looks like the book got overall 4 and 5 star ratings so the final proof must have connected with readers.
Profile Image for H.
55 reviews
March 18, 2019
Anyone wanting to read about this stunning education advocate should start with her autobiography (I am Malala). However, this book covers the important events of Malala's story and adds events that happened after the autobiography.
This book may be an easier/faster read for an elementary or middle school group. I hope many more will write her story and I will try and fill my library with every one of them!
15 reviews3 followers
Read
March 13, 2020
I read this with my 9 year old daughter. It was very well written, and hit some very heavy topics in the most age appropriate way possible. It gave us a great opportunity to begin discussing some of the advantages she enjoys as an American girl. I am anxiously awaiting more releases by this author, in this series (we can't read Bethany Hamilton until after we get a chance to take her to Hawaii, lol).
Profile Image for Marcie.
736 reviews
April 8, 2022
Malala Yousafzai (She Dared) is an inspiring story about a courageous young girl who pursued her right to an education and was shot in the head by a Taliban militant who wanted to deny her her pursuit. Malala and two of her classmates survived the gun attack.

Malala concisely summarizes her ordeal towards the end of her story, "The Taliban shot me to try to silence me. Instead, the whole world was listening to my message now."
Profile Image for Kari.
509 reviews15 followers
April 14, 2019
I thought this was done very well. As a third grade teacher, I really appreciated how the author explained cultural differences that my students would otherwise not understand. The author did a great job of keeping the focus on Malala’s dream of being able to get an education as her number one priority.
Profile Image for Kid Square.
7 reviews
May 12, 2019
The book about Malala was amazing. I never knew one could be so courageous at such a young age. Malala is a role model to many children across the world. Malalla faces many battles throughout her childhood. The book is an easy to read and understand. In the story Malala's father encourages her to follow her education and dreams.
-8 Year old
Profile Image for Malayna Evans.
Author 5 books629 followers
November 27, 2018
Loved this inspiring story. Writing is pitch perfect, story is engrossing, pages wouldn't turn fast enough. My 10 yo daughter enjoyed it with me and I can't wait to read more of Jenni Walsh's work--so good!
26 reviews
November 25, 2020
Very good easy read. This book is great for people who don't want to read the bigger book I Am Malala but still want to hear her story! I loved how she always continued her passion for education as you will see in the book. This book overall has s many details and is very good!!!!
Profile Image for Janice.
2,194 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2021
Malala was a girl shot by the Taliban because she believed girls deserved to be educated and wrote and spoke out about it. She was given a Nobel prize for it at 17 for her work.

Good for middle grade and up; not for lower el because of the shooting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Celeste.
2,253 reviews
November 11, 2018
This is a great, simple biography. I enjoyed reading about what Malala has done for girls around the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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