Fifteen-year-old Malala has a lot in common with other teenage girls—she enjoys pizza and cupcakes, gossiping with her friends, and quarrelling with her brothers—yet Malala is unique among her peers. From an early age, Malala has had a passion for knowledge and a keen awareness of inequity. Although educated in Islam at a madrasa like other young Pakistani children, Malala is fortunate to attend her father’s school for girls, which teaches a wide range of subjects. Religion is important to Malala, and she is a practicing Muslim. Her faith, however, differs from the Taliban’s extremist version of Islam.

Malala learns that education is the key to independence from cultural constraints and poverty. Malala knows that women in Pakistani culture are largely undervalued and do not enjoy the same freedoms, rights, or privileges as men. Malala values her parents’ unconditional support and love. Consequently, Malala is secure in her self-identity. She confidently decides not to veil herself and views school as a source of freedom, where girls can express their true selves.

Young Malala experiences both the horrors of terrorism and the ravages of war. Although afraid for herself and her family, the injustices she witnesses motivate her to stand up for girls’ right to education.