I Am Malala Summary
Description
Here you will find a I Am Malala summary (Malala Yousafzai's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters I Am Malala Summary Overview
The narrative focuses on a young Pakistani girl who bravely opposed the oppressive Taliban regime and their prohibition of female education. Despite being attacked and severely wounded by the Taliban, she survives and becomes a globally recognized advocate for human rights and education. She shares her life experiences growing up in the verdant Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan, as part of the Yousafzai tribe of the Pashtun people who value hospitality and honor. Her family includes her progressive, educated father who founded the Khushal School, her devout mother, and her two younger brothers. In a society that traditionally undervalues girls, she is celebrated by her father and named after a brave heroine from folklore. She provides a detailed insight into her parents' history, their tribal background, and the events leading up to the establishment of the Khushal School. She shares about the societal and cultural changes in Pakistan under various military regimes. She also offers an account of a family trip to Shangla, an impoverished region where women's lives were extremely restricted. Her narrative includes her schoolmates and childhood lessons learned on the importance of generosity, honesty, and humility. As a result of geopolitical events and subsequent power shifts, religious leaders gain prominence in the region, leading to intense confrontations over religious interpretations and the education of girls. With the rise of the Taliban, life under their rule becomes increasingly restrictive and violent. Despite the order to prohibit girls from attending school, she continues her studies and publicly criticizes the oppressive situation. As the fight between the Taliban and the army intensifies, her family, along with millions of other Pashtuns, are forced to evacuate. Upon their return, they find their home and school still standing amidst the destruction. Despite natural disasters causing further destruction, they remain resilient. As tensions heighten between Pakistan and the U.S., she gains national and international recognition for her activism. Despite threats from the Taliban, she remains in Swat. The narrative culminates with a brutal attack on her by the Taliban in 2012. Her recovery, supported by the international community, takes place in England where her family is relocated. She continues her education and advocacy work with unwavering determination, hoping one day to return to her beloved Pakistan.
prologue
Malala's narrative commences from 2013, in England, a year after she never returned home from school. The contrast between English and Pakistani lifestyles is recounted. She details the incident of her shooting on October 9, 2012. Now, instead of walking like she used to, Malala takes the bus to school due to safety reasons. She had thought any potential attack would happen at her school's entrance. Although she has other safety measures in place, Malala doubts the Taliban's interest in a young girl like herself. She narrates her routine journey back home, where her memory of that tragic day ends near a military checkpoint. The actual events that transpired: two men halt the school bus, with one boarding to confirm it's the Khushal School's bus and to identify Malala. Three shots were fired, hitting Malala and two of her classmates. Malala, bleeding profusely, falls onto her friend Moniba's lap. She is immediately taken to the hospital.
chapter 1
The book opens with Malala Yousafzai sharing her personal and cultural background. She hails from Mingora, the largest city in Pakistan's picturesque Swat Valley, and belongs to the Yousafzai tribe, the biggest Pashtun group known for their hospitality and honor. Her father's joy at her birth, a rare response in their society, led him to name her after a brave Afghan woman. Her family consists of her progressive, educated father Ziauddin, the founder of Khushal School, her devout and attractive mother, Toor Pekai, and her younger brothers Khushal and Atal, with whom she occasionally argues. Malala proceeds to share her parents' love story and explain the history of her region. She mentions the prosperity of her region under two father-son monarchs and its incorporation into Pakistan in 1969. Prioritizing her identities, Malala identifies herself first as a Swati, next as a Pashtun, and lastly as a Pakistani. She introduces her friend, Safina, and draws attention to the wide gap between the liberties enjoyed by boys and the limitations imposed on the girls. Although confident in her father's support, she questions if genuine freedom is achievable for her.
chapter 2
Malala provides insight into her father's upbringing, centering the chapter around the tale of his struggle to overcome his speech impediment via a public speaking contest, a victory that finally earns him his father's recognition. Her grandfather, Baba Rohul Amin, is portrayed as a renowned theologian and imam known for his powerful speeches, despite his impatience. The history of Pakistan is explored through Malala's narration of the military takeover and leadership of General Zia, the figure behind Pakistan's Islamization. His rule bolsters religious dominance and curtails women's liberties. Initially ostracized globally, General Zia's Pakistan gains strategic importance following the 1979 Russian invasion of Afghanistan. This event casts Pakistan as a key player in the West's anti-communist battle and as a model for other Islamic nations. Zia's policy promotes jihad, or the struggle against Islam's enemies. Her father, Ziauddin, initially desires to be a jihadi but his future wife's family's secular and peaceful ideologies cause him to reconsider. Despite Baba's tough approach, Ziauddin receives a solid education and earns the nickname Falcon for his prowess. However, Ziauddin, growing to be more generous than his father, declines the moniker due to the bird's cruel nature.
