By Fazal Khaliq
MINGORA: Students and friends of Malala here in Mingora expected to read “Malala A Hero for All”, a biography book, published for the school children by Penguin Random House.
The book is a Step 4 Biography Readers which shares the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for speaking up on the importance of girls’ education through her speeches and a blog.
She was shot by militants while going home in her school van but survived the attack.
Describing her life story in simple words the book has been written by Shane Corey, a children’s book editor and author who writes stories about brave women and girls in history while Elizabeth Sayles has illustrated the book.
The book opens with a chapter ‘The Power of Words’ saying, “A young girl stands at a podium Today is her birthday. She is sixteen years old. But she is not celebrating with an ordinary party and cake. Instead she is in front of an audience at the United Nations in New York City.
Hundreds of people wait to hear what she will say. She looks out at the crowd. Then she begins to speak. She talks about peace. She talks about children’s right to an education. “It’s time to speak up,” she says. “Our words can change the world.””
“It is really a nice attempt to inspire children by the story of Malala Yousafzai as she has become a symbol of education for the whole world,” said Niaz Ahmad, a resident of Mingora, adding the book should be available here in Swat for school children.
Malal’s friends also expected that the book should be available in book stores in Mingora. “It will not only be a good reader but also an interesting biography and history for the students. It should be available for us here in Swat,” said Urooj Nasir a girl student in Mingora.
Another girl student who remained Malala’s class mate said that it was strange that the book was not available in Swat.
“In my view this book ‘Malala A Hero for All’ must be available in Swat as it aims to teach students about biography of a famous girl,” said Zainab.
“Malala A Hero for All is not a political or controversial book but a life story of a great hero which should be read by every student to be motivated and inspired,” said Urooj, another student in Swat.
