I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
by Malala Yousafzai
Malala lived in an area of Pakistan that was controlled by the Taliban. The issues facing people in this area are complex and hard for many in the West to understand. Malala and her father offer a perspective of the last 30 turbulent years in history of this nation. Their story of establishing a school and educating all children illustrates the cultural struggle of those who are opposed to jihad as defined by the Taliban.
Why should you read it?
It was fascinating to get a first-hand account of recent events in Pakistan. Hearing the story of this from the perspective of a teenage girl made it easy to relate to and understand. The circumstances of her life and her passion for education led her to be an activist who spoke out against the oppression of the Taliban. Her voice was a clear advocate for women's rights that was not silenced even when she was shot by a Taliban gunman. She was already well-known in Pakistan for broadcasting her views on education. The attack on her brought her story into the international arena. She has made her struggle an international human rights issue. Her story will be one that is remembered by history.