chapter 3
While Malala’s mom is one of the many uneducated Pakistani women, Malala’s father, Ziauddin, is a strong advocate for education, seeing it as crucial for Pakistan's future. Despite financial obstacles, he manages to attend college through his wife's family's generosity, and during his time there, starts showing interest in politics following the death of General Zia and the rise of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's first female prime minister. Post-college, Ziauddin and his college friend Naeem start a school in Mingora. However, they encounter financial difficulties, straining their friendship. Ziauddin then partners with another college buddy, Hidayatullah, to set up the Khushal School. The process isn't smooth as they face numerous challenges like bribery demands from corrupt officials and a natural disaster in the form of a flood. Ziauddin marries Toor Pekai, and their union is marked by genuine affection. After a tragic stillbirth, they are blessed with the arrival of Malala on July 12, 1997, which seems to turn their fortunes around. Ziauddin’s commitment and unwavering optimism help the school prosper. Malala grows up fully immersed in the school environment. However, the onset of war in Swat after 9/11 alters the course of their lives.
chapter 4
Malala is renowned for her wit and wisdom, traits she inherited from her mother's father, and her outspokenness, which she shares with her beloved father, Baba. She shares stories from her visits to her parents' ancestral village in Shangla's mountain range, where they often go during the Muslim celebrations of Big Eid and Small Eid. She presents a vivid image of the village, its people's modest living conditions, the harsh weather, and the lack of basic amenities such as electricity, running water, or medical facilities. Despite such hardships, the villagers are known for their strong community ties and hospitality. Malala enjoys her time there, playing with her cousins and other kids, who consider her a city girl. As Malala enters her teenage years, a cousin criticizes her for not being properly covered. This underscores the rigid societal expectations placed on Shangla women who are required to cover their faces, avoid interacting with unrelated men, and often face harsh treatment. When Malala discusses this with her father, he informs her that life is even tougher in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. Unbeknownst to Malala, the Taliban would soon cast a shadow over her own life in Swat. However, her father reassures her, pledging to safeguard her freedoms and urging her to chase her dreams.
chapter 5
Malala presents her close companions: Moniba, her bestie and co-student who manages their friendship, and Safina, her neighborhood playmate. After Safina takes her toy phone, Malala retaliates by swiping Safina's trinkets. Upon learning this, her parents reprimand her, leading Malala to promise to abandon lying or stealing and avoiding jewelry as a symbol of this pledge. She mentions Pashtun culture, where neither transgressions nor acts of kindness are forgotten or forgiven, hence the lack of gratitude expressions among them. Yet, Malala is not a fan of the Pashtunwali vengeance principle, badal, and prefers peace. She recollects the event where General Pervez Musharraf takes over from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, turning into Pakistan’s fourth military ruler, which prompts an international boycott of Pakistan. As a top-ranking student, Malala is in constant rivalry with Moniba and Malka-e-Noor. To regain her parents' pride, she takes part in an oratory contest and delivers a speech penned by her father highlighting the significance of benevolent actions that cause no harm. She finishes second, which imparts to her the virtue of being a good loser.
chapter 6
Upon acquiring a television, Malala finds joy in a program featuring a boy with a magic pencil that could animate whatever he sketches. Given such a power, she would use it to spread happiness. She recounts the pitiful sight of impoverished kids scavenging through trash, a task they undertake to feed their families rather than going to school. Malala's family, especially her mother, play significant roles in supporting their community, offering food, money and shelter, and even free education at her father's expanding institution. However, this act of kindness makes some affluent families uncomfortable, leading them to pull their children out of the school due to the presence of impoverished students. In the same vein, Malala's father is gaining respect in Swat for his dedication to education, peace and environmental conservation. Discussions on politics, with special emphasis on 9/11 that has drawn Pakistan into a fraught relationship with the US, often resonate in their home. The views regarding the Taliban and the Afghan war are diverse and complex in her country, Malala notes. She prays to God for courage to make an impact in the world.
