Readers watch Malala grow throughout her narrative. From the beginning, readers understand Malala is different. She points out that her father put her name on a family tree normally reserved for males. She also notes her father calls her Jani Mun, or soulmate. Later, Malala’s cousins call her unconventionality “modern.” In many ways, Malala is the modern girl of Swat, though she realizes later she isn’t modern at all. Regardless, it is both what makes her different and the support of her family that makes Malala grow and evolve.

Many of Malala’s early stories are about her father and his activities. However, as time passes, the narrative shifts. The shift in narrative matches the end when Malala notes her father becomes known because of her, and not the other way around. Through her parents’ support, Malala succeeds in becoming her own, modern girl—one who can advocate for others, one who appears “dangerous” enough to be shot.

Malala’s father is a pillar of resilience for Malala. He, like Malala, pursued an education. Even without his parents’ support, Ziauddin carves out a place for himself in college—learning to debate and speak. As a child, a stutter plagues him, especially around his father, who sees it as a flaw.