I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)

This short section brings the reader full circle back to the memoir’s Prologue. Malala builds tension by focusing on events that foreshadow the attempt on her life. Central to these chapters is Malala’s growing maturity, shown in her belief that she is a part of a larger plan and in her evolving outlook on life and death.

The news that she is on the Taliban’s kill list does not surprise or frighten Malala, who sees it as an inevitability, given the work she does. Malala suggests that she has been granted a strong “powerful force” that removes her fear. She is confident that her pursuit of social change is a true calling, something she is “meant to do” (118). Malala’s father jokes with Atal that Malala will be prime minister, but given her drive, success, and fame, the concept is not farfetched.

Now 15, Malala is considered an adult in Pakistani culture. She demonstrates a mature outlook on both life and death. She takes stock of her future and decides on a definitive goal of becoming a politician despite the “stain” that surrounds politics: She wants to be a politician for the people and effect positive change. She elects to share the revenue from her awards by creating a charitable foundation and donating funds to help impoverished children get an education. Her desire for others to benefit from her gains shows her strong sense of social conscience and selflessness. Malala also wisely determines to fight hatred with love, vowing to talk and find common ground with any Talib who comes to kill her. All these actions reflect Malala’s maturing sense of empathy, self-sacrifice, and growing awareness of the power her influence exerts.

Malala attempts to assuage her father’s fears for her life by declaring matter-of-factly that death happens to everyone. Notably, Malala intimates that should she or her father die during their crusade, their “voices will only multiply” (119). This comment suggests that Malala believes their cause is more important than their lives and that their deaths would, in a sense, make them martyrs, increasing awareness and support of their mission.

Although Malala seems calm about being targeted, she still fears for her family and herself. The precautions she and her father take for their safety appear extreme, but their anxiety is well-founded. The shooting of Malala’s father’s friend and the threat to Malala’s life indicate that although the Taliban have been driven underground, their violent extremism and their followers are still active. In the chapter titled “Omens” preceding the attack on her life, Malala gives credence to a collection of strange events that seem to portend her assault. Although the omens, her own nightmares, and her increasing daytime fears trouble her, Malala keeps her feelings to herself so no one will worry—an act of self-sacrifice to protect her loved ones.

The final chapter of this section in many ways repeats the Prologue’s description of the day Malala was shot. It leaves some prior details out but adds others, including the fact that Malala’s brother, Atal, was supposed to ride home with her and thus could also have been shot; and the fact that Malala had two friends switch seats. Malala leaves the reader in the same position of suspense as she did in the Prologue. The reader does not know exactly who was struck by the three bullets, nor how serious anyone’s injuries are. In the Prologue, Malala memorably asks God before her attack to let her die and return so she can tell others about it. In this account, Malala remembers thanking God for her blessings and asking for success on her exam. Repeating the description of this pivotal day emphasizes its importance in Malala’s life and her future path.