Inspiring Stories That Teach Bravery, Voice, and the Power of Education
Malala Yousafzai’s story is one of remarkable courage and determination. As a young girl who spoke out for girls’ right to go to school, her voice echoed around the world—and continues to inspire children everywhere to stand up for what they believe in.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Malala books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included activities and discussion ideas to help children connect with her story and reflect on their own voices and values.
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Malala?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Malala
- 11 Malala Books For Children
- What Malala Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Malala?
Books about Malala teach children that one voice can change the world.
Malala’s story encourages kids to use their words, believe in themselves, and speak up for fairness. Her advocacy for education and equality shows children that even in difficult situations, courage and kindness can lead to real change.
Reading about Malala empowers young readers to dream big—and take action.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Malala
Malala’s journey teaches resilience, hope, and the importance of learning.
Kids discover the value of education, the challenges faced by children around the world, and the importance of standing up for what’s right—even when it’s hard. These books often show Malala as both brave and relatable: a girl who loved learning, spoke her truth, and never gave up.
Her story reminds children that they don’t have to wait to grow up to make a difference.
How to Use Books about Malala with Children
Here are meaningful ways to explore Malala’s story together:
- 📣 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would you speak up for? or Why is school important to you? In classrooms, Turn and Talk can lead to thoughtful conversations about fairness, voice, and values.
- ✍️ Engage in Empowerment Activities: Have kids write about something they care about, create posters celebrating the right to learn, or build a “Voice Wall” where they share their dreams. You can also explore maps, languages, and traditions from Malala’s home country, Pakistan.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons on global citizenship, history, or character traits, return to Malala’s story. Say: Remember how Malala kept speaking even when it was hard? What can we learn from her bravery?
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Invite caregivers to read her story with their children and talk about why education matters. Families can support children’s voices through journaling, storytelling, or taking action together—like writing letters or helping others.
11 Malala Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 I Look Up To… Malala Yousafzai by Anna Membrino
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A board book that introduces little ones to Malala’s strength, voice, and impact in a toddler-friendly way.
Activity Idea: Draw someone you look up to and share why.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Malala inspiring?
- Why is it important to speak up?
- Who do you look up to?
#2 My Name Is Malala by Malala Yousafzai
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A beautiful and personal picture book by Malala herself, reflecting on her childhood and dreams.
Activity Idea: Write or draw your dream for the world.
Discussion Questions:
- What does Malala hope for children?
- What was her school like?
- Why is her name meaningful?
#3 A Is for Awesome! by Eva Chen
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An alphabet book celebrating fierce women, featuring Malala as the “M” in “Awesome.”
Activity Idea: Make your own A-Z of awesome people.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes someone awesome?
- Why was Malala chosen for “M”?
- Who else would you include?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 I am Malala Yousafzai by Brad Meltzer
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Part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series, this biography shows how one brave girl changed the world.
Activity Idea: Create a “change the world” plan with three small actions.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did Malala face?
- How did she stand up for others?
- What’s one way you can make a difference?
#5 Malala: A Hero for All by Shana Corey
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A picture book celebrating Malala’s courage and her belief in every child’s right to learn.
Activity Idea: Decorate a “Right to Learn” poster.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is education so important?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- How can you support others?
#6 Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
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Malala reimagines her childhood wish for a magic pencil, reflecting on how education and writing became her real magic.
Activity Idea: Draw what you’d create with a magic pencil.
Discussion Questions:
- What would your magic pencil do?
- How did Malala use her voice?
- What does writing help us do?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George
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A powerful, fact-filled biography that gives older readers a clear view of Malala’s journey.
Activity Idea: Write a letter to someone who inspires you.
Discussion Questions:
- What struggles did Malala overcome?
- What does the “right to learn” mean to you?
- Why should education be for everyone?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Story of Malala Yousafzai by Joan Marie Galat
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An early chapter book that presents Malala’s story in a way perfect for young independent readers.
Activity Idea: Make a timeline of key moments in Malala’s life.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Malala’s family support her?
- What did she want to change?
- What lesson did you learn?
#9 Who Is Malala Yousafzai? by Dinah Brown
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Part of the popular “Who Was?” series, this book tells Malala’s inspiring journey in an engaging and accessible way.
Activity Idea: Design a book cover for your own “Who Is…” biography.
Discussion Questions:
- What made Malala’s story stand out?
- What are her achievements?
- How did she stay strong?
#10 Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights by Sarah J. Robbins
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Adapted for young readers, this memoir gives insight into Malala’s personal story and fight for education.
Activity Idea: Create a classroom pledge about fairness and learning.
Discussion Questions:
- What rights are important to you?
- How can kids stand up for others?
- What does “equality” mean?
#11 Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya
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This lyrical nonfiction picture book highlights Malala’s journey and her powerful use of words.
Activity Idea: Write a “power of words” poem.
Discussion Questions:
- How can words be powerful?
- What did Malala use her words for?
- How can you use your voice?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Malala Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Malala books for kids inspire confidence, advocacy, and love for learning. Whether your child is discovering her story for the first time or revisiting it as they grow, these books remind us all that courage and compassion start young—and ripple outward.
Which Malala book will you share next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite quotes, reflections, or activities from her story!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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