Little People, Big Dreams: Malala Yousafzai; Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Manal Mirza

Malala Yousafzai is famous around the world. She is the young girl from Pakistan who stood up to the men with the guns and spoke out for what she believed in. In this fantastic addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series, her incredible life and inspirational story is retold in a picture book which is accessible to younger readers.

As a young girl, Malala looked forward to being old enough to go to school; to learn, to grow and to discover what she was good at. But a group of people called the Taliban had very different ideas about what people and children should be allowed to do and the rules were especially harsh for females. It seemed impossible to defeat the Taliban - they had guns and bombs. But Malala had something more important, she had her voice and her voice needed to be heard…

The Taliban were terrified of Malala and her voice and took drastic action, shooting her and a friend on their way home from school. Luckily, Malala survived and refused to be silenced. She continued to speak for what she believed in and she became an icon around the world. She went on to set up a foundation to help improve the lives and education of children and is the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala’s story is incredible. It shows the determination, resolve and courage of one young girl who hoped for a better world and found the strength and inner-belief to use her voice to take action. It is the ultimate example of the phrase, ‘Nothing happens unless somebody says something’.

Delightfully illustrated with bright and bold artwork and with a story told in short and simple sentences, this is an inspirational read that proves actions and words can change the world. At the back of the the book there is a short overview of her life so far which includes key facts and dates and a historical timeline featuring photographs.

Everyone has the power to change the world and we all need to find the strength of Malala to speak up for what we believe in.

Recommended for 5+.

Due for publication on 2nd March 2021. With thanks to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Publishers for the ARC.