• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Malala Yousafzai―a story about standing up for education and equal rights

Malala Yousafzai became a brave activist while she was still a young girl. Before she fearlessly fought for girls’ right to education, she was a thoughtful kid who enjoyed school, sports, and daydreaming. Then Malala was told that girls would no longer be able to go to school. She didn’t let that stop her, though! Find out how Malala stood up for equal rights and became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Story of Malala Yousafzai includes:

• Watch Malala’s progress―Explore a visual timeline of Malala’s life.
• Word definitions―Discover easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
• Lasting change―Learn about how Malala changed the world.

How will Malala’s courageous spirit inspire you?

Joan Marie Galat
lives in the Alberta countryside near Edmonton, where she can often be found gazing upwards. She shares her love of the sky in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, which offers both science and stories from ancient cultures about our environment and the night sky.

Joan's writing career began with a weekly newspaper column when she was 12 years old. Now an award-winning and best-selling author, she has written more than a dozen books for both children and adults. She provides freelance writing and editing through her communications business, MoonDot Media, and is a frequent presenter at schools and libraries.

While Alberta's long winter nights and big prairie sky are ideal for stargazing, Joan also enjoys other pastimes such as reading, camping, kayaking, spending time outdoors, and even stiltwalking. She likes to travel and picnic, which led to her book Day Trips from Edmonton.

Joan Marie Galat's profile page

“At a time when young readers need to develop independent learning skills, The Story of Malala Yousafzai offers helpful scaffolds for learning such as colorful visuals, a glossary, a quick quiz to test comprehension, and think tank questions to put the reader in Malala’s shoes (‘How would you feel if you couldn’t do what you want just because you’re a boy or a girl?’). This is the most up-to-date biography for children about the Nobel Prize winner, Oxford grad, and activist.” —Heather McKend, Head of Children’s Services, Saint John Free Public Library

“Joan Marie Galat makes the inspirational leadership of Malala Yousafzai beautifully accessible to new readers in an educational, enticing, and hopeful way. She gives parents, caregivers, teachers, and other adults an opportunity to be present with children on the power of forgiveness, and how people are making the world a better place.” —Peter Smyth MSW, RSW, MSM social worker and author

“A riveting account of Malala’s life and achievements. Galat’s inspirational, empathetic writing introduces the reader to a young girl whose courage and determination made the phrase ‘I am Malala’ ring throughout the world. Brilliant illustrations and layout augment the book’s beauty and relevance.” —Basarat M. Kazim, president of Alif Laila Book Bus Society, IBBY representative for Pakistan, children's writer, and literacy/education advocate

“The entire narrative is very accessible and well written, and I really loved how Jump in the Think Tank and other features, including the glossary and bibliography, enhanced the text. This biography has a wonderful, positive message throughout! Highly recommended.” —Karen Upper, library services, Near North District School Board

“Joan Marie Galat makes the inspirational leadership of Malala Yousafzai beautifully accessible to new readers in an educational, enticing, and hopeful way. She gives parents, caregivers, teachers, and other adults an opportunity to be present with children on the power of forgiveness, and how people are making the world a better place.” —Peter Smyth MSW, RSW, MSM social worker and author

“At a time when young readers need to develop independent learning skills, The Story of Malala Yousafzai offers helpful scaffolds for learning such as colorful visuals, a glossary, a quick quiz to test comprehension, and think tank questions to put the reader in Malala’s shoes (‘How would you feel if you couldn’t do what you want just because you’re a boy or a girl?’). This is the most up-to-date biography for children about the Nobel Prize winner, Oxford grad, and activist.” —Heather McKend, Head of Children’s Services, Saint John Free Public Library

“The entire narrative is very accessible and well written, and I really loved how Jump in the Think Tank and other features, including the glossary and bibliography, enhanced the text. This biography has a wonderful, positive message throughout! Highly recommended.” —Karen Upper, library services, Near North District School Board