For the Right to Learn - (Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Picture Books) by Rebecca Langston-George

About the Book

"Tells Malala Yousafzai's harrowing story of standing up for girls' education against the Taliban, being shot in the head, and surviving to continue the fight"--

Book Synopsis

She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

Review Quotes

Malala was shot by Taliban agents for her activism for girls' education in Afghanistan. She survived and is still fighting for the rights of girls and women. You can learn more in the illustrated For the Right to Learn by Rebecca Langston-George...-- "New Moon Girls, "Lacey Recommends""

This powerful version of Malala's story for younger readers proves that one person really can change the world.-- "A Mighty Girl, "Telling Her Story: 40 New Books for Women's History Month""

...a timely introduction to the life of an international hero who is not much older than the book's intended audience. . . .Author Rebecca Langston-George carefully highlights the many accomplishments, recognition, awards, and fame that nearly cost Malala her life. Artist Janna Bock is especially adept at capturing Malala's expressions - just take a look at that hopeful determination on the cover image. . . .Not yet even out of her teens, Malala's story has really just begun. Her determination to learn - and keep learning at any cost - is inspiration, at any age, for us all.-- "Book Dragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center"

...the story of the young Pakistani girl who stood up for her right to learn is brought to young readers by teacher/author Rebecca Langston-George.-- "Literacy Daily Online"

...this picture-book biography recounts how Malala fought for education for all--particularly girls, who were banned from classrooms--under the Taliban rule of Pakistan. After the Taliban shot Malala on her way to school, her brave recovery and continued activism made her the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.-- "Book Links"

Each book in the Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Picture Books series follows the life and work of a notable woman in history, framing her story in a way that young readers can understand. . . .Though careful not to take too many liberties with a historical text, these read like fiction and will spark the interest of many young readers. Each installment has a different illustrator, giving them all a unique flavor, and all have some sort of back matter that recaps the facts gleaned from the story. They vary somewhat in audience ranges but this is an interesting concept with an effective, highly visual approach.-- "Booklist"

I was so excited to review this book because my mom had told me about Malala. For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story does a good job telling the history of Malala and what happened in her childhood before she was shot. I think that all kids should learn about Malala Yousafzai and how brave she is.-- "Kids' Book Buzz/San Francisco Book Review"

Janna Bock's illustrations throughout the book give the reader a feel for the traditions, culture and hardships in this part of the world. The colors of the gently rolling valley, the eagerness of the students, the darkness of the Taliban figures, the worry in the eyes of the adults and the resolve on the face of Malala are all powerfully represented. The opening illustration of Malala presenting her Nobel Lecture on December 10, 2014 is beautiful. . . .an excellent addition to the books on this subject and is designed perfectly for children 9-11 years of age.-- "The Children's Bookshelf, Central Michigan University, Public Broadcasting Cente"

Malala is the poster girl for equal educational opportunities for girls worldwide because of her brave stance against the violent oppression of the Taliban. . . .explores her bravery and struggle to access education for herself and other girls, even as her own life was at stake.-- "Amelia Bloomer Project"