A Girl Called Genghis Khan: How Maria Toorpakai Wazir Pretended to Be a Boy, Defied the Taliban, and Became a World Famous Squash Player
Book illustrations for the true story of 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. Although forced to quit the team, she refused to give up. Maria kept practicing the game in her bedroom every day for three years! Her hard work and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles will inspire all children. Maria continues her work through her foundation and is an inspiration for boys and girls everywhere to follow their dreams despite the odds.
Cover and back cover
Sketches of the book spread
A selection of book illustrations
Maria stands overlooking the mountains of Waziristan.
Maria watches as the boys play outside but she has to help her mother with the housework.
Maria decides to chop off her hair and wear boys clothes to disguise herself as a boy. Her father calls her Genghis Khan, after the warrior.
Maria's family moves to Peshawar and she is introduced as their son. Her rambunctious nature makes her get into fights and scraps.
Maria joins the all-boys squash team and finds her calling!
Maria gets the opportunity to get mentored in Canada. She soon rises as a world champion in squash.
Endpapers of the book
A Girl Called Genghis Khan is published by Sterling Children's Books.
Written by Michelle Lord.
Find the book online here.
