Using the “magic pencil” – inspired by a children’s television series about a boy whose pencil could magically draw whatever was needed, including food, protection, anything to help others – as her narrative leitmotif, Malala’s wish for her own magic pencil manifests itself in her drive to get an education. Enabled especially by her father, Malala escapes tradition: “because where I came from, many girls weren’t allowed to become what they dreamed of.” She bypasses the law: “powerful and dangerous men declared that girls were forbidden from attending school.” She learns to speak out: “Why not me?” First she wrote about her experiences, and found she couldn’t stop. While older readers will surely remember her miraculous recovery after being shot in the head by Taliban gunmen on her way to school, none of that savage brutality is depicted here. As the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize – in 2014 at age 17 – Malala Yousafzai is an internationally recognized icon for girls’ education and empowerment. Her story here speaks to the youngest readers, instilling potential and hope, rather than highlighting the fear and violence that has been too much a part of young Malala’s life.
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