September 2019 Children's & Young Adult Sterling

People Who Shaped Our World

A Girl Called Genghis Khan: The Story of Maria Toorpakai Wazir Michelle Lord, illustrated by Shehzil Malik

People Who Shaped Our World

A Girl Called Genghis Khan: The Story of Maria Toorpakai Wazir
Michelle Lord, illustrated by Shehzil Malik


Hardback (Picture book) | Sep 2019 | Sterling Children's Books | 9781454931362 | 48pp | 216x276mm | GEN | AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99

Age range 6 +

This compelling, timely, and empowering picture book introduces children to Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a Pakistani girl who braved threats from the Taliban in order to play the sport she loved. 
Meet Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a Pakistani girl who loved sports and longed for the freedom that boys in her culture enjoyed. She joined a squash club to pursue her dream, and was taunted, teased, and beaten — but still continued playing. Then, when Maria received an award from the President of Pakistan for outstanding achievement, the Taliban threatened her squash club, her family, and her life. Forced to quit the team, she continued to practice in her bedroom every day for three years! Her hard work and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles will inspire all children.