Free as a Bird

By Lina Maslo

The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, from debut author/illustrator Lina Maslo. Celebrate the power of one young woman speaking up for change with Free as a Bird. This beautiful nonfiction picture book is perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom.

When Malala Yousafzai was born, some people shook their heads because girls were considered bad luck. But her father looked into her eyes and knew she could do anything.

In Pakistan, some believed girls should not be educated. But Malala and her father were not afraid. She secretly went to school and spoke up for education in her country.

And even though an enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Malala traveled around the world to speak to girls and boys, to teachers, reporters, presidents, and queens—to anyone who would listen—and advocated for the right to education and equality of opportunity for every person. She would shout so that those without a voice could be heard. So everyone could be as free as a bird.

Free as a Bird is the inspiring true story of a fearless girl and the father who taught her to soar. A unique way to celebrate the power of a young woman, and to honor a father who strives to let his daughter shine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063063259

Lina Maslo

Lina Maslo is the author and illustrator of Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala and Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia. She has a bachelor's degree in art from New College of Florida and resides in South Carolina with her husband and children. She can be found online at www.linamaslo.com.

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Reviews for Free as a Bird

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author/illustrator Lina Maslo tells the moving story of Malala Yousafzai in this beautifully-illustrated picture-book, describing her early exposure to schooling, thanks to her educator father, and her growing commitment to learning, in the face of violent opposition from some extremists in her region of Pakistan. The Taliban's attempt to assassinate her, and her subsequent worldwide campaign for educational access for girls, are also discussed. The book closes with an afterword that gives more information about Malala, and that also includes a timeline and a list of sources...After reading Malala Yousafzai's own autobiographical picture-book, Malala's Magic Pencil, I was curious to see what other authors would do with her story, and requested Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala from the library. I found it informative and deeply moving, and appreciated some of the details - the fact that Malala was named for Pashtun heroine Malalai of Maiwand, for instance - that weren't in the other book. I also really liked the attention paid here to the role of Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, in encouraging her to struggle for her right to an education. He too was very courageous, as a public figure who took a strong stance in favor of girls' education, and without his influence, Malala would not be the person she is today, so I was glad to see that element of the story included. Maslo's artwork here was as beautiful as her narrative was inspiring, and I was struck by her assured use of vibrant color and stylized form. It's astonishing to think that this was her picture-book debut - I will definitely be on the look-out for more of her work! Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy biography, or are looking for inspiring stories of people who overcame great obstacles.