Milloo’s Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women’s Education

With euphonious prose, Faruqi commemorates the accomplishments of her grandmother, educator Maryam “Milloo” Faruqi (1920–2012), known for founding Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Beginning pages establish the subject’s love of learning; she “snaked past the sabzi wala,/ cha-chaed past/ the chai wala,/ danced through the dusty alleys,/ all the way to school.” When the teacher fails to show up one day, she takes over the class, and when her parents suggest that she leave school, she takes a stand even though it means going back a few grades to learn English. “Enough is enough!” a declaration repeats throughout. Milestones including marriage and the opening of the schools round out the uplifting portrait, which summarizes its subject’s impact: “Because of Milloo’s dream, thousands of girls went to school.” Vividly colored, elegantly textured and paper collages by Hadadi provide visual depth against white backdrops. A glossary and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)