I AM MALALA: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
Author: Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2013
Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography/Biography
Reader Recommendation:
- Readers who enjoy real life stories
- Middle school and up
- Female focus
- Readers who are seeking inspiration
- Readers who enjoy learning about global issues
Malala grew up with a deep love for learning and education. She loved learning new things at her school in SWAT Valley, Pakistan where her father worked. Malala's life was peaceful, but that all changes when the Taliban becomes active in her hometown and is looking to make changes. In the name of Islam, they state that girls should not have an education; Malala's world is shattered. She knows in her heart that she cannot remain quiet. She knows that even though she is young, she has a message to share with the world. Malala looks danger in the face as she encounters and overcomes trials so girls like her can have a bright future.
Why Malala?
Malala teaches young readers that changing the world is possible when you have a heart for a cause and are willing to give yourself fully to it. She shows students that being young does not mean you cannot make a difference. She inspires us all to do good, and to fight for what is right, even if we suffer for it.
Themes:
Justice/Injustice: The Taliban spreads violence and fear in what once was a peaceful place. They claim they are doing what is right, but Malala knows that her God would not allow these terrors to take place. She must stand up for the people of SWAT and all around the world who deserve more than what they are getting. Everyone deserves an education.
Courage: Malala's fight for peace was very dangerous to her and her family. Speaking out against the Taliban was not a safe act, and she was met with danger because of it and almost lost her life. Even after that, she pressed on and used her experiences to tell her story and spread her message.
Equality for Females: In SWAT during the time of the Taliban, the message was that boys could receive an education but not girls. Malala wanted everyone to know the immense potential that girls and all women had to change the world, and that they were worthy of an education.
Malala can be taught within units about justice and equality, courage, history makers, and inspirational leaders.
Teaching I Am Malala:
What makes Malala a peacemaker/advocate/world changer? Teachers can set up the novel with questions for students to think about and answer as they read. Students can annotate the text when they find text examples that answer the question.
What is your message? Malala stood up for girls' education. Have students think about a cause they are passionate about and what steps they can do to make a difference. Students can give a speech, write an address, or develop their own mantra/poster.
Outside Research/Texts: I am Malala can be paired with additional articles and non-fiction pieces about Pakistan, the Taliban, or Malala to layer their knowledge of content.
Letter to Malala: Have students write a letter to Malala after they read her story. If possible, send them to her!
Connecting Activities: Conduct a class simulation activity where boys and girls have different privileges to emphasize the way Malala felt about being a girl who was told she could not have the privilege of attending school.
Music Video created by girls inspired by Malala:
Additional Resources:
Malala Fund: https://www.malala.org/malalas-story
More about Malala, Updates, How to be a part of her story
Malala Lesson Plans: http://www.adl.org/education-outreach/lesson-plans/c/who-is-malala-yousafzai.html#.VsdoB5MrK-p?referrer=https://www.pinterest.com/
Malala Discussion Questions: http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/9457-i-am-malala-yousafzai?start=3
Malala's United Nations Speech: https://secure.aworldatschool.org/page/content/the-text-of-malala-yousafzais-speech-at-the-united-nations/
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