School Library Journal Review
Gr 3 Up-Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and campaigner for the rights of all children to attend school, has written her first picture book. It is an autobiographical account of her life designed for younger readers. She gently introduces her childhood in Pakistan and recounts a favorite TV show where a young boy has a magic pencil that he uses to help people. The magic pencil becomes a reoccurring motif throughout the work on how to make the world a better place. Of the infamous Taliban violence, she simply says, "My voice became so powerful that the dangerous men tried to silence me. But they failed." The beautifully written book goes on to describe Yousafzai's quest for justice and the importance of finding one's voice. The enchanting story is accompanied by the beautiful illustrations of duo Sebastien Cosset and Maries Pommepuy, also known as "Kerascoët." Sparse pen and ink outlines the bright, soft watercolors that effortlessly depict Yousafzai's daily life and then are enhanced by delicate gold overlay drawings that highlight her magical wishes for a better world and the power that a single voice can command. This is a wonderful read for younger students that will also provide insight and encourage discussion about the wider world. Included are biographical notes and photos of Yousafzai and her -family. VERDICT The simplicity of Yousafzai's writing and the powerful message she sends, make this book inspirational for all. Highly recommended.-Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, grew up in Pakistan dreaming of possessing a magic pencil like the one on her favorite TV show. At first, she believes that such a pencil could solve any problem-from keeping her brothers out of her room to erasing war, poverty, hunger, and gender disparity. But as Malala grows, so does her sense of purpose and agency; she realizes that change comes not from magic, but from the force of her own words and ideas. When "powerful and dangerous men" (the unnamed Taliban-an afterword provides details) forbid girls from attending school, she speaks up; when "they tried to silence me," an allusion to her near-fatal shooting, "they failed." Kerascoët's bright, reportorial watercolors match the text's directness and sincerity, adding gold embellishments to give Malala's hopes and optimism a radiant physicality. The Malala in these pages is both approachable and extraordinary: even at her most vulnerable, turned away from readers and looking out the window of a darkened hospital room, her determination seems unstoppable. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Karolina Sutton, Curtis Brown U.K. Illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Malala Yousafzai, activist and youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, takes her well-known story and brings it to a younger audience. She starts with a memory from her Pakistani childhood: watching a TV show in which a boy makes anything real by drawing it with his magic pencil. Malala drew things that would make others happy, including schools her father might open. Unlike some fathers, Malala's encourages her to learn, and learn she does. But then powerful and dangerous men forbade girls from attending school. Malala deftly handles the most difficult parts of her story. She notes simply that the men used weapons to attempt to silence her powerful voice. But they failed. The book then describes how Malala went on to become a household name. Artistically, the illustrations feel a bit lighthearted and casual, though there are plenty of moving scenes, and the decorative touches are nicely enhancing. Malala's messages of inclusivity, girls' rights, and strength through knowledge come across loud and clear.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2017 Booklist
