This book chronicles Malala's experience standing up for girls' educational rights, even at her own personal risk. Information about the Taliban's attack on Malala is included, but the story's focus is her belief in education for all. The book is accessible for most students, which is a benefit since many are interested in learning more about her. However, the story does jump around in the beginning. For example, Malala mentions several occasions when her family had to flee their home to avoid the dangerous rule of the Taliban and Fazlullah. Yet, I knew the Taliban attacked Malala on her way home from school, so I got confused about the chronological order of events. But there are several resources, including a timeline in the back of the book, to assist readers with fully understanding the timing. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy true stories about people making a difference in the world.
This book opens with a bang. Foster McKee and her mother are fleeing Memphis with a crazed Elvis impersonator hot on their tail. Readers soon find out the crazy Elvis is actually Foster's mother's ex-boyfriend Huck, who is not happy to see his former love and back-up singer driving out of his life. Foster and her mom relocate to the small town of Culpepper, which has recently become home to a prison and its prisoners. Foster grapples with her own problems--her father died serving overseas in the military, and she struggles with reading and school. Like many of Bauer's books, younger readers (6th grade and below) will enjoy its optimistic portrayal of serious problems such as domestic violence. Some of this book would be too sugary for students dealing with major life problems. I recommend it to readers who enjoy cooking/baking, and stories about fitting in, perseverance, and building relationships.