chapter 7
Malala describes a clash between her father, Ziauddin, and a traditional Islamic scholar who criticizes Ziauddin for permitting girls to attend school. This scholar believes women should be in seclusion. Malala dislikes the version of Islam that stresses on jihad and limits women’s rights, insisting they stay indoors and wear burqas. Ziauddin stands his ground when challenged by community members, justifying his stand with references from the Quran. He suggests letting the girls enter school through another door. Malala details the violent division of India into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan, resulting in the loss of millions of lives. She then clarifies the quarrel between the Sunnis and Shias on the rightful successor to Prophet Mohammad, pointing out the splits amongst the Sunnis in Pakistan. The narrative then turns to the lessening of restrictions on women by General Musharraf, juxtaposed with the election of a mullah government in Malala's traditionally-minded Pashtun region. This government's popularity surges post America's intrusion in Afghanistan and subsequent battle with the Taliban. Violence erupts with General Musharraf commanding the army into the unregulated FATA region and America's assault on Pakistan. Ziauddin is deeply concerned about the escalating militancy reaching Swat.
chapter 8
Malala speaks about the disastrous earthquake of October 8, 2005, that shook Pakistan severely. While Mingora managed to escape extreme damage, northern regions and Shangla suffered heavily, leading to a loss of thousands of lives. The government's response was sluggish and ineffective. American troops from across the Afghan border provided much-needed aid, reaching far-flung areas via helicopters. However, conservative religious organizations like TNSM played a significant role by clearing debris, conducting burials, offering prayers, and sheltering orphans in their religious schools, or madrasas. Malala emphasizes that these Islamic factions exploited the calamity, asserting that the earthquake was a divine retribution for Pakistanis deviating from Sharia, the Islamic law.
chapter 9
When Malala was ten, the Taliban, led by Maulana Fazlullah, also known as Radio Mullah, infiltrated Swat. His radio broadcasts became essential to illiterate people and those without television. Initially, Fazlullah's religious teachings captivated many, including Malala's mother. His proposal to reinstate sharia law was appealing to the dissatisfied population, weary of the corrupt Pakistani judicial system. Gradually, Fazlullah started labeling numerous activities as haram( forbidden), such as listening to music, watching movies, dancing, having haircuts, wearing Western clothes, and girls' education. He insisted that such actions would incite God's wrath. Fazlullah began focusing on his substantial female listeners, urging them to stay indoors and only venture out fully veiled and accompanied by a male relative. Many women contributed money and jewelry to support his cause. Malala admired the strength of Pashtun women like her mother, who she saw as fierce protectors. Before long, the Taliban began patrolling the streets, punishing people brutally for their mistakes and defiance. The danger started encroaching on Malala's life when a public notice criticized Ziauddin's school for being too Western. To safeguard his students, Ziauddin wrote a plea in the newspaper, beseeching the Taliban not to harm his pupils.
chapter 10
Malala details how the Taliban eliminate art, culture and destroy significant Buddha statues, demonstrating their attack on history. Their influence extends to the capital, Islamabad, where a violent conflict occurs at the Red Mosque, betwenn Islamic militants and the army. The mosque, an ally to Osama bin Laden, condemns the government’s alliance with America in the War on Terror. The Burqa Brigade, a militant group, exposes the Taliban's double standards regarding women - they must remain concealed at home unless participating in warfare. There is an escalation of suicide bombings following the death of a mosque leader, leading Fazlullah to wage war against the government. The return of Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan in October 2007 kindles democratic hopes, but she is assassinated by a suicide bomber two months later. Malala condemns the misinterpretation of the Quran to validate Benazir’s assassination. The army enters Swat, distributing sweets and tennis balls to the locals and implementing a curfew. Clashes ensue between the army and the militants. The Taliban seize control of the region, forcing Musharraf to deploy additional troops. The conflict intensifies as various militant factions unite to form the Pakistan Taliban, reinforcing their campaign. Fazlullah is named the chief of Swat.
