Book Review: I Am Malala

" I don't want to be thought of as the 'girl who was shot by the Taliban' but the 'girl who fought for education.'"

Malala's story is empowering on so many levels. As a teacher and a woman, I was inspired by Malala's fight for education and equal rights. However, I think her story goes beyond just female empowerment or a value of education; with a maturity well beyond her years, Malala speaks to the fundamentals of being human. She promotes a message of peace, solidarity, loyalty, hard work, and perseverance. 

This book grabbed my attention in the very first chapter. Although most of us know the story of Malala's hardships, reading the emotion behind that moment that changed her life was very impacting. After the first chapter, Malala discusses her background in the years before the shooting. I found it eye opening to learn about her culture and see how girls live in this part of the world. I found it interesting that Malala's family valued education despite the fact that many girls in her region are not encouraged to go to school.

My only criticism is that it took a long time for Malala to get talk about the shooting in the book and about her recovery. I wanted to see more about her recovery and her life after the shooting. I wish there had been a few more chapters. 

Nonetheless, this book is extremely motivating. It made me realize how much I take for granted and how valuable education is. As a teacher, I can say that many of us take learning for granted. In fact, we complain about having to go to school. Malala shows us that education is a gift that should be cherished; she almost died for that right. I will never look at learning in the same away again.

Malala's story reminds us that one person can make a difference and that survival sometimes leads us to a bigger purpose in life. This book is a must read for every teacher, student, and woman.