Muzoon: From Refugee to Leader

Discover the life of Muzoon Almellehan, from Syrian refugee to advocate, perfect for newly independent readers, in this Step 4 Biography Reader.

Before she was the "Malala of Syria", Muzoon lived in a province called Dara'a, in the country of Syria. Join Muzoon during her early years in Dara'a where she grew up surrounded by family. And when war comes knocking at her door, follow her heartwrenching journey across the world to make a new life.

Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador—the first refugee to play that role.★ "Almellehan’s story of her own experiences will educate and ignite a spark of passion in young readers....this is perfect for emerging chapter book readers." —School Library Journal, starred reviewMuzoon Almellehan is an internationally recognized activist for education, refugees, and the rights of girls and women. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the first with official refugee status. She was named one of Glamour magazine's Women of the Year and one of Teen Vogue's 21 Under 21.

Muzoon has spoken in front of the United Nations General Assembly and at the G20 Summit in Germany, among several other distinguished audiences, and presented a TEDxTeen Talk called "The Future of Syria Depends on One Thing." Angela Merkel, Bill Clinton, and Malala Yousafzai are among the supporters of Muzoon and her important work.

Muzoon now lives in Newcastle, England, with her family, and is a graduate of Newcastle University.

Asma Enayeh is a Syrian French illustrator and surface designer. She lives with her family in Dubai.