chapter 11
Amidst the escalating conflict between Taliban and the army, school serves as Malala's sanctuary. She remains a keen competitor against her classmates, Malka-e-Noor and Moniba, in a class known for its intelligence and curious nature. The situation in Swat deteriorates as bombings and killings increase. The Taliban, led by Fazlullah's belief that girls should not attend school, demolish 400 schools by late 2008. One such explosion results in casualties within Moniba's family. Ziauddin, Malala's father, uses the dawn's light as a metaphor to inspire hope and courage. Ziauddin evolves into a significant advocate for truth and peace, shedding light on Swat's condition. His commitment leads him to Peshawar and Islamabad where he engages in interviews with outlets like Voice of America and BBC. Inspired by her father, 11-year-old Malala also speaks out for change. Despite a fresh government under President Asif Zardari, Swat's situation remains unchanged. With Taliban bombings targeting powerlines and gas pipelines during Ramadan, they eventually declare the shutdown of girls’ schools by the end of 2008.
chapter 12
In Swat, the Taliban reign by instilling fear, leaving the corpses of their victims in the square, which is now referred to as "Bloody Square." They assassinate a popular local dancer for alleged immoral conduct and a teacher for improper attire. The continuous horrific incidents unsettle Malala and her father. As people concede the permanency of the Taliban, mistrust among Pashtuns increases. Some question why Ziauddin, who openly criticizes them, remains unharmed, which forces him to take necessary safety measures. The Taliban's acceptance is further highlighted when the district's deputy commissioner joins their ranks. Malala notes that low-status manual workers also join the Taliban seeking prestige. In 2008, the founder of TNSM, Sufi Mohammad, walks free. Despite the army's significant presence in Swat, conditions do not improve. Some, including Malala's father, believe implementing sharia in Swat could halt Taliban violence. Malala comments on the severe deterioration of Pashtun and Islamic values due to living in fear.
chapter 13
At the age of eleven, Malala starts writing anonymous blogs for BBC Urdu, describing her life under Taliban influence. Using the pen name Gul Makai, she recognizes the strength of writing. Her school environment becomes tense as girls are urged to leave and unmarried women are pushed into matrimony. In early 2009, the New York Times films a documentary of Malala's final school day for some time. Amidst the gloom, she has a falling out with her friend Moniba, and her school's closure negatively impacts the finances of Khushal School. Despite these challenges, Malala and her father persist in advocating for education in interviews. While Malala's mother, Toor Pekai, is anxious about her daughter's safety, she never insists that Malala cover her face during interviews. Malala remains firm in her belief that education is universal and that the Taliban's school closures won't prevent youngsters from studying. Her story, highlighted in the BBC documentary "Class Dismissed in Swat Valley", catches the eye of Shiza Shahid, a Stanford University student from Islamabad. A trip to freer Islamabad is organized for Malala and her schoolmates, providing them with a brief respite from their worries back home.
chapter 14
Fazlullah allows girls up to age ten to go back to school, which Malala takes advantage of by pretending to be younger. She observes a ghost town on her way to school. The army surpasses the Taliban in numbers, but the latter rules most of Swat. In 2009, the Taliban agrees to an endless truce if the government imposes sharia law. However, Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, cautions that this empowers the extremists. The Pashtuns crave peace, but the Taliban's harshness only escalates. Toor Pekai is confronted for not wearing a burqa and a video spreads showing a Taliban member flogging a teenage girl for being seen with a man who isn't her spouse. A large crowd attends a meeting with Sufi Mohammad, who declares that the Taliban aims to conquer Islamabad. The situation in Pakistan alarms President Obama, leading to threats of intervention. In May 2009, the army restarts its mission to oust the Taliban from Swat, leading to forced evacuation of Mingora's inhabitants.
chapter 15
Malala's family, along with nearly 2 million Pashtun people, were forced to relocate in May 2009, marking the biggest exodus in the community's history. They left their home and moved to Shangla, leaving Malala's schoolbooks behind. Meanwhile, her father, Ziauddin, went to Peshawar to address the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), including his own family. Despite the challenges faced during the two-day trip, they finally arrived in Shangla, where Malala attended school, unafraid to stand out from her peers by not covering her face. As fighting ensued in their home city of Mingora, a radio kept them updated. Ultimately, the army regained control over the troubled city. After about a month and a half, the family reunited with Ziauddin in Peshawar. Both Malala and her father had a meeting with U.S. Special Ambassador Richard Holbrooke in Islamabad. Malala sought his aid in promoting girls' education, to which Holbrooke responded by highlighting the array of other issues that Pakistan faced. On reaching Abbottabad, Malala was able to meet her friend Moniba again. Her twelfth birthday, however, was a bitter-sweet occasion as her family inadvertently forgot about it. Her only birthday wish was for peace to return to Swat.
