By St Ursula’s College Toowoomba

In the quiet halls of St Ursula’s College Toowoomba, Year 11 student Emma Stinson has done something extraordinary by giving a voice to a friend and fellow student with a story the world must hear.
Emma’s recently published book, “Unyielding”, tells the harrowing yet deeply inspiring true story of Banazir Ameen, a young Yazidi girl who survived the unimaginable during the Yazidi Genocide of 2014. When violent extremists tore apart her village, Banazir — just a child — became a symbol of resilience, refusing to surrender to fear or despair.
Over ten years ago, ISIS attacked the Yazidi people, destroying their community and targeting families like Banazir’s simply because of their religion. The United Nations has confirmed that ISIS committed genocide and other serious crimes, including forced displacement and violence.
“In the devastating Yazidi Genocide of 2014, one young girl refused to give up on herself and her family,” Emma writes. “Banazir and her family clung to hope, defying the odds to share their story with the world.”
Emma’s decision to write Banazir’s story was born from a place of deep compassion and friendship. What began as a connection between two young women from vastly different worlds became a powerful collaboration, one that bridges cultures, continents, and experiences.
Through meticulous research, heartfelt interviews, and a profound sense of empathy, Emma has crafted more than just a biography. Her book is a tribute to courage, a call for awareness, and a reminder of the strength that can rise from the darkest of places.
“Emma’s writing is mature beyond her years,” says one of her teachers. “She approaches Banazir’s story with sensitivity, strength, and a clear sense of purpose. It’s a remarkable achievement.”
From fleeing violence to finding her voice, Banazir’s journey is one of survival and hope. And thanks to Emma, that hope now reaches far beyond the borders of her homeland.
As a young writer, Emma is not only developing her craft, she’s using it to make a difference. Her work is a shining example of what happens when storytelling meets purpose, and when young people are empowered to speak up for those who can’t.
You can purchase Emma’s book, “Unyielding: Banazir Ameen’s Story of Survival in the Yazidi Genocide”, at Amazon.com.au