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A story worth sharing

By Shriya Vikas, age 11 | October 1, 2018

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MY WORLD Shriya Vikas, a sixth grader at Pin Oak Middle School, says the book I Am Malala has shaped her views.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, is an eye-opening book. It has shaped my views – both as a girl in today’s world and as a person with roots in the Indian subcontinent. This book is about a Pakistani teenager, Malala Yousafzai, and her struggle to secure education for girls. As a young girl, Malala was curious and brave and wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in. Malala’s dad encouraged her to fight for education, and her mom shared many of the same aspirations as her daughter, such as interfaith harmony.

This book is set in Swat Valley in northern Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border. Though the people were peaceful, women were treated very differently from men. Malala describes when people called the Taliban took control of her town. They put rules on the people of Swat and hurt them. Growing up in this environment was hard, and people were in danger all the time. Girls were banned from attending school. Pakistani leaders could do nothing to resist the Taliban invasion, out of fear.

INSPIRATIONAL STORY Shriya Vikas drew this illustration to convey the message of the book I Am Malala.

But Malala went on TV, spoke about peace, and openly fought for their rights ... only to get shot in the head! She continued to fight even after. Malala’s purpose in writing this book is to persuade girls all over the world to stand up for their rights. I found it impressive that Malala did not retreat even when she was shot. The last line stood out to me: My world has changed, but I have not. Malala is making a difference in the world, yet remains true to herself and her beliefs.

People can donate money to the Malala Fund, which supports education for young women. Malala was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014; she is the youngest person to ever win this prize. I would recommend this book to all young girls and boys. It is a story worth sharing.

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