chapter 16
After a three-month absence, Malala's family return to Mingora, which has been wrecked by conflict and is under army control. Their home and the Khushal School have remarkably remained intact despite the army's destruction. Malala's father discovers a letter from the army accusing the Pashtuns of aiding the Taliban. Although peace is uncertain, with Taliban leaders still roaming free, Malala is delighted to be back at school. She recounts various chances to learn and express herself, such as her trip to Islamabad where she encounters more emancipated Pakistani women. Malala is elected speaker of the year-long District Child Assembly Swat, which seeks to enhance children's lives. While her father, Ziauddin, continues his activism, he is burdened with paying his teachers' salaries. The Taliban silence some of their detractors violently. Pakistan is then hit by severe monsoons, causing the loss of thousands of lives and widespread destruction of schools and homes. The government's response is disappointingly slow, with aid mainly arriving from Islamic groups and the Pakistan and American armies. It becomes clear to many that the Taliban are still present in Swat. Resolute, Malala decides to pursue politics to assist her country in overcoming its challenges.
chapter 17
Malala, only five feet tall at thirteen, fears her height might undermine her authority. Pakistan's religious conflict persists, including the disappearance of many men, a blasphemy case sparking the assassination of Punjab's governor, and another death threat against Ziauddin. American-Pakistan relations strain further following a CIA agent's killing of two Pakistanis and the secret assassination of Osama bin Laden by Navy SEALs. Some Pakistanis feel disgraced, having harbored bin Laden, while others resent their exclusion from the operation. America views Pakistan as an unreliable collaborator despite large financial aid. In contrast, Malala gains international acclaim as a peacemaker. Archbishop Desmond Tutu nominates her for a global peace award, and the Pakistani government bestows her with its inaugural National Peace Prize, named in her honor. She asks the prime minister to rebuild Taliban-destroyed schools and establish a girls' university in Swat. The celebration brings joy to Malala and her school friends, though her parents fret over her security. Ziauddin puts some of Malala's prize money towards helping the family, and Malala resolves to launch an educational fund.
chapter 18
Malala feels angered by the fact that Pakistani women's life experiences are often dictated by men. For instance, her aunt is unable to see the sea for three decades because her husband doesn't take her, despite living in coastal Karachi. Malala and her family take their first-ever flight in 2012 to attend a school inauguration in Karachi named after Malala. The city, once the capital and currently home to the largest Pashtun population, is now a hub of violence. The sight of a picture of a murderous governor being celebrated disheartens Malala's family. During her visit to the grave of Mohammad Al Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Malala reflects on her country's chaotic past marked by relentless conflict among the Pashtuns, mohajirs (Pakistan immigrants and their progeny), Sunnis, and Shias. The Taliban enforces its strict interpretation of the Quran. Additionally, she outlines other issues such as low education levels, widespread illiteracy, erratic power supply, and rampant murders. Despite the Taliban operating discreetly, their attacks on critics have escalated. Malala has fallen under their radar and faces accusations of endorsing Western atheism.
chapter 19
After a school outing to Marghazar, Ziauddin gets an anonymous note accusing the Khushal School of breaching religious rules by letting girls behave improperly. He reassures the girls that the criticism is propaganda from Mullah Fazlullah. The note heightens Ziauddin's fears, especially when intelligence officers begin questioning him about his family, school, and peace initiatives. In the month of July, Malala reaches fifteen, considered adulthood in Islam. The threats towards those who oppose the militants or army are on the rise. This fact is reinforced when Ziauddin’s colleague and fellow activist, Zahid Khan, is attacked. Regardless of the risks, Ziauddin visits his wounded friend at the hospital, declining any police protection. While he does alter his daily routine for security reasons, he refuses to leave Swat due to his leadership responsibilities. When Zahid Khan recovers, he resumes his opposition to the Taliban and intelligence agencies, whom he suspects of supporting the Taliban. Meanwhile, Malala faces minor trouble from Haroon, an older boy who has feelings for her. This incident will soon appear trivial in Malala's life.
