“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” 

Malala was the target of a Taliban attack in 2012 when she was only 15 for going to school. She lived in Pakistan in a beautiful valley that was a tourist attraction. Her father was an advocate for education for all, including girls. Her mother didn’t even know how to read, but her father treated her as his equal, unlike many marriages Malala observed around her. Her little brother was able to go and do just about anything he wanted in a society where a woman could only go out if she was with a male relative – even to play ball on the roof of an apartment building.

I have had I Am Malala on my to-read list since it came out in 2013. I don’t know why it took me so long, but when my daughter picked up the book and wanted to read it, I read it along with her. I’m glad we could talk about the book as there are serious topics addressed. I can only wish I had read it sooner.

I Am Malala gives the history of Malala’s parents and gives the context for the place and time Malala and her family were living in 2012. Their lives changes dramatically as the Taliban started taking over Pakistan and the government made deals with them. While Malala was a voice for education for girls before she was shot, her attack led her to the world’s stage. Her recovery is detailed in the book, along with the almost miracle of the right doctors being in the right place at the right time to help in her recovery.

I Am Malala is an important book for high school age readers and older to read. It gives a personal look to recent historical events and gives a personal view of what happened to peaceful families when the Taliban came into power. I learned a lot from reading this book and am very glad to have read her perspective. Please read this book!

If you’ve read I Am Malala, comment on the blog something you learned from reading the book!

Buy the book here (affiliate link).