Grades 4-6. Announcing itself as part of Scholastic’s True Book series, this new biography of Malala Yousafzai opens with a pair of true-false statements for which readers are prompted to “find the truth” by reading on. A double-page spread in the center, titled “The BIG Truth,” highlights Malala’s family as her source of inspiration, strength, and continued activism. The narrative presents Malala—the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize—as an ordinary girl driven by her desire for an education. Readers will learn about her outspokenness in the face of danger and how her community reacted to her work, as well as the terrible day when she was shot and her recovery. Inserts about the Taliban’s takeover of northern Pakistan and role in 9/11 provide context for this group’s impact. Critical readers can be prompted to use the premise of “truth” to ask questions about resistance, oppression, facts, and figures.
Gr 3-5-Each of theses titles is packed with useful information presented in short, readable sentences. Crisp, high-quality photos, many in full color and with bright captions, add to the design and striking layouts. An interesting fact on the front cover, two "Find the Truth" true-false statements at the beginning of each book, and an intriguing question and answer on the back cover will draw students in with teasers of what's to come. Answers to the opening statements are provided on a final "True Statistics" page, though the information merely rehashes what's been previously mentioned. Appearing in the middle of each volume, a spread titled "The Big Truth!" adds context but interrupts the narrative flow. VERDICT A fine option for browsing and assignments. © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.