I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (5/5)

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is an inspiring non-fiction story of a young girl unafraid to fight for what she believed was right. Malala is from Mingora, Pakistan, and lives in her beloved town of Swat Valley. Her father, Ziauddin represented a huge part of Malala’s bravery. He had founded a Khushal girl's school despite the Taliban discouraging acts against women's education. Malala felt strongly about her education and still attended school although the Taliban had been destroying her town. Throughout this time Malala displayed courage in speaking out against the Taliban and advocating for girl's education. This brought her attention from the public and also the Taliban who threatened her life.

One day on her way home from school her bus was stopped by the Taliban, a man stepped on and asked “‘Who is Malala?’” and then shot her, and this was when her life changed forever (Yousafzai 130). She was then brought to Birmingham, England where she had undergone many surgeries but survived her attack. It took her a while to become her normal self again, where she could speak, hear, and walk. Little did she know throughout her recovery she had inspired the world, her family then moved to Birmingham and she continued her fight for women's education. Malalas heroism won her a Nobel Peace Prize and forever impacted education for women worldwide. Despite the obstacles thrown her way Malala knew, “I am still here for a reason” so she continued her fight for what she knew was right (Yousafzai 188).

While reading about Malala’s life I felt anger about the horrible experiences the Pakistani people had to endure from the Taliban. Additionally, I felt so much heartbreak for the families who had lost so much such as their homes or even other loved ones. It is hard for me to comprehend why some people are so cruel. Nobody should ever be silenced like Malala was fighting for herself and the beliefs of others. Malala represents the true meaning of following your dreams, “ I will never give up on advocating for peace and education for all” (Yousafzai 204). The book especially brought up many emotions for me as a young woman who is extremely grateful for the environment I live in and the education I receive. Malala’s work has motivated me and I hope she can do the same for you.