Ruby was at her tenth birthday party, discussing the merits of favorite books with her two best friends, when I overheard this mind-blowing conversation.
Girl 1: Harry Potter is the best series of all time. No book is better than Harry Potter.
Girl 2: I am Malala is better.
Girl 1: That’s crazy, Harry Potter is way better!
Girl 2: Ummm, Malala gets shot in the head as a kid and survives!
Girl 1: THAT’S THE PLOT OF HARRY POTTER!
Oh my gosh. She’s right! I am Malala and the Harry Potter series are basically the SAME BOOK! How did I not see this before? Let’s compare.
I am Malala: Child gets shot in head by terrorists, but somehow survives.
Harry Potter: Child gets shot in head by terrorists, but somehow survives.
I am Malala: Protagonist defends schools in Pakistan, despite growing threats.
Harry Potter: Protagonist defends school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, despite growing threats.
I am Malala: Father runs school, encourages hero to continue her good work.
Harry Potter: Father-figure runs school, encourages hero to continue his good work.
I am Malala: Breaks all the laws, but for the greater good.
Harry Potter: Breaks all the rules, but for the greater good.
I am Malala: Hero goes on to travel the world as an author and continues to fight evil to this day.
Harry Potter: Hero goes on to travel the world as an auror and continues to fight evil to this day.
I am Malala: Malala has to deal with life in a society where women are often invisible.
Harry Potter: Harry has to deal with life by often using a cloak of invisibility.
I am Malala: Taliban’s flawed interpretation of Quran leads them to commit evil deeds.
Harry Potter: Voldemort’s flawed interpretation of prophecy leads him to commit evil deeds.
I am Malala: Malala nominated for international award for her work in children’s rights, does not win, but goes on to later win many other awards.
Harry Potter: Harry Potter chosen to play for the house Quidditch team, wins all the frickin’ time, but then later does not win, and then goes on to later win many, many other matches.
I am Malala: Hero gains global recognition after surviving a direct attack.
Harry Potter: Hero gains global wizard recognition after surviving a direct attack.
I am Malala: Hero feels slightly uncomfortable in school due to sudden fame,
Harry Potter: Hero feels slightly uncomfortable in school due to sudden fame.
I am Malala: Malala looked after by Javid Kayani.
Harry Potter: Harry looked after by Hagrid and the Weasleys.
I am Malala: Books ends with a reminder of the power of God’s love.
Harry Potter: Series reminds us constantly of the one power evil will never understand: love.
So if you have a child who loves Harry Potter and is looking for something else to read, why not direct them to I am Malala? According to my daughter’s friends they are pretty much the same. And you never know, maybe your child could find a new favorite. Just don’t be disappointed that there is no “Malala World” at Universal Studios. Although there probably should be.