chapter 20
Malala, along with her mathematics instructor, Miss Shazia, starts feeling ominous forebodings. She doubles down on her nightly security measures, securing her home and seeking divine protection. She goes on to share the chilling events of an October 2012 afternoon, following her exams. Her school bus is intercepted by two unfamiliar faces near a military outpost. One man brazenly steps onto the bus, questions her identity, and fires a bullet at her.
chapter 21
Following the attack, the bus driver speeds Malala and two other wounded girls to the hospital. Ziauddin, informed of his daughter's injury, races to meet her, accompanied by Madam Maryam, the headmistress. An army chopper transports Malala to Peshawar's military hospital ICU, where her mother, Toor Pekai, and brother, Atal, join them. When Malala's brain begins to inflate, her father consents to a surgery that ultimately saves her life. Toor Pekai prays as Malala battles for survival, while prominent figures assemble at the hospital in solidarity. The Taliban soon claim the responsibility for the assault. Two UK doctors inspect Malala's condition and promptly identify that she isn't receiving the necessary post-operative care. Fearing the loss of his daughter, Ziauddin is fraught with worry.
chapter 22
Malala's condition worsens as she battles infection and organ failure. Dr. Fiona, a British medical professional, risks her safety to stay in Pakistan and provide care for Malala. She is moved to another army hospital on lockdown due to potential Taliban threats. Malala's attack stirs international outrage against the Taliban. Still, in Pakistan, public opinion is divided: some see her as a peace hero, others buy into negative conspiracies about her. The army deliberates over offers from overseas hospitals to treat Malala. Eventually, Malala is airlifted to a superior hospital in Birmingham, England. Discussions ensue about who should accompany her. Her father, Ziauddin, declines to go as he won't leave his family, who lack passports, behind. Dr. Fiona acts as Malala’s interim guardian for her journey. Back at the hostel, Malala's family nervously await updates on her health, placing their faith in God.
chapter 23
After waking from a coma on October 16, 2012, Malala finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, away from her family. Her relief at surviving is mixed with fear, confusion, and a torrent of questions. She's concerned about her father's location, their financial ability to afford her treatment, and the lack of movement in the left side of her face. Back in Pakistan, her family anxiously waits for news of her condition. The falsity of the army's claims, which Ziauddin discovers, that the Taliban are absent in Mingora and were the culprits behind the assault on Malala and Zahid Khan, infuriates him. Malala, upon learning the truth from Dr. Fiona, does not harbor bitterness or let it impede her mission. The red tape of politics and administration holds back her family, though their worry is somewhat tempered by phone conversations with Malala. The hospital staff provides her care, and she gradually regains the ability to walk. The international community showers Malala with messages, cards, and gifts of support. Of particular significance are two shawls that once belonged to Benazir Bhutto. Malala acknowledges that this global support played a significant role in her survival.
chapter 24
Malala reunites with her family, an emotional and joyful moment. Ziauddin notes the loss of his daughter’s smile, a theft by the Taliban. However, post-surgery, her smile is regained. She diligently works towards her recovery, even visiting Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The family finds out Ataullah Khan, a Taliban member, shot Malala. The bus driver also gets arrested, though guiltless, while Khan remains free. The UN declares November 10 as Malala Day. She receives a visit from Pakistan's president, Asif Zardari, who assures them Pakistan will handle her medical expenses. He also offers Ziauddin a diplomatic passport and a job as an education attaché, enabling the family to stay in the UK without an asylum request. In a subsequent operation, Malala's skull is covered with a titanium plate, restoring her hearing. Finally, by early 2013, she leaves the hospital. The family moves to a Birmingham apartment and Malala is more resolved to help others than ever before.
epilogue
Relocating to a Birmingham home, Malala's family find themselves in a foreign environment, far from everything they know. Toor Pekai battles solitude, while Ziauddin mourns the loss of his school and reputation. Despite the public blaming him for Malala's ordeal, she is delighted to return to school. She wishes to be seen as an average teen, not a celebrated activist. Her home becomes a trophy room of her activism, yet she remains focused on the future. Malala's legacy, in her eyes, should be that she fought for education, not that she survived a Taliban attack. On her sixteenth birthday, Malala addresses the United Nations, championing education. The crisis in Pakistan escalates with school bombings and innocent student casualties. A Taliban leader's letter reveals that Malala's attack was due to her lack of support for the Islamic system, not her advocacy for education. Nevertheless, Malala persists, holding firmly to her vision of peace and universal education.
