I am _______________________________

I Am Malala
Young Reader’s Edition

by Malala
Yousafzai and
Patricia McCormick

List facts about Pakistani Culture and their beliefs

1. ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________

Make a prediction about Malala’s cause.

_____________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ _
_____________________________________________________________
Education Rights Around the World Map Key
Have no restrictions on education based on gender

Do not provide education based on gender

According to UNESCO, of the 110 million children out of school in developing nations, 60 percent are girls. The high rate of illiteracy and lake of education in most developing countries remains a severe impediment to the
advancement of women and these nations as a whole. Equal education, besides being a basic human right, is an essential tool for achieving social change, improved health and decision-making. An African proverb says, “If
we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl- we educate a family- and a whole nation.” By sending a girl to school, she is far more likely to ensure that her children also receive an educatio n. According to
Camfed, when you educate a girl she will earn up to 25 percent more and reinvest 90 percent of her income in her family. This reinvestment in her family means her children will be more likely to go to school and be
immunized, leading to healthier, more productive individuals and communities. The spreading of prosperity and influence is called the ripple effect. A girl’s education is about more than just the individual; it is about the future
of her family and her community.
 “$5 Changed My Life” by Praveen Prasad the same. My parents just wanted us to keep our heads down and study. I was
happiest when I was in school, and for that matter, those memories still make
I was born in Fiji and I know firsthand what it is me smile.
like having an extremely humble background,
coming from a rural area and a minority Having an education changed my entire world. I have worked in Australia,
community. My only “luck” was having an Europe and Africa, and now I live in New York. Education has enabled me to
opportunity to go to school, and I absolutely travel the world and has given me opportunities to work on issues that I am
loved it. I still love it today! Even when I was deeply passionate about. But above all education has allowed me not to be
dreadfully sick, I never missed a day. I loved just a bystander or an observer; it has given me the opportunity, confidence
school so much, that I often competed with my and platform to be part of decision making, of leading initiatives and becoming a
friends who lived near the school to see who voice for social change and helping women. Education also opened the door for
could be first to arrive. It so happened that I me so that I am not just a poor woman relying on others to help me lift myself
lived the furthest, but I always won. Nothing in or my community out of poverty. I am at the forefront of leading and working with
the world would come between me and my school! my own peers to make the world a better place. I have led projects in conflict
and development settings that include human rights, transitional justice, gender
So it’s no secret that I loved going to school, but how I got there each year is issues, sustainable development and human trafficking.
the real story; a story of uncertainty that no child should have to face. A story
that felt just short of a miracle every year. Having been one of the millions of poor girls facing the constant struggle to stay
in school each term, I can say without hesitation - education indeed changed my
I will never forget the days when I waited by the school gate for my mother to life!
bring me the $5 school administration fees I needed for each school term. While
primary school is free in Fiji, we needed to pay a supplementary school Ms. Praveen Prasad is a Global Champion for 10x10. She is the Development Director
administration fee in order to go to school. I still remember sitting in fear with with TrustAfrica- a leading Pan-African Foundation that focuses on democracy,
tears in my eyes by the school gate waiting for my mother. I watched the road governance, and development. Ms. Prasad is the Co-Chair of the Woman Advancing
for the bus, and with each bus that went by without my mother getting off, my Microfinance (WAM-NY), is on the committee for Inclusiveness and Diversity as well as
a fellow with the Council on Foundations. She is also leading the Africa for Haiti
heart would sink. I was paralyzed by fear because I did not want to be sent
coalition. Originally from the Fiji Islands she is also a national of Australia. She has
home. worked for over 10 years in international relief, peace and justice, and development.
Her field postings and experiences have included working in over 17 countries in Africa.
Since then, I have never stopped believing in how far $5 can go in a poor girl’s Prior to being based in New York, Praveen was based in Sudan, DR Congo and Malawi
life. My parents often could not afford to send all my siblings to school. I was overseeing multiple large-scale relief, peace building and development programs. She
the youngest, so that $5 fee needed to stay in school came last to me. I would previously held positions with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Permanent
worry every term that this time there wouldn’t be enough. That $5 represented Mission of Australia to the United Nations and with international NGOs. Currently, she
is also leading the “Africa for Haiti” initiative. Praveen holds a master’s degree in
my dreams, my happiness…and my future. Milk was a luxury we couldn’t afford,
Political Science and in International Relations. She is multilingual and in her spare
but somehow, my mother managed to feed us a diet that was basic and filling time enjoys sports, writing, photography and exploring history of world cultures.
while saving every penny she could. She would travel a great distance each
week to put what she had saved in a savings account to pay for our 1. Who helped this woman be successful?
schooling. Having that $5 each term to stay in school changed my life. 2. How is this woman impacting other girls?
3. How is she educating the rest of the world about issues related to girl’s
My parents never used the word poor. I had never known of a new uniform or education?
pair of shoes until I went to high school. I was usually oblivious of such things 4. How is she influencing public policy?
and it rarely crossed my mind that my things were not always new at the 5. How do you believe this woman’s family has been impacted by her education?
beginning of the school year. Maybe it was because so many of my friends were
 At Home Project
EVERY WEEK while we are reading I am Malala you will be required to turn in one printed or cut out of a newspaper current
events news article RELATED to our unit along with an analysis. Each analysis needs to be written out in complete sentences
(restating and answering NOT copying and answering) and must contain the following information:
News websites allowed: NPR, BBC, AP, The Washington Post, and The New York Times

First and Last Name Assignment Due Date

Class Period Article Analysis # _____

Last name of the author, First name of the Author. “Title of the Article”. Title of the Newspaper or Website Source. Web OR Print.
Date the article was written.

ALL questions must be answered in this box.

 Who is the article about? Who does this article affect?
 What is the TOPIC of this article? What is the author’s POINT about the topic? What is the author’s
purpose? What is the author’s point of view on the topic? You must have at least FOUR important facts
from the article.
 When did this article take place?
 Where did this article take place? Where did the issue or event occur? (city, country, region, etc.)
 Why is this article so important? Why does it matter? To you? To your community? To the world?
 How does it relate to our unit?
 What are two or more words you learned from reading this article? Give the sentence that uses the
word. Circle the word in the sentence. Give the definition of the word and then create your own new
sentence using the word.
Choose any TWO relevant bullet points to write about for each article
 Does the author include his or her opinion on the topic? If so, how does the author feel about the topic?
 Does the article use illustrations or images? If so how do the images help the message of the article?
 Does the author write about the topic in a positive, negative, or neutral way? What specific language or
words does the author use to make you think this (use examples)?
 Does the author use good or bad quality of evidence to support the article? How does the evidence used
help establish the purpose of the article?
“Are These Stories True? (Nope.)” Fake-news sites get rich by lying to you. Here’s what you can do about it. By Kristin Lewis
 In each section

Malala Yousafzai find a quote that

demonstrates
how Malala fits
into each IB
student’s learner
profile. Include
the page number
where your
example can be
located. Make
sure you use
correct
punctuation with
your quotation
marks. How
would Malala do
in an IB school?
 “How was the school running today?”
Safina, the girl next door, is younger than Malala, but they have
“Aha,” I’d joke. “The school is walking, not running!”
been friends since Malala was eight. Malala is convinced that
What type of literary device is this? Safina has stolen her toy telephone, and in turn Malala steals
earrings from Safina. Why is Malala so worried about what her
_____________________________
father will say?
What does
“For days I’d ithadmean?
a strange, gnawing feeling that something _________________________________________
bad was going to happen.”
_____________________________________ _________________________________________
What type of literary device is this?
______________
_____________________________ _________________________________________
_____________________________________
___________
What does it mean? ________________________________________

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________
Part One
The Pashtunwali code has a tradition of How is this in conflict
“At home in Pakistan, the three of us ran like a pack of
with what Malala’s parents teach their children?
rabbits…”
What type of literary device is this? ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Malala
What does describes her life with her friends. Were you
it mean? After stealing from Safina, Malala learns that revenge is bitter. How does this
surprised to learn that these young Pakistan girls are so lesson define her character, and the kind of woman she wants to become?
_____________________________________
immersed in western culture?
______________ ____________________________________________________________________

“ ”
_____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
What surprised you the most
___________ A child is a child when he’s a child, even if he’s a prophet.
about Malala and her friends?
_____________________________________ What does this say about mistakes?
___________
_____________________________________________________________________________

How does the saying help Malala forgive herself?

What literary device is this? _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________
1. Is it ever OK to lie?
2. Go back through the article and highlight yellow any sentence that support your choice. You will need at least six sentences from the article for your essay.
3. Writing your thesis statement. The thesis is where you tell readers what the essay is going to be about. The thesis should be a clear, strong statement of the opinion you stated in number 1. The rest of your essay
should support your thesis.
It is (is not) ever OK to lie because (list your three main ideas that you will discuss in each of the three body paragraphs).
4. Fill in this prewriting outline boxes chart
5. The very beginning of your essay is called the hook because it “hooks” your readers’ attention. The hook should relate to the topic of your essay, but it can take many forms. Here are three ideas for hooks that could
work for this topic. Choose one of the ideas below, or use your own idea and write a hook
1. ANECDOTE: Think of a time you considered telling a lie. Tell a story about why you decided to fib or to tell the truth.
2. SURPRISING FACT: Find a fact that will raise your readers’ eyebrows. Several surprising facts are included in the article. You can also do some research to find a surprising fact that is not included in the article.
3. RHETORICAL QUESTION: Ask your readers how they would feel if a friend or family member lied to them.
6. Writing your rough draft. For this essay, do not color it. Write it in black ink.
Introduction
Blue- Hook
Blue- Leader Let readers know a little about the issue you will be writing about. This is not
your point of view; it’s just a very brief summary of the issue—in this case, the debate over
the acceptability of lying. (be careful how you word this section you cannot use any phrase
similar to “I will be writing about…”
Green- Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1
Blue- Transition
Green- Topic Sentence (main reason box 1)
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Green- Restate/Reword Topic Sentence
Body Paragraph 2
Blue- Transition
Green- Topic Sentence (main reason box 2)
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Green- Restate/Reword Topic Sentence
Body Paragraph 3
Blue- Transition
Green- Topic Sentence (main reason box 3)
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Yellow- Text Evidence from the article
Red- Explain
Green- Restate/Reword Topic Sentence
Conclusion
Blue- Transition
Green- Restate/Reword Thesis Statement (FLIP it)
Green- Summarize what you have learned, reminding your reader about your main points
Green- Leave your reader something to think about- prediction, advice, reminder (NOT a
question)

7. Peer Review- Trade papers with a partner. Using highlighters, crayons, or colored pencils. Color your partner’s paper lightly and gently using the above checklist. Make notes on the side of your partner’s paper of
anything he or she is missing. You are not checking for spelling or grammar mistakes, but if you happen to see it- circle it for them. Do not fix it for them.
 The code of purdah requires women to cover
themselves in public. Malala notices that the
women who visit her home are different when they
remove their headscarves and veils. What does she
see in them that they don’t see themselves?

________________________________________
How does watching these women cause Malala make a declaration
about the kind of Muslim girl and woman she wants to be? ________________________________________

__________________________________________ ________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________ ________________________________________

Why does this determination shock and upset her mother and her ________________________________________
extended family? ________________________________________
__________________________________________ ________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________ ________________________________________

How does visiting women relatives in Shangla make Malala confused

and sad about the role of women?

__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
 Contrast the way boys and girls are treated in Pakistan, beginning at birth. Malala values education, and takes pride
in being an excellent student. Some
_________________________________________________ American students take education for
granted. What might Malala say to these
students?
_________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

__

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Describe Malala’s family. How do she and her brothers interact like most siblings? Explain
how her family is different from her relatives in the rural mountain village of Shangla.

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
Malala’s father places her
name on the family tree. It is _______________________________________________________________
the first female name on the
family tree in 300 years.
________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Explain the symbolism of this
bold act by her father. ________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

-__________ _____________________________________________________
 Part Two
Discuss how militant groups like the TNSM instill fear in the Pakistani people?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Explain how the TNSM used the “nation’s fear for their gain.”

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

What is ironic about the mufti that comes to Malala’s home and insists
Maulana Fazlullah, one of the leaders of the TNSM, runs an illegal radio show and
that Khusal School be closed?
threatens people who are “un-Islamic.” Why are people so swayed by his views?
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Explain the following quote: “Inside the Khushal School, we flew on
________________________________________________________________
the wings of knowledge.”
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Why are these extremists
threatened by educated girls?

_________________________

_________________________

At what point does the school fall

under “the shadow of Radio
Mullah”?

_________________________

_________________________
Collections 265-306
“ ”
My father is like a falcon, the one who dared to fly where others would not go.

What type of literary device is this?

_____________________________

What does it mean?

___________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

“ ”
You have put the first stone in standing water.

What type of literary device is this? The Pashtunwali code prohibits the killing of women, but the Taliban
murdered Benazir Bhutto, the first woman prime minister of Pakistan.
_____________________________
How does this brutal act cause Malala to step up her efforts on
What does it mean? What is the stone? What is the water? behalf of Muslim Women and Girls?
_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

“ ”
_
Suddenly, everywhere I looked, the Taliban seemed to sprout like weeds. _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
What type of literary device is this?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What does it mean?
____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_
 Define terrorism: ________________________________

________________________________________________

“ ”
________________________________________________
War and Terrorism
had become child’s play. Pg. 87
What does Malala mean?

_______________________________

_______________________________

______________________________

__________________________

___________________
How is terrorism different from war?
Use text evidence with page numbers.
____________________________________________

____________________________________________
At what point does Malala understand ____________________________________________
the true meaning of terror?
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________

____________________________________________
 “ ”
Part Three “Back at school my friends and I wondered what we could do. So Madam Maryam and my My mother is our rock. While our heads are in the sky, her feet are on the ground. But
father worked with us on essays and speeches in which we expressed our feelings about we all believed in hope.
the Taliban’s campaign to destroy girls’ schools and how much our own school meant to
What type of literary device is this?
us. We planned an assembly where we would make our speeches; we called it a peace
rally….” Write a speech for our class peace rally.
_____________________________

“ ”
I felt as if the wind would carry my words, the same way it scatters flower pollen in the
spring, planting seeds all over the earth.
What does it mean?

What type of literary device is this? _______________________________________________________

_____________________________ _______________________________________________________

What does it mean? _______________________________________________________

___
_________________________________________________________
Discuss how Malala becomes “immune to fear.”
_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

“ ”
_ ____________________________________________________________
The Taliban want to turn the girls of Pakistan into identical, lifeless dolls.

____________________________________________________________
What type of literary device is this?
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________
____________________________________________________________
What does it mean?
____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________
_
How does Malala’s family see possibility when others see danger?
______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
 Why does Moniba become angry when “Later, as my friends and I passes through the school gate and the video camera recorded our
Malala confesses that she is Gulk Makai, every move, it felt as if we were going to a funeral. Our dreams were dying.”
the writer of the diary? There are two different examples of figurative language in this quote. What are they?

________________________________________ _______________________________ and ______________________________

_____________________________________ What do they mean? _________________________________________

___________________________________ _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________
__________________________________

“What a strange world it was when a girl

Describe Malala’s friendship with moniba. Who wanted to go to school had to defy
Militants with machine guns- as well as her
________________________________________________ Own family.”

________________________________________________ Place a check mark to indicate the correct form of irony portrayed in this example.

_________________________________________________________________
Verbal situational dramatic
How does Malala know that Moniba Explain: ________________________________________________
won’t tell her secret? _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

“ ”
________________________________________________ __
But, as my father said, Swat was our home. We would stand by her in this time of trouble.

________________________________________________ What type of literary device is this?

_________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
What does it mean?
________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
_
“
What type of literary device is this?

_____________________________

What does it mean?

”“
And girls who only wanted to learn were trapped inside homes that had become like jails. When he came home that evening, he looked as if he had aged a hundred years.

What type of literary device is this?

_________________________________________________________
”
“I closed my eyes and made that same wish on my twelfth
birthday.” What did she wish for? Use text evidence with a
_________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
page number.
_________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_
Collections 321-326 _______________________________________________________________

Explain how Malala is wise ________________________________________________ (Page _______)

“
beyond her years?
My father shrugged. ‘How typical,’ he said. ‘First the people of Swat fall under the

”
_________________________________ spell of the Taliban, then they are killed by the Taliban, and now they are blamed
for the Taliban!
_________________________________
Who is to blame?
_________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________

“
_ _________________________________________________________
When it was announced that the prize would be awarded annually
_________________________________________________________
and be named the Malala Prize in my honor, I noticed a frown on my

”
_ father’s face. In our country’s tradition, we don’t honor people in this
way while they are alive, only after they have died.

What type of literary device is this?

_____________________________

What does it mean?

__________________________________

______________________________________

___________________________________________
_______________
 “ ” “ ”
‘Aha,’ I said. ‘You were the one who said if we believe in The drops of water lit the air like diamonds.
something greater than our lives, then our voices will only
multiply, even if we are dead. We can’t stop now.’ What type of literary device is this?
What does it mean?
_____________________________
___________________________________________________
What does it mean?
___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Close Reader 95-106
_____________________________________________________________

“ ”
On the onset of her story, Malala __________________________________________________________
reveals the constant
threat that terrorists place upon female students. She But true peace seemed like nothing more than a
says, “I wasn’t scared, but I kept making sure the gate was memory, or a hope.
locked at night and asking God what happens when you
die.” She even considered what she would do if What is true peace?
confronted by one: “Maybe I’d take off my shoes and hit
him, but then I’d think if I did that there would be no _______________________________________
difference between me and a terrorist.”
_______________________________________
What is your reaction to Malala’s thoughts?
Do we have true peace in America? Explain.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________ ___________________________________
What do you see as the best way to combat hate?
Collections 307-320

“ ”
_______________________________________ It was as if a hundred razors were inside my skull,

“
clattering and rattling around.
_______________________________________
In the evenings, she and I would often do our What type of literary device is this?
homework together, sipping tea- two _______________________________________

”
generations of Pashtun women happily huddled __________________________________________
over their books. Collections 327-336
What does it mean?
What type of literary device is this? _____________________________________________________________
________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
What does it mean? __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
“ ”
Meanwhile, the bright lights in my room were excruciating, like hot white daggers
to my eyes, especially my poor left eye, which wouldn’t close.
I will protect
What type of literary device is this? your freedom.

_____________________________

What does it mean?

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

“ ”
_ Why does Malala’s father blame himself when the Taliban attacks Malala?
‘It is my belief God sends the solution first and the problem later,’ replied Dr. Javid.
____________________________________________________________________
What does it mean?
______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ ______________________________________

“ ”
_
My father, who had dared to talk back to the Taliban, was learning that
______________________________________
sometimes saying nothing speaks just as loudly.
How does Malala’s mother soothe her husband’s
What does it mean? thoughts?

_____________________________________________________ ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________

“ ”
__________________________________________________
My brothers had gone from treating me like a china doll (a phrase that lasted only _____________________________
a day) to teasing, pestering, and generally annoying me.
____________________________
What type of literary device is this?
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
What does it mean?
_____________________________
________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________
“ “ ”
I was finally able to read again and devoured The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a book given God has made me as tall as the sky.
to me by the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown. I loved
Dorothy’s spirit, and I was impressed that even though she was trying to find her way What type of literary device is this?
home, she stopped to help those in need, like the Cowardly Lion and the rusty Tin Man.

”
To me, the moral of the story was that there will always be hurdles in life, but if you _______________________________________
want to achieve a goal, you must continue.
What does it mean?
What type of literary device is this?
_________________________________________________________
_____________________________
_________________________________________________________
How is Malala like Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_
_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________
_ “I was falling behind at school! How ironic.
The girl who campaigned for girls’ Contrast the views of Malala’s mother and father toward
Education had lost the top spot in her class.” women.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Place a check mark to indicate the correct form of irony portrayed in this example.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Verbal situational dramatic __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain: ________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ How does her mother change after what happens to

“ ”
Malala?
__ __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Many people in Pakistan have been told that the United States is a dark and godless
place, but everyone I met there was quite nice.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why would they say that?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Malalai of Maiwand (1861-1880), the heroine of the Second Anglo-Afghan War

Also known as Malalai Anaa (Malalai “the grandmother”), she was born in the village Khig, approximately 3 miles
southwest of a town called Maiwand in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. In the late 1880s, British-Indian forces were
attempting to colonize Afghanistan and incorporate the country with then British India and modern-day India and
Pakistan. Kandahar housed the main garrison of the British in Afghanistan, making Kandahar, specifically Maiwand, a
battle field. Ghazi Mohammad Ayub Khan (1857-1914) was the commander of the Afghan army in the Second Anglo-
Afghan War, fought from 1878-1880 between the British and Afghanistan. On July 27th, 1880, Malalai’s father and fiancé
(or husband, according to some sources) joined the Afghan army to fight off the British. According to some, this was
also her wedding day. Malalai was there with many other Afghan women to serve the soldiers by taking care of the
wounded and providing them water and weapons. At one point, the Afghans were starting to lose hope, and it seemed
as though the British would be the victors. This is where Malalai plays a significant role and makes a move that changes
the fate of her people.
Malalai “took off her veil,” took out the Afghan flag, and decided it was time her people gained needed
motivation to keep them fighting until victory was on their side. So she shouted out:
“Young love! If you do not fall in the battle of Maiwand, By God, someone is saving you as a symbol of shame!”
This reawakened the warrior-spirit in the soldiers. At this instance, one of her men who was carrying the Afghan flag
was killed from a British bullet, and Malalai went forward to him, held up his flag (some sources say she the made a flag
out of her veil), and sang: “With a drop of my sweetheart’s blood, Shed in defense of the Motherland, Will I put a beauty spot on my forehead, Such as would put to shame the
rose in the garden,”
These words led to the Afghans’ victory.
However, unfortunately at this moment, Malalai herself was killed. She was barely around 18 during her death. Her efforts were acknowledged and appreciated, and
Ayub Khan himself, the commander, honored her. She was buried in her village in Kandahar, where her grave remains today.
Today, although unheard of elsewhere, the name Malalai is very common among Afghans; it symbolizes courage, leadership, strength, for she sacrificed her own life to
keep the Afghans fighting against their invaders. Many Afghan schoolchildren
learn about her from a young age, and the nation prides itself with having her Malala is named for Malalai, the Pashtun heroine who was an inspiration to her people for her
name carved in its history. She is honored not just as a heroine of the war but courage. Did Malala’s father have great plans for his daughter when he named her? How does
also as an icon against western imperialism. Malala live up to her name? Cite specific passages from the book that best illustrate Malala’s
Let’s not just make ourselves aware of her existence and her courage courage? Explain how it takes courage for anyone to stand up for change.
at a critical point in our history but let’s also be critical of our own history and
ask why so little is known about one of our earliest female leaders in our _____________________________________________________________________
history. Surely, she cannot have been the only female who fought so bravely–
but why is she not known? What can we learn from her sacrifice and for our _____________________________________________________________________
silence? Is it really enough to simply name our daughters after her, or should
we be doing more–e.g., encouraging our daughters to follow her lead as well. _____________________________________________________________________
What Malalai did at that time was an unheard-of phenomenon from women, since
the only role that woman has traditionally and historically had in all wars, if one _____________________________________________________________________
at all, is to serve the soldiers while the soldiers serve the nation; she does
serve her people but very much indirectly, and her role is not appreciated. It _____________________________________________________________________
is the actual, physical fighting on the battlefield that is appreciated. Malalai
spoke up bravely and told her people that their loss would be a disgrace to _____________________________________________________________________
their nation. What Malalai did at that time is considered a bold, courageous
move because she was a woman, women did not do this sort of thing typically. _____________________________________________________________________
Imagine what she would do today if she were living among us! She would put us
all to shame, reminding us that what she did over a century ago, most of us _____________________________________________________________________
would be afraid to do even today. So, let us ask ourselves: what exactly do we
mean when we say that we honor her, that we are grateful to her, that she is a _____________________________________________________________________
heroine to us? Is it really enough to only say these things, or must we do more?
Pages 5-6
Pages 7-8
Page 9
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_________________________________________________

The article states that school was a “luxury Malala never _________________________________________________
took for granted.” Why might school be considered a
“luxury” in Pakistan? How does this view differ from the _________________________________________________
way many see school in the U.S.? Use text evidence with
page numbers to support your answers. _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________
 Malala says that so many Pakistani
people have a negative view of the
United States. What does Malala
discover about Americans when she
comes to the United States to speak at
the United Nations?
_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________
After the terrorist attack on September
11, 2001, many Americans voiced hatred _____________________________________________________
toward Muslims. What might these
_____________________________________________________
Americans learn from Malala’s story?
_____________________________________________________
_________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________
1. Summarize the author’s perspective on tragedies. Include evidence from the text in your
response.
2. PART A: What is the central idea of this passage?
A. It is important to make sure one’s friends and family members are safe following a
tragedy.
B. Tragic events will always be a part of history, but we can learn from them, and pain
diminishes over time.
C. Increased security will prevent all potential disasters.
D. The World Trade Center was a cultural icon and a symbol of New York City.

3. PART B: Which phrase from the text best support the answers to Part A?
A. “One airplane hit each of the two towers of the World Trade Center.” (Paragraph 3)
B. “Many people (children and adults) looked up in fear whenever they heard a noise.
Was it another airplane? Was it coming for them?” (Paragraph 7)
C. “The sadness extended far beyond the city of New York or Washington, D.C.”
(Paragraph 8)
D. “As people listened to the news and talked to their friends and family about this
terrible day, it became easier to remember that time can help ease the pain that
people feel.” (Paragraph 11)

4. Why does the author include a discussion of happy events in paragraph 1?

A. to show that good events will always outweigh the effects of disasters
B. to emphasize that both happy and sad events are a part of life
C. to encourage the reader to discuss them with his or her elders
D. to show that tragedies overshadow societal accomplishments

5. How does the author support the idea that society can learn and grow from tragedies?
A. by promising that time helps make pain go completely away
B. by explaining how many people became scared and nervous after the events of 9/11
C. by stating strongly how sad and difficult this tragedy was for so many people
D. by sharing facts about ways the government made society safer after other
tragedies
6. What does the author’s perspective say about the way in which people deal with death?
“Local Children’s Reactions to 9/11 Tragedy” by Connie Llanos, 2011
This article discusses the events on September 11, 2001, when a series of four terrorist attacks were carried out across the United States, killing 2,996 people and injuring
over 6,000 more. On that day, referred to as 9-11, 19 men from the terror organization Al Qaeda hijacked four American airplanes in an organized attack on innocent
U.S. citizens:two of the airplanes crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed into the Department of Defense’s
Pentagon building in Virginia just outside Washington D.C., and one bound to crash in Washington D.C. crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after its passengers fought
the terrorists for control of the plane. The United States responded by launching a “war on terror” at large and on the country of Afghanistan specifically, since the
Taliban, which protected Al Qaeda, ruled it.
As you read, note how the different points of view of those interviewed compare to one another.
“I get so confused... I don’t understand why they did this... what made “I was 6 then... I wasn’t watching the news or anything like that,” said
people so mad,” said the fifth-grader at Plummer Elementary in North Hills. Michael Martinez, a 16-year-old junior at Monroe High School in North Hills,
While most American adults can recall exactly where they were and what they who has no recollection of the tragedy.
were doing when they learned of the attacks, children are learning about it as It wasn’t until some six years later that Michael really learned about the
part of history – like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy or the attacks - as part of a history lesson in middle school.
bombing of Pearl Harbor. Teaching students about the day’s events is mandatory only in one state
However, the impact of the attacks on the adults in their lives, plus the - New Jersey.
online coverage of that day, have allowed today’s kids to connect to the history- Martinez said he would support making it a requirement for schools to
making event in ways that previous generations could not. teach younger students about the important day.
Eliot Lopez, who is not related to Viviana, learned about the attacks Monroe High School administrator Tom Jones said the lack of an
last year, when he was a fourth-grader at Plummer, and immediately turned to official policy doesn’t stop most educators from addressing 9-11 - especially on
the Internet. the anniversary of the tragedy.
“I went to YouTube when I got home and watched videos of the On Friday, for example, Monroe students held a memorial honoring
towers blowing up into all these pieces,” Eliot said, his eyes widening as he the first-responders who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center.
retold what he saw. Some kids don’t need to be reminded of the significance of the attacks.
“People were crying, saying, ‘Oh my gosh’... It felt like a scary movie. Now a senior at Monroe, Edgar Zamora said he can still remember
Tina Hernandez, who teaches fifth grade at Plummer, said “the chill that went up” his spine when he watched footage of a plane striking
dispelling misconceptions about 9-11 is critical in planning lessons for young the World Trade Center.
students. But detaching from your own memories can be a challenge, she said. Although he was just 7 at the time, Edgar said, he felt his world change
“It’s still very hard for me to get the emotional stuff out of the way so I can just in that moment.
give my kids the facts,” Hernandez said, her eyes welling with tears. “I remember getting a deep sense of pride in my country,” Edgar
“September 11 changed the lives of everyone in my generation, but not said. “I decided then that I was going to stand up for my country and for what’s
as much for our kids.” right.”
Despite the new security precautions implemented in the last decade, He aspires to become a police officer after high school and is
many children still fear new attacks. considering enlisting in the military.
“I get scared because you never know when something like this could The 17-year old also admits losing a piece of his innocence that day.
happen again,” said 11-year old Samone Scott, a sixth-grader at Plummer. “I had always been taught that America was
Admittedly shocked by how aware her young students are about events invincible... unstoppable... But we all learned on that day that we are not, that
10 years ago, Plummer Principal Angel Barrett said history has proven that her we are all human,” Edgar said.
students will have “their own 9-11” moment.
“What’s important is that they learn about how this country came 1. What does the word “invincible” mean in the context of paragraph 27?
together, and united us all as Americans.” A. Strongly defended
Even some older children have only vague memories of Sept. 11, 2001. B. Stubborn
C. Immune to outside influence
D. Undefeatable
2. Part A: Which TWO statements best express the central ideas of the article? question why tragedy happens.
A. Children today are affected by the attacks of 9-11 in ways they 5. Describe how Llanos portrayed adults who remember 9-11 in comparison to
cannot fully understand. students who know little or nothing about the day. Why might she use the
B. More schools should require history lessons on the attacks of 9-11. points of view of both older and younger people?
C. Common tragedy is easier to understand when it has been lived 6. Discuss 9-11 at home with your family. How do their reactions and memories
through. compare to those in the article?
D. Children can understand the complex emotions by learning about 7. Based on what you know about 9-11, how do you think America has changed
tragedy. before and after the attacks? Have you been affected by the wars in Afghanistan
E. Reactions to tragedy and war vary but can unite people in their and Iraq that followed the attacks on 9-11?
confusion and grief. 8. How does America remember the events that have shaped the course of
F. Tragedy has its benefits, as it can cause national pride in the face of a history for the country and the world?
shared enemy. 9. How do children today often learn about the September 11 attacks?
3. Part B: Which TWO phrases from the text best support the answers to Part A. They ask their parents to explain it to them
A? B. They draw on personal experience and read books
A. “September 11 changed the lives of everyone in my generation, but C. They watch videos online about the terror attacks
not as much for our kids.” (paragraph 9) D. They learn in school about the attacks on their anniversary
B. “’I get scared because you never know when something like this 10. Why might teachers struggle to teach about 9-11?
could happen again’ said 11-year old Samone Scott, a sixth-grader A. because they might not remember the attacks either
at Plummer.” (paragraph 11) B. because they might get emotional recalling the tragedy
C. “What’s important is that they learn about how this country came C. because they want to teach their interpretations instead of facts
together, and united us all as Americans.” (paragraph 13) D. because they weren’t alive during the attacks
D. “Martinez said he would support making it a requirement for 11. How has September 11 become a part of school curriculum?
schools to teach younger students about the important day.” A. It is common for schools to discuss the historic event around the
(paragraph 18) day it happened.
E. “I remember getting a deep sense of pride in my country,” B. It is uncommon for teachers to discuss the tragedy because it is not
(paragraph 24) required.
F. “I had always been taught that America was invincible… C. It is uncommon for teachers to discuss the tragedy because they get
unstoppable… But we all learned on that day that we are not.” too emotional.
(paragraph 27) D. It is common for school districts and states to require history
4. What is the author’s main purpose in the article? lessons on 9-11.
A. To reveal how differently young people react to tragedy they either 12. How has student Edgar Zamora responded to the September 11 tragedy?
lived through or learned about. A. He is afraid of another attack happening.
B. To create a complete collection of all the reactions young people B. He is proud of his country, though aware it has weak spots.
have about the attacks on 9-11. C. He feels the tragedy did not break his childhood innocence.
C. To reveal how events that make up adults’ memories become history D. He is not largely affected by it because he was young when it
to the next generation. happened.
D.To encourage young people to honor the victims of tragedy and
“President Bush’s ‘Islam is Peace’ Speech” by President George W. Bush, 2001
George W. Bush was the 43rd president of the United States and served from 2001 to 2009. On September 17, 2001, less than a week following the September 11th terrorist attacks, President Bush gave a
speech at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C. addressing the treatment of Muslims in the United States.
As you read, take notes on how Muslims are treated in the United States following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Thank you all very much for your hospitality. We’ve just had a — wide-ranging 1. Part A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?
discussions on the matter at hand. Like the good folks standing with me, the American people A. The terrorists responsible for 9/11 practice a different branch of
were appalled and outraged at last Tuesday’s attacks. And so were Muslims all across the Islam that condones violence
world. Both Americans and Muslim friends and citizens, tax-paying citizens, and Muslims in B. Suspicious people can and should be identified by the way they dress
nations were just appalled and could not believe what we saw on our TV screens. C. Before the terrorist attacks of 9/11, people who practiced Islam did
These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets1 of the Islamic not feel targeted for their religion
faith. And it’s important for my fellow Americans to understand that. D. The 9/11 terrorist attacks are not a reflection of the Islamic faith or
The English translation is not as eloquent2 as the original Arabic, but let me quote those who practice it
from the Koran,3 itself: In the long run, evil in the extreme will be the end of those who do 2. Part B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
evil. For that they rejected the signs of Allah4 and held them up to ridicule.5 A. “These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of
The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That’s not what Islam is all about. Islam the Islamic faith.” (paragraph 2)
is peace. These terrorists don’t represent peace. They represent evil and war. B. “These terrorists don’t represent peace. They represent evil and war.”
When we think of Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion people (paragraph 4)
around the world. Billions of people find comfort and solace6 and peace. And that’s made C. “Women who cover their heads in this country must feel comfortable going
brothers and sisters out of every race — out of every race. outside their homes.” (paragraph 7)
America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an D. “Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out
incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Muslims are doctors, lawyers, law professors, their anger don’t represent the best of America” (paragraph 9)
members of the military, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, moms and dads. And they need to be 3. Part A: How does paragraph 6 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?
treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with A. Prove that Muslims continue to have less opportunities in the United States
respect. due to their religious identity.
Women who cover their heads7 in this country must feel comfortable going outside B. Show how someone’s religion shouldn’t affect the validity of their
their homes. Moms who wear cover must be not intimidated in America. That’s not the America I citizenship in the United States.
know. That’s not the America I value. C. Reprimand citizens who continue to discriminate against Muslims in the
I’ve been told that some fear to leave; some don’t want to go shopping for their United States.
families; some don’t want to go about their ordinary daily routines because, by wearing cover, D. Give an example of how one’s religious identity can influence their
they’re afraid they’ll be intimidated. That should not and that will not stand in America. treatment in the United States.
Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don’t 4. Part B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be A. “When we think of Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion
ashamed of that kind of behavior. people around the world.” (paragraph 5)
This is a great country. It’s a great country because we share the same values of respect B. “America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims
and dignity and human worth. And it is my honor to be meeting with leaders who feel just the make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country.” (paragraph 6)
same way I do. They’re outraged, they’re sad. They love America just as much as I do. C. “. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other
I want to thank you all for giving me a chance to come by. And may God bless us all. with respect.” (paragraph 6)
D. “That’s not the America I know. That’s not the America I value.”
1. Tenet (noun): one of the main principles or beliefs of a religion or philosophy (paragraph 7)
2. Eloquent (adjective): having or showing the ability to use language clearly and effectively 5.How does President Bush support his claim that Muslims are treated differently after the
3. The Koran is the sacred text of Islam, written in Arabic. The text is believed to be the word of terrorist attacks of 9/11?
God as dictated to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. 6. The September 11th terrorist attacks occurred 16 years ago- does President Bush’s speech still
4. "God" in Arabic apply today? Has discrimination towards Muslims in the US changed since 2001?
5. Ridicule (noun): the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way 7. Why does President Bush use the quote from the Koran provided in paragraph 3?
6. Solace (noun): someone or something that gives a feeling of comfort to a person who is sad, 8. How does prejudice emerge? Following 9/11, why did citizens of the US allow the acts of
depressed, etc. terrorists to represent an entire religion and group of people? Cite evidence.
7.A common practice of Muslim women, in which they wear a veil (hijab) that usually covers the 9. Why does President Bush say that “Islam is peace”? Do you believe that Bush does an effective
head and chest, when in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family. job promoting peace and understanding over hatred and mistrust in his speech?
10. What is good and how do we know? How does our understanding of good and bad shift
during times of conflict, such as the aftermath of 9/11?
“I Survived the Boston Marathon Bombing” A story of one teen’s resilience- and the bond between a mother and
daughter by Kristen Lewis and Sarah Jane Brian
Explain what President Obama says in his speech about what we do in the face of
tragedy. Why do we respond the tragedy this way? Write the central idea of his
speech on one sentence. How is this central idea illustrated in Sydney Corcoran’s
story? Provide THREE examples from the article.
“Outpouring Support for France” by Joyce Grant, 2015
In November of 2015, a mass shooting and suicide bombing happened in several locations around Paris, France. 139 people were killed and over 350 people were
injured. The terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks the following day. Following the tragedy, people all over the world expressed remorse
and support for the people of France.
As you read the following article, take notes on the different ways that people dealt with this tragedy.
People around the world are expressing encouragement and 1. Why are countries around the world showing support for France?
support for the people of France. In particular, for the people in its capital A. They are supporting France because they are former colonies of
city, Paris. France.
In most big cities, there are large buildings or monuments that are B. They are supporting France because of its famous monuments
and buildings.
famous. For instance, the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada or the “London
C. There were multiple bombings by terrorists in Paris that killed
Eye” Ferris wheel in London, England. many people.
Last week, many of them were lit up in the three colors of France’s D. They are supporting France because they have killed many
flag: blue, white and red. In that way, the countries were showing support terrorists.
to express their solidarity with France. 2. Which of the following is NOT a way French citizens reacted to the attacks?
People are feeling this way about France because something awful A. donating food and clothes
happened there last Friday. Explosions killed people in Paris. A terrorist B. lighting candles at the Eiffel tower
group known as ISIS says that they set off the explosions in order to gain C. holding meetings with ISIS leaders
awareness for the group and the group’s beliefs. The group also led five D. donating blood
other attacks in France that day. 3. Which of the following best states a central idea of the article?
A. Terrorism is a problem that the world’s leaders must work
The President of France, Francois Hollande, is putting many
harder to stop.
measures in place to help protect the country’s citizens. B. France experienced a terrible attack in which many people died.
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, thanked people for their C. Peace is more powerful than violence.
support. She posted on Twitter “un grand merci du fond du coeur,” — “a big D. After experiencing tragedy, people around the world showed
thank-you from the bottom of my heart.” She also posted pictures of various their support for France.
monuments around the world lit up in blue, white and red. 4. Part A: What does the word “solidarity” most closely mean as it is used in
People around the world have also been gathering in support, paragraph 3?
holding “vigils” (peaceful, supportive gatherings) often outside their A. unity and support
country’s French embassies. In Canada, people gathered in many cities B. fame and popularity
across the country including Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, C. peace and non-violence
D. tragedy or disaster
Vancouver and Toronto.
5. Part B: Which phrase from the text provides the best clue to the answer to Part
In Paris on the weekend, many people stood in line for hours to A?
donate blood to help people wounded in the attacks. On Twitter, many A. “large buildings or monuments that are famous”
people used the hashtag #porteouverte (open door) to let people who had B. “lit up the three colors of France”
been hurt or frightened by the incident know that if they needed a place to C. “showing their support”
stay, they were welcome in their home. More than 300 Red Cross workers D. “something awful happened”
have been sent to France to help. 6.Using evidence from the article, explain some of the ways people around the
world reacted to France’s tragedy.
7. This article focuses on the positive reactions to a tragedy. Do you think that
when tragedies like this happen, the news tends to be more positive or negative?
Should news organizations try to focus on both angles of the story? Why or why
not?
8. In your opinion, how can tragedies like this be prevented in the future?
9. What can we learn from tragedy? Cite evidence.
 Define social justice: ______________________________
Trace Malala’s cause for social justice from
_________________________________________________ the beginning of the book to the end. Put page
_________________________________________________ numbers in the bubbles and put the text
_________________________________________________ evidence quotes on loose leaf.
_______________________________________________

____________________________

______________________

What lessons might all people, regardless of gender,

culture, or religion, take from Malala’s story?

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________
Islam is the second largest religion in the world.
There are five tenets of Islam. In each circle is a
tenet. In each box demonstrate Malala’s strong
Muslim belief and her commitment to living a life
Based on each tenet. 1. No one can be
worshipped but God
alone and Muhammad is
the Prophet of God.

5 . The annual
2. Muslims perform
pilgrimage to Makkah is
an obligation once in a prayers five times a
lifetime for those who day. In prayer, a person
are physically and feels inner happiness,
financially able. They peace, and comfort, and
were simple clothes so that God is pleased with
that all stand equal him or her.
before God.

4 . Fasting the month 3 . Giving Zakat (support

of Ramadan. All muslims of the needy). Giving
fast from dawn until zakat is a specific
sundown. By cutting percentage to certain
oneself off from classes of needy people.
worldy comforts a Our possessions are
fasting person gains purified by setting aside
true sympathy with a small portion for
those who go hungry. those in need.
“Meteors” by Rita Brady Kiefer “At Fourteen” by Kathleen Cerveny
Did your eyes flash terror when they hijacked your school bus, Who was I at fourteen? Who were you?
one of the men snarling your name down the aisle, Diverted from the real by lives of ease,
scanning each innocent face before lighting on yours? could we have stood up, then, and claimed our due
What images blazed just before the bullet
grazed your luminous brain, sweet Malala? as humans growing hungry for the new
At the hospital did you have nightmares: Taliban excitement of the mind- things never seen?
instead of your loved olive trees in the orchards Who was I at fourteen? Who were you?
outside your father’s classroom, a thousand
points of grief webbing your mother’s face? A girl has stood against her world. She drew
Or did you dream bright streaks shooting across the fire of those who guard what’s always been
a black sky? Not disembodied particles of dust and stood steadfast against them, claimed her due.
but flesh-and-blood women, subversive sisters
from the past? Were their stories familiar? Her courage is a brush that paints a view
of human worlds more worthy- rarely seen
A 17th century girl so bent on learning by coddled ones, like me, like you.
she hid her body under boys’ clothes to go to school.
A Mexican nun, reproached in an open letter The cowards’ bullets aimed to silence truth;
by a bishop masked with a woman’s name pierce brain and tongue- still both thought and speech.
replied with a learned defense of girls’ She fell, but has not failed to claim her due.
and women’s right to study.
A female German mystic eleven centuries back And has the fight for rights now been renewed
who depicted God as female. by blood, the hunger of one child to learn?
This girl of fourteen shames both me and you
Why do we doubt the sky is filled with history? if we don’t stand- demand what we all are due.

At eleven, Malala, you blogged: For each poem answer the following questions:
Why aren’t girls allowed to learn? 1. What does the title mean?
I want to read books. I want to write them. 2. Write a brief summary in your own words. Highlight some of the words
(nouns, verbs, phrases) that are important to understanding the poems.
Incandescent little rebel, you’ve already begun. 3. What do you think the poem means? Who is the subject of the poem? What
is being discussed? Why do you think the author wrote the poem? What is the
poet’s attitude?
4. What poetic devices are being used and how do they help convey the poem’s
message? (Simile, metaphor, personification, tone, point of view, imagery,
alliteration….)
5. What is the theme? How does the theme convey the poem’s message?
6. Look at the title again. Do you now have a new interpretation of the title?
Literary Analysis: What is the theme of I Am Malala?

How is the theme developed? Find text evidence for each of the columns. Your text evidence needs to convey the theme
Feelings of the main character Thoughts or Conversations What the main character learns Specific action or event

Page: Page: Page: Page:

Page: Page: Page: Page:

 our parents proud and prove that we could also excel in our studies and achieve those goals,
Malala’s Nobel Peace Prize Speech which some people think only boys can.
But things did not remain the same. When I was in Swat, which was a place of tourism
Bismillah hir rahman ir rahim. and beauty, suddenly changed into a place of terrorism. I was just ten that more than 400 schools
In the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent. were destroyed. Women were flogged. People were killed. And our beautiful dreams turned into
Your Majesties, Your royal highnesses, distinguished members of the Norweigan Nobel nightmares.
Committee, Education went from being a right to being a crime.
Dear sisters and brothers, today is a day of great happiness for me. I am humbled that Girls were stopped from going to school.
the Nobel Committee has selected me for this precious award. When my world suddenly changed, my priorities changed too.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and love. Thank you for the letters I had two options. One was to remain silent and wait to be killed. And the second was
and cards that I still receive from all around the world. Your kind and encouraging words to speak up and then be killed.
strengthens and inspires me. I chose the second one. I decided to speak up.
I would like to thank my parents for their unconditional love. Thank you to my father We could not just stand