Status
Available
Publication
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016), Edition: Illustrated, 256 pages
Library's review
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teen shot for her activism for girls’ education, tells her story for a middle-grade audience.
Although billed as a “young readers edition” of Yousafzai’s 2013 book of the same name for adults, co-written with Christina Lamb, the designation does the book a
Though Yousafzai’s memoir never transcends her story, that story is a powerful and inspiring one; supplemented by contextualizing information, it should pack quite a wallop. (glossary) (Memoir. 10-14)
-Kirkus Review
Although billed as a “young readers edition” of Yousafzai’s 2013 book of the same name for adults, co-written with Christina Lamb, the designation does the book a
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disservice, as this is no simple redaction. With the capable assistance of co-author McCormick, the account has been effectively rewritten specifically for children. The story is straightforward, related chronologically and covering Yousafzai’s growth in activism, her shooting and her recovery in England. Yousafzai’s voice is appealingly youthful, though it often tells rather than shows and frequently goes over the top: In her school, she writes, “we flew on wings of knowledge.” Still, young Western readers will come to understand the gulf that separates them from Yousafzai through carefully chosen anecdotes, helping them see what drives her to such lyrical extremes. Unfortunately, much is lost in the translation from the adult book, presumably sacrificed for brevity and directness; most lamentable is social and political context. Although readers will come away with a good understanding of Yousafzai’s immediate experiences, the geopolitical forces that shape her culture go largely unmentioned except in a closing timeline that amounts to a dizzying list of regime changes.Though Yousafzai’s memoir never transcends her story, that story is a powerful and inspiring one; supplemented by contextualizing information, it should pack quite a wallop. (glossary) (Memoir. 10-14)
-Kirkus Review
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Awards
South Dakota Children's Book Awards (Nominee — 2017)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Recommended — 2017)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — High School — 2016)
Kids' Book Choice Awards (Finalist — 2015)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Grades 6-9 — 2016)
CCBC Choices (2015)
Read Aloud Indiana Book Award (High School — 2016)
Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 (Selection — 2015)
Teacher Favorites Award (2015)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016
ISBN
0316327913 / 9780316327916