Before starting my next read, I really wanted to reflect back on the book I just recently completed called “I am Malala” by Patricia McCormick and Malala Yousafzai. I must say that I was truly inspired, motivated and moved by this beautiful story of a young courageous girl and her family.

Malala Yousafzai as some of us already know is a brave gril from Swat, Pakistan who was shot by Taliban in face/ head while she was returning from her school with her classmates and friends in a mini bus. In this attack, Malala was a prime target yet two of other girls also got shot as they were sitting close to her on the bus when Taliban decided to show no mercy on this little girl. What did she do to get a bullet from an adult? Her crime was that she wanted to study and continue her journey to acquire education not only for herself but she also wanted her school to remain open so other young girls can also continue their studies.

In this well written memoir , an author takes the readers back in Malala’s life and introduce the readers to her beautiful and supportive parents, two young brothers and her friends not to forget her blessed relationship with her very understanding best friend.

The story revolves around how Malala and her supportive father didn’t held back when they saw wrong was happening in Swat, Pakistan. The author has provided brief political background too throughout the book to help the readers paint an image themselves about the situation Malala and the other young girls had to face while they wanted to continue their dream of keeping up with their education and schooling.

Having my background from Pakistan, I can relate to some parts of the book especially the comparison of teaching style in Pakistan and one in the West.

Till this day and after going through a tough and threatening journey back in Swat, Pakistan, Malala is still fighting for her campaign of girls education now on global level. “Malala’s Fund” is still ongoing and helping those areas and communities across the globe to set up education facilities for young generation.

I encourage young readers and everyone else to read this inspiring, uplifting true memoir of Malala.

It is not just a story of Malala and her journey in life, it is a story of survival and hope. It is a story of a how one girl used her “Magic Pencil” like a fairy with a magic wand to bring change in the world. As Malala herself has said, “Let us remember, one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world”. A must read.

Noor Reflection