I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

What is it about?

           

Malala grew up in a family unlike many Pakistani families. In a society where men are more valued than women, Malala’s father defied the standards. Adored and equipped with a supportive family, Malala lived a sound life of childhood games, little worries about the necessities of life, and most importantly, she was able to get an education. Her father founded a school for girls, and although it was not very profitable, it was his life. Because of her father’s stance on education, Malala grew to find an incredible passion for learning and being the best in school. Most women in Pakistan are not given the opportunity to go to school because their families see it as a waste since women are not meant to have the same opportunities as men; they were meant to take care of their families only. Slowly, threats of the Taliban became a stronger presence within Malala’s home village of Mingora, and girls’ schools everywhere were being blown to pieces because they were considered “unholy” by the Taliban’s twisted views of the Muslim faith. Because of this threat, Malala and her father became strong public activists for not only girls’ rights for an education, but for children everywhere. Gaining more and more publicity, Malala and her family knew of the dangers that lied with their public denunciation of the Taliban’s ideas, but they had no fear because they believed they were speaking the truth. Finally, the Taliban decided to shush Malala. On the way home from school on October 9^th, 2012, Malala’s bus was stopped by the Taliban. They asked who Malala was, then shot her point blank in the head. Malala was in critical condition for weeks, but she survived. This only furthered her platform on women’s and children’s rights to an education as more and more people around the world heard of the horrors that happened to her. Since then, she has addressed the UN, met many politicians (and even told off Barrack Obama to his face), created her own fund known as the Malala Fund, and is the youngest person ever to be given the Noble Peace Prize. Today, her education continues at Oxford University as well as her efforts to provide education to those in need.  

Why this text?

           

In a time where America is continually hostile towards Muslims, it is important to break down preconceived notions and prejudices.  Malala herself is a devout Muslim, but her religion is a lot different from those who proclaim to be “true” Muslims, such as the terrorist who have attacked our homeland. This book gives a transforming view on what it really means to be Muslim. Our views have been corrupted, when in reality, Muslims are a peaceful people trying to live out their days just as we are. Because terrorism is what the media covers, that is our only notion of Muslims in general. I want to get rid of the prejudices and share the truth. Not all of them are terrorists. They are people just like us with the same aspirations and desires. This is especially important to me as more and more refugees are joining our schools. In one of my classes alone, I have five students who are refugees. I want them to feel heard and better understood.

This is also a story of dedication, tragedy, and triumphs. It serves as a great encouragement because Malala was only 15 when she was shot. A 15-year-old girl shook the Taliban so much, they ordered her death. If she can make such an impact at that age, so can my students. From her near-death experience, she came back and furthered her cause, showing that obstacles occur, but you can rise from any challenge, even life-threatening ones.

I also wish to shine a light on the issue of education around the world. I want my students to understand why education is so important. Education is the answer to many problems in this world. In order to prevent poverty, one must work. In order to work, one must have an education. If one doesn’t have an education, finding means to provide for your family is increasingly harder. If everyone becomes educated, poverty is left in the dust. I hope this not only inspires my students but reminds them how lucky they are to be attending school. I hope they think about the billions of children all around the world that don’t have the same opportunities as they do when they don’t feel like dragging their butts out of bed to get to school. I want them to think about those kids as they’re complaining about their homework or the upcoming quiz. I want them to understand the value of what they have.

I believe this book is appropriate for grades 7 and up. It is an easy read as it is a young readers edition, but there are some words she uses in her native tongue, but generally, she gives you the definitions of the words. Every young adult should become educated in what has become the better part of American history in the 2000’s. They need to know that there are two sides though. America was and is not the only one to have suffered from terrorism.

How to incorporate the text:

Idea #1: Have students write an essay comparing and contrasting the acts of terrorism brought by the Taliban with other historic acts of terrorism in history.

Idea #2: Pair this book with other books that have different religions as their focal point for a unit on world religions.

Idea #3: Research where else in the world education lacks and try to find the cause for it.

Idea #4: Have students think of something they are willing to die for just as Malala was willing to die to spread her concern for education. They would then write a paper explaining their passion.

Obstacles to overcome with the text:

           

I honestly don’t see a lot of obstacles with this book. There is no profanity or explicit content. When Malala recalls the shooting, it is not violent or graphic in any way. The story was written by a 16-year-old girl who has a Noble Peace Prize. If there was to be any worry, it may come from her religious background and how she often talks about God and how He worked(s) in her life. Parents may think another religion is being forced on their students.