For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story

Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Picture Books

by Rebecca Langston-George, Janna Bock (Illustrator)

She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, School, Middle Grade

42 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

Rebecca Langston-George is the author of nineteen books for children including the internationally popular For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story, and The Booth Brothers: Drama, Fame and the Death of President Lincoln (a former Scholastic Book Club title). California Reading Association honored her with the Armin R. Schultz Award for writing in social justice in 2016. A graduate of California Baptist University, she holds a Master of Education degree. A retired teacher, Rebecca is an active volunteer serving as the Regional Advisor for the Central-Coastal California chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI CenCal) and is a board member of the California Reading Association. She's passionate about children's books, classroom writing instruction and upcycling books into works of art. She writes and mostly re-writes on a treadmill desk at one mile per hour.

Reviews

[Mariℓina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important, meaningful and courageous stories of bravery and equality of our times.
Everyone should know who Malala is and now through this book, children of younger ages can learn and appreciate her tremendous, honorable and valuable work, and her incredible story.


For those who don't know her, Malala Yousafzai is the little Pakistani girl who decided to keep going to school and expanding her education anyway possible even after the countless threats, she and her father received from Taliban. On the afternoon of 9 October 2012, she would pay for her believes almost with her life.


Malala's story is a great example to mimic, the young Nobelist has a great future ahead of her now that she recovered fully from the vicious attack the Taliban issued on her. This book is a great read for every young kid and in my opinion a very vivid and forward retelling of what happened.


Currently, Malala and her father still work for their grant mission: equal education for girls and boys. The young activist is one of the most influential people in the world and even though threats are an issue, the determined young woman, with the unyielding spark in her eyes, never cowers back.




THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK

- I loved the illustration it was absolutely breathtaking.
- My ARC copy had some flaws on the text formation.

ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and (of course) a powerful true story, but the accompanying text is a bit too intense for younger readers. I understand the need to remain factually correct in retelling Malala's story, but it's at odds with the picture book format here, and the frank account of her shooting may frighten many younger readers. Not recommended for early elementary, but a good resource for older children.

[Ana Gaspar Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clearly-written and nicely illustrated book to tell Malala's story without political digs or getting into unpleasant details. An excellent way to introduce thought-provoking issues of education, women's rights, discrimination and the simple ability to learn.

Challenge your kids: what would they do if they weren't allowed to go to school?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chantelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was part of my review for a book competition I did yesterday: This quick read will suit readers who want to learn about and be inspired by Malala’s story, like I did.

[Andréa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. The story is thorough and informative without being too heavy for the target age group.

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was warned. She was given an explanation. She was almost killed. Nevertheless, she persisted.

[Πάνος Τουρλής · Rating 5 out of 5]

Η Μαλάλα Γιουσαφζάι γεννήθηκε το 1997 στο Πακιστάν και είναι ένα κορίτσι που αγωνίζεται για το δικαίωμα των κοριτσιών της χώρας της στην εκπαίδευση και στη μάθηση. Μετά το 2001, σε μια εποχή και σε μια περιοχή που κυριαρχούσαν οι Ταλιμπάν, η εκπαίδευση των κοριτσιών σταδιακά απαγορεύτηκε επί ποινή θανάτου. Η Μαλάλα, κόρη δασκάλου, συνέχισε να μελετά και επιπλέον ενημέρωνε κρυφά τον δυτικό κόσμο για τις συνθήκες στη χώρα της. Μετά από παρ’ ολίγον δολοφονική επίθεση που έβλαψε σοβαρά την υγεία της, ζει πλέον στην Αγγλία, συνεχίζει να αγωνίζεται για ένα καλύτερο αύριο των συμπατριωτισσών της και το 2014 βραβεύτηκε με το Νόμπελ Ειρήνης. Αυτή είναι η ιστορία της προσαρμοσμένη για μικρούς αναγνώστες.

Το κείμενο είναι πυκνό και καλογραμμένο, αναφέρει όλες τις δυσκολίες της ζωής της Μαλάλα στο Πακιστάν, δείχνει ανάγλυφα τις απάνθρωπες συνθήκες διαβίωσης για μια γυναίκα στη χώρα αυτή όσο επικρατούσαν οι Ταλιμπάν και με συγκίνησε βαθύτατα όσο περιέγραφε τις απανωτές περιπέτειες υγείας που της στοίχισε ο πυροβολισμός από έναν άγνωστο άντρα. Αυτή η μικρή ηρωίδα, ένα πρότυπο αγώνα, επιμονής και φιλαλληλίας, αποδόθηκε εικονογραφικά με φωτεινά και ταυτόχρονα σκοτεινά χρώματα, με αστείες αλλά και σοβαρές εκφράσεις, εν συνόλω με μια ζωντανή και ζωηρότατη εικονογράφηση. Το βλέμμα των Ταλιμπάν που παρακολουθούσαν τα πάντα, η απελπισία στα μάτια των γυναικών, ο τρόμος στις ζωές των παιδιών, οι βομβαρδισμένες και κατεστραμμένες περιοχές είναι το φόντο στο οποίο διαδραματίζεται η ιστορία της Μαλάλα και η εικονογράφηση είναι αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της επιτυχίας αυτού του εγχειρήματος.

Σίγουρα το βιβλίο δεν είναι ένα παραμύθι που θα διαβάσει ο γονιός στο παιδί πριν κοιμηθεί. Άγριες σκηνές, σκληρές αλήθειες, δυσκολίες στη ζωή είναι συστατικά που δε θα χαρίσουν ηρεμία και ασφάλεια στην ψυχούλα του μικρού αναγνώστη. Εδώ όμως είναι απαραίτητη η βοήθεια του γονιού: μιας και δεν είναι σωστό τα παιδιά να μεγαλώνουν σε ένα ροζ πούπουλο αλλά να καταλαβαίνουν και να σέβονται τις πρακτικές δυσκολίες παιδιών που δε στάθηκαν εξίσου τυχερά και αγωνίζονται για πράγματα που η Δύση θεωρεί δεδομένα, ο γονιός οφείλει να διαβάσει αυτήν την ιστορία στο παιδί του, εξοβελίζοντας κάποιες περιγραφές ή αποδίδοντας τις καταστάσεις με άλλα λόγια. Όλα τα παιδιά πρέπει να μάθουν την ιστορία της Μαλάλα για να αγαπήσουν και να σεβαστούν τις συνθήκες ζωής που βιώνουν τα συνομήλικά τους πλασματάκια σε άλλες περιοχές του πλανήτη κι επιπλέον για να μάθουν την αξία του αγώνα ενάντια στην αδικία και το παράλογο αλλά και τον σημαντικό ρόλο της μόρφωσης και της διαπαιδαγώγησης για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, για έναν καλύτερο κόσμο, για έναν καλύτερο χαρακτήρα.

«Ένα παιδί, ένας δάσκαλος, ένα βιβλίο και ένα μολύβι μπορούν να αλλάξουν τον κόσμο», υποστηρίζει η Μαλάλα και ο εκδοτικός οίκος Λιβάνη δίνει στους μικρούς αναγνώστες την ευκαιρία να μάθουν την ιστορία αυτού του κοριτσιού και να αγαπήσουν τον ρόλο της παιδείας στη ζωή τους, με τη βοήθεια πάντα ενός μεγαλύτερου στο πλάι τους που θα προσαρμόσει το βιβλίο στον δικό τους τρόπο σκέψης και δεκτικότητας.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Malala Yousafzai is, of course, an inspiration. It hardly seems fathomable in today's world that a young girl must stand up and fight for the education of so many. Yet it is all too un-surprising that her plight was met with resistance and violence. This picture book is a gentler way to introduce Yousafzai's courageous journey, especially to elementary students. I used it as a way to reinforce biography with my students. Aside from the illustrator making her look like Little Red Riding Hood on the cover, I thought the book was tasteful and packed just the right punch.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about Malala and her effort to learn even when the Taliban tried to kill her. The illustrations are very good and the text creates a thorough narrative.

[Kim Stence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story!

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much appreciation on how this story is told. I feel like Malala is a great topic for Women's History. However, it might be a little too heavy for my first-graders. I will use it for 3rd grade.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! In honor of International Women’s Day, our book today is For The Right To Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story, written by Rebecca Langston-George and illustrated by Janna Bock, the story of the courage and determination of the youngest Nobel Prize winner to fight for the right to education.

Malala Yousafzai was born in Pakistan, in a once beautiful and peaceful mountain town, to loving parents who encouraged learning. Her father ran a local school, and did everything he could to provide education to any boy or girl who sought it. But when the Taliban took over her town, Malala saw the rights and freedoms of her and her fellow girls begin to disappear as they were banned from school and threatened with violence. Unwilling to give up her rights, Malala spoke out against this injustice, risking her life to continue her studies. Despite threats, obstacles, and even an attempt on her life, Malala continues her fight to this day.

Malala is a powerful figure as a relentless yet peaceful advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and kids can identify strongly to her, so this biography is a fantastic way to introduce her story to young readers. The illustrations are sweeping and emotional, and the text is perfect, focusing on Malala’s activism through adversity rather than the assassination attempt she survived (an event which made her famous, but is hardly her most significant accomplishment). Both the text and the art handle the event subtly yet poignantly; still, the subject matter should be considered before choosing this one. The length is also a bit much for baby bookworms (even JJ), but older kids could handle this one easily. Overall, it is a beautiful and moving true story of a remarkable young woman. Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations and chosen text are as beautifully engaging and inspirational as Malala's full-text autobiography, but this brings it to a whole other level of readership as many adaptations are emerging that allow this. The atmosphere created in this forty-two page children's book is a treasure for an older readership and it's lush colors are eye-candy. Save nothing for the pointed text that doesn't focus on her attempted murder (as it is only in the last pages that this is chronologically done), but how her father inspired those in the Swat valley to educate girls at the threat of his life and others, but how Malala's courage and subsequently her mother's ambition to learn to read as well came from a spring of the rights of the human experience. How Malala challenges and pushes herself and others, by blogging and speaking her mind leads her the greatest stage (my favorite panel of the story) when she is at the United Nations accepting the Nobel Peace Prize wearing a scarf from Benazir Bhutto (who was assassinated and her children gifted Malala with a few of her scarves) with her tiny frame at the podium and her face projected behind her and reading the line "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world".

I cried.

I am proud to be living in a world where SHE is in it. And Langston-George and Bock captured what maybe could not be in any other way.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's wonderful, of course, to read stories about ordinary children from diverse cultures. But it's amazing to read stories about extraordinary children from diverse cultures. And who has come to stand out as a hero in our world today more than the young girl, Malala Yousafzai? This is her story, the story of a bright girl in Pakistan who was told she could not attend school. The story has been rendered as a colorful and inviting picture book, and the text and pictures are a beautiful introduction to this amazing girl's life.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book to share with a class. Topic is on the violent side, but my fifth graders handled it very well. Just a perfect message to share and a chance to inform students about an influential leader in contemporary times. Also, great to see a strong female character.

[Amy Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible read, following the inspiring but shocking journey of Malala Yousafzai. I think this is such an important journey in recent history that children (particularly in upper KS2) should be made aware of. This book sends such an authentic message to children in terms of the value of education and the lengths Malala went to, to fight for her very right to be educated, even though she and other girls were forcefully refused. This has been made accessible to children by representing Malala’s journey as a picture book. Not only could this book be used in history- crucially understanding the journey of women’s rights, particularly in countries that have suffered immense conflict- it could be effectively used in English when looking at non-fiction texts. But overall, such an inspirational journey and one that I think children must be exposed to; as it encourages them to really consider and recognise purpose in their own education.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations accompany this condensed version of Malala's story. The topic is pretty upsetting, so I can't imagine reading this aloud to children. It would work for 6th grade, maybe, although I know they're reading her biography (Young Reader's Edition) at that time. Perhaps it would be a good accompaniment or alternative for another level of content for a class learning about Malala's fight against the Taliban and her right to an education.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For kids who want a little more information than Malala's Magic Pencil.

[Yari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am...experiencing a lot of emotions right now. Mostly coming because of how real this is: they are recounting facts, not being inspired by them, and her story just punched me in the gut. I will definitely read now her biography.

[Brianna Crall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story for children. It really got my students thinking and talking.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads more like nonfiction than Malala's Magic Pencil, which reads more like a story even though it is also nonfiction. This book has a lot more detail and includes descriptions of the violence Malala and her people face. The illustrations are okay-- my favorite is the one of Malala on the bus, leaving her face uncovered and then the blood droplets on the book. I think this would be a good book to help share Malala's story with young readers.

[Little Feather · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book and an inspiring story. it's hard to read this to my little ones without crying 😓 it helps me remember not to take my freedom and education for granted

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a childrens picture book biography of Malala Yousafzai. Malala is, of course, world famous for her work in fighting for the right to education for girls and women in Pakistan. She is also the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The book covers a fairly broad timeline of events, from when she was a young girl attending her fathers’ school, and follows through how life changed for those in Pakistan when the taliban came in and started trying to change things. I thought it was an interesting telling. Much of it is familiar to those who have heard her story before, especially if you remember the articles around that time. There was also some new (to me) information here as well, like the blog she phoned in for the BBC under the name Gaul Makai.
I’ve seen other biographies about her before - I’m a bit disappointed that they left out the history and inspiration behind her name in this one, as I thought it was interesting. And of course, it’s old enough now to be a bit out of date - it only goes up to her familys’ taking refuge in England, and her Nobel and United Nations speeches.

I like the illustrations in this one, as well. The formatting of the ebook on the tablet made them rather hard to see, though. The text was formatted oddly in places, as well.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story written by Rebecca Langston-George and illustrated by Janna Bock is a fantastic account of the heroic stance Malala Yousafzai made for her right to an education.

Malala Yousafzai bravely volunteered to blog about the closing of her school. "They can stop us going to school, but they can't stop us learning!" She was not deterred by the threat of bombs, beatings, or even jail. In October 2012, Malala and her friends were riding a bus to school when it was suddenly stopped. She was shot in the head by a member of the Taliban who was against her and the fight she had launched for the opportunity to go to school. Langston-George conveys a wonderful telling of Malala's story. The tragic shooting is handled very well in this picture book for children (publisher recommends ages 9-12). The text, "Three shots shattered the silence" and illustration, an opened book with drops of blood on the cover are not overly graphic, while providing a strong sense of the terrifying and dangerous situation faced by the girls on the bus.

On December 10, 2014, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize. This young peace activist raised her voice for the right to equal education. "This award is not just for me. It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change."

I highly recommend For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story for any children's library collection, public and school. I think it is not only the story of a strong female character, but also a story about the importance of education. So many people take education for granted. They feel they are forced to go to school, sit in class, and learn. This is not the case around the world. I wonder how many children in the United States would be willing to stand up to and defy terrorists for their right to go to school?

[Maura Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography tells the story of Malala Yousafzai and her passion for girls' education in Pakistan and around the world. Growing up the daughter of a man who ran a school, there was always an open desk for Malala at school. She loved to learn and read, and she thrived at school. Although she was a passionate advocate for girls' education, the Taliban were adamant that girls should not receive a education and threatened her. This book tells the story about a young girl fighting for her right to an education.

This book would be great to use in a social studies lesson about being change-makers. In our social studies class this semester, we talked a lot about teaching students how they can make a change in their community and how a passion can lead to that change. Malala would be a great example of a changer maker, and also a good role model for students. I think that many students could relate to Malala, due to her age and how passionately she fights for what she believes in. This book could also be used to discuss how education is viewed in other countries. Pakistan is not the only country in the world where girls' education is not valued, and it could be interesting to compare and contrast how different countries view the idea of girls going to school. You could also use this book in a discussion about the importance of education and being thankful for the opportunities that you have to attend school.

This was a WOW book for me because I think Malala is a great role-model for so many people. As someone who went to an all-girls school for seven years, I know the importance of educating girls and how much my education has impacted me throughout my life. I also only knew bits and pieces of her story, so I loved reading more about her life!

This book was an e-book that I read on my kindle.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malala Yousafzai is this kind of role model that the world needs more of, the kind that leaves a most definite mark on the world. In a culture that tried to keep her down and silent, Malala chose not to be silent. But her courage nearly cost her her life when the Taliban attempted to kill her. After recovering, Malala continued her fight for girl's right to an education. Her efforts led to her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. But sadly, her fight is far from over. Not only does this book give a glimpse into the life of an amazing young woman in an appropriate way for older elementary students (the book is too long and might be frightening for younger students), but it clearly demonstrates a culture very different than most American children are familiar with. The book also shows the challenges inherent in trying to modify/change a culture's deep-seeded beliefs. But thanks to her own courage, and the support of her family and friends, Malala has already made a difference. The illustrations are touching and add a gorgeous side note to a powerful story. Those big brown eyes of Malala's are compelling to say the least.

[Reggie_Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great, water-downed explanation of what happened to Malala. I believe it's important for kids, especially girls, to know that not everyone is lucky enough to have access to education. What kept this from being a four/five star book are one big and one small complaint. The small is the picture outline chosen for the photograph of Malala at the end. So strange and unnecessary. The big is much more important, obviously. There is a weird air of racism/religious-judgement by the author when discussing the taliban. At one point she states that burqas are a form of oppression from the terror group. There are massively more people wearing burqas by choice or by for other societal/religious reasons than because of taliban force. It felt like white terror, if that makes sense. And such an odd place to experience something like that.

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a little torn about this book. Although I do believe Malala's story is important and should be told, I'm not sure a picture book is the best venue. It might be a bit intense for younger readers. I don't think I would share this book with a group younger than third grade. This book does give a good overview of Malala's life and it is an engaging story.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cry every time I read this. Read it out to my year 8 class and it was so powerful.