Sonita

A journey from child bride to global changemaker. At just 10 years old, Sonita Alizada was nearly sold into marriage. By the time she turned 16, her price was set at $9,000—a sum meant to buy her future for someone else’s benefit. In a world where nearly 15 million girls are forced into marriage each year, Sonita’s story is a heartbreaking but all-too-common reality. Yet, she refused to let her fate be sealed. In her eponymous memoir, Sonita shares her powerful journey from the streets of Afghanistan to international stages as a rap artist and activist. Breaking through oppressive traditions and laws, she escaped her destiny as a child bride and transformed her pain into music that resonated across the globe. Her viral music video 'Daughters for Sale' captured the world’s attention, earning her a scholarship to the U.S. and igniting a movement against child marriage. This book is not just her story—it’s a call to action. Through personal reflections, poems, and music, Sonita’s message is clear: Dreams have the power to change lives. Weaving together her family’s harrowing escape from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, her rise as a human rights advocate, and her belief in the transformative power of hope, Sonita's story will leave readers inspired to fight for a world where every girl’s voice is heard. Complete with QR codes to experience her music firsthand, Sonita is a love letter to dreamers and a battle cry for justice. It’s for anyone who has ever dared to believe they are more than their circumstances and wanted to make a difference. Prepare to be moved, enraged, and empowered. Sonita Alizada’s voice will stay with you long after the final page. nan HarperCollins 2025