Malala Yousafzai Book Review

Book Review
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
Written by Karen Leggett Abouraya
Collages by Susan L. Roth
Published February 12, 2019

Why we chose this book:
Some time ago, I read  I Am Malala. When I came across this picture book, I was eager for T to learn about someone whom I admire. Lee and Low Books provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mom's Review
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words is a brief biography of Malala. Children will learn about her origins, what happened when the Taliban took control of her hometown, her childhood fight for education, and her move to England. Readers will also learn about her humanitarian efforts as an adult, from addressing the UN to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Back matter details further information about Pakistan, the Taliban, the Malala Fund, and actions one can take to promote educational equality.

This book about Malala was an excellent option for T. He loved the pictures and told me all about how he thought the artist created the illustrations. While the violence of the Taliban is mentioned (how could it be avoided?), the focus is on Malala's desire for education, perseverance in the face of adversity, and efforts to promote education for boys and girls alike. As we read, I minimally edited the content for T; I glossed over her shooting. T seemed particularly engaged as we read, asking immediately if this is a true story, later commenting about shared traits with Malala (a love of reading), and emphatically declaring his dislike of war. He even likened Malala's focus on using words to solve problems to how we solve problems at home and how he and his classmates behave at farm school. This picture book had a real impact on him; he wanted to follow in Malala's footsteps and use words to change laws. Immediately after reading, he said that he wanted to write a letter to President Trump about the book, letting him know that war and guns are bad and that our laws should prohibit them. He raced upstairs to my office, telling me, "We're gonna write a letter. I'll say it and you write down the words!"

Beautiful, informative, age-appropriate, and incredibly inspirational, Malala Yousafzai is one picture book you won't want to miss.

Son's Review
(Age: 4)
Mom: What do you like about Malala?

Son: I like that she wanted no war.

Mom: What would you say if you met her?

Son: I would say, "I also hate war." I would tell her that most warriors use swords, and that I also like words.

Mom: What good does she teach us?

Son: She teaches us to be good by using convincing words.

Mom: What if someone told you that you weren't allowed to learn?

Son: I would just learn and not listen to them.

Mom: What can readers learn if they read this book?

Son: That they should use their words. What if they already use their words like we use our words?

Mom: It's a good thing if they already use their words to solve problems. Who should read this book? When?

Son: Anyone who doesn't like war...when they don't like fighting.

Mom: And what is the most important thing to know about the Malala book?

Son: That it is a good book. I liked when she goed to school when some of the leaders didn't want her to.