Every Day is Malala Day
Rosemary McCarney with Plan International
Second Story Press, Nonfiction, Apr. 1, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 5-9
Themes: Educating Girls, Letter from girls around the world to Malala Yousafzai
Opening: “Dear Malala, We have never met before, but I feel like I know you. I have never seen you before, but I’ve heard your voice. To girls like me, you are a leader who encourages us. And you are a friend.”
Synopsis: This book is an inspiring letter written to Malala Yousafzai from girls worldwide who have experienced educational and inequality barriers. Malala may be the most famous and outspoken girl in the world campaigning for the rights of girls. She is their hero, friend and role model in demanding change. McCarney opens the book describing how the fifteen-year-old was shot in the head by the Taliban on her way to school in Pakistan on Oct. 9, 2012. They wanted to silence her. They failed and she survived and became even more determined to work on behalf of children. In 2013, she was the youngest person ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Why I like this book: This is a beautiful and timely book written in the form of a letter from girls around the world expressing their gratitude to Malala for bringing attention to the barriers they face in receiving an education — poverty, violence, early marriage, and discrimination. It is a wonderful book to use in the classroom to introduce girls (and boys) to the issues of gender inequality and to promote the rights of all girls to attend school. Malala clearly demonstrates that children everywhere can change the world. Each page of the book is a beautiful photograph of a girl representing a different culture and race with a very simple and powerful statement that they too have rights. Many photographers contributed to this book. My favorite photos are those of the girls raising their hands in support of Malala to show the world what girls can achieve if they stand together. I highly recommend this book.
Resources: The book is a wonderful resource. There is an introduction about “Who is Malala” in the front of the book. And it ends with the speech Malala delivered on her 16th birthday, Jul. 12, 2013, to the United Nations’ Youth Assembly. This book belongs in every elementary school library. It is a great way to discuss the plight of girls in other countries with students. Encourage students to write a letter to Malala.
The author, Rosemary McCarney, is president and CEO of the Plan Canada team, where she launched the important Because I am a Girl campaign and led the initiative to have the United Nations designate an International Day of the Girl to draw attention to their problems and lift millions of girls out of poverty. Proceeds from this book will go to Plan International.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
Wow! Once again, Pat you bring us another inspiring story. This is a story long overdue and so powerful. I would love to read this. Will have to see if it is in our libraries or stores now. Love that it is written in letter form. Shows what one girl can achieve and how she has inspired others to stand up for their rights. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for your wonderful review, Pat.
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Yes, I was excited when I saw Malala’s story was going to be made into a picture book. There is an adult book “I am Malala” that young adults could read. But, now there is something for children, who need to understand the in some countries girls aren’t allowed to go to school. Malala has become a hero to those children.
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I marvel at people with strength like Malala’s. It’s beyond anything I could muster now, let alone when I was fifteen. Talk about “hope for the future”!!
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I really believe there is a new wave of children being born who are equipped to champion important issues and causes. I love to find books about their stories. We come from different generations! And, I believe her healing process has been helped by becoming a champion for an important cause. You can read her story in “I am Malala,” a book for adults. Glad there is a PB for kids.
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Pat, Thanks so much for selecting this book. It’s so important for our children to understand that not everyone has the privilege of going to school without violence or discrimination. But more important, that even a child, has a voice and the potential for the changing that world.
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For me the major take in this story is that a child can raise her voice and bring change worldwide. It’s a powerful story for young children. Was delighted it has written as a PB.
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What a great review of a very important book, Pat! Thanks also to Rosemary for writing such a lovely story.
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Thank you Barbara. You’re right. This is a very important story for children to read.
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I look forward to reading this one for it’s subject and the format. Both very interesting. Thanks for sharing this one.
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Stacy, the format is so simple — one continuous thank you letter. The photographs are powerful. There is also an adult version written by Malala, “I am Malala.”
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I haven’t read this yet. I’m interested to read to see if I would share it with children as young as 5.
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Yes, it it appropriate for a young child. The author’s note tells what happened to Malala. But, the story is about girls thanking Malala for giving them a voice and standing up for their rights.
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What a great idea to have a book about Malala. She is an inspiration. I am particularly disturbed by certain cultures marrying far too young. There has to be change and education for all. Thanks, Pat!
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That’s why this book is so important. Malala is the voice for all of those experiencing poverty, violence, inequality. She is such a role model and she will bring change. The Taliban have not frightened her.
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Where does she live now, Pat? Is she under protection.
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Yes, she’s under protection. And, I believe she lives with her family in England now.
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Oh wonderful!
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Thanks for starting the tweets on this book. Reached a lot of organizations that empower girls.
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Brilliant!
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This one is high on my TBR list. Thanks for the review.
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Glad you like the review Rosi. It is perfect for children.
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OH! I am so glad you choose to introduce this book for PPBF today. I want to read this book. Malala is my Hero too. I so admire her and am so proud of her and how she is so sincere and strong in her message. I am so glad there is a picture book about her now. It had to be written by an organization I guess. Organizations have louder voices than an individual unless you are Malala. 🙂
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I was so excited to see that Second Story Press published this wonderful picture book for children. The author, happened launched the significant UN programs. Seems appropriate that she’d write a PB of girls thanking Malala.
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Yes, it does seem appropriate. I wonder if she was asked to do so. Sometimes editors see a need and have an idea and ask the appropriate person or author.
This is fantastic! 🙂
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We need powerful contemporary nonfiction like this in our classrooms. What a role model of courage for all women she is.
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Yes, I agree. I’ve read her novel, but was thrilled to find out a PB was being written for younger children.
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Wow! this looks like a wonderful and powerful book, Pat! I’m so glad to be adding it to our list!
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Thank you Susanna. It is a powerful book and I’m glad it is age appropriate and an inspiration for younger children.
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What a incredibly brave young woman! Looks like a inspirational read! Nice review, Pat!
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Thank you so much. I’m glad the book has inspired you.
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This book looks like a wonderful way to introduce these issues to young children, and to show what an inspiring and empowering young woman Malala is. Thanks for sharing it with us, Pat!
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Yes, and think what one girl has done. She shows so much courage and determination and is truly a role model for girls worldwide.
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An important story – one that is tough to share with kids, but important. She is better than a super-hero.
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I love your comment. Yes, it is an important story to share with children. She’s one strong and determined young women who is a role model for those needing inspiration.
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Great to see how important social issues can be brought up through picture books! The letters format is a very creative platform to engage readers too. Thanks for highlighting this book!
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Yes, I like the letter format for children. It is a creative way to convey what it happening to girls worldwide to a younger group of children. It is very well done. Thank you for visiting.
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I’ve heard of this young lady – she is such an inspiration. And this book sounds inspiring as well. I think I should find it for my Princesses. Thanks for the great review!
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Thank you Rhythm. It is written for a younger group of children, but still imparts important information. The photographs of girls worldwide are beautiful.
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A great choice indeed Patricia! Malala is such an inspiration to girls and women. Having lived in the Middle East, I know women with her courage and fight. But far too many who loose their battles to have their voices heard.
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I have no doubt you are right. But, there is a very vocal younger generation growing up and making their voices heard. We can hope. And, it has focused the world on the issues.
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You always have the most interesting finds, Patricia. Growing up in the U.S., my children couldn’t even imagine such barriers to education. It’s good for children to see that everyone’s childhood experience is not the same.
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Most of our children can’t begin to understand education barriers. Hopefully it will give them a fresh new look at how lucky they are to attend school. Because other children around the world would love to have the opportunity our kids take for granted.
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Thanks. I am sure the book is nearly as inspiring as the girl herself. We’ll look for it.
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It is inspiring in a different way! Hope you check it out.
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OH WOW! I really need this book. My mom and I have talked a lot about Mala. This is great that there is a kid’s picture book! Thanks for telling us about it!
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I was thrilled to learn this book was being published for younger kids. You could handle the adult book by Malala, I think, but for younger kids, this is absolutely perfect.
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