Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala

Nobel Peace Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai is immediately recognizable in newcomer Maslo's graceful acrylic and ink artwork, through which she traces the girl's burgeoning desire to defend the rights of girls and women. Tension builds amid threats to Malala and her father; eventually, "the day came when he could not protect her." Maslo uses a limited palette of red and blue to dramatic effect, and she opts for an abstract representation of the Taliban's attempt on Malala's life: over several pages, a bulletlike blast of black on red morphs into choppy blue waters, a waterfall, and a cluster of soaring birds, signaling Malala's recovery. An author's note and timeline of Yousafzai's life close out this visually poetic addition to the growing collection of children's books about this activist. Ages 4-8. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 2—This straightforward chronicle of one exceptional girl's fearless efforts to pursue her education presents the true story of Malala Yousafzai, who believes that "one child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world." When Yousafzai is born, her parents proudly name her after a Pashtun heroine. From a very young age, she dreams of being free like the colorful kites her brothers fly from the roof. Despite society's restrictions, Yousafzai's father refuses to clip her wings. They both become advocates for education for girls. The Taliban brings war into the Swat Valley and tries to silence Yousafzai (Maslo does not include details of how she is injured). The brave girl wakes up in the hospital in England and after recovering, continues to speak out for "those without a voice." Maslo's acrylic-and-ink illustrations portray Yousafzai, her family, and friends in a graphic novel—like style. She uses color and shadow effectively to create suspense and emotion. In one evocative picture, Yousafzai flies free over the mountains surrounded by vibrant kites and birds. An informative author's note and time line provide additional facts about this champion's life. VERDICT Timeless in its message, this biography is a fine addition to nonfiction collections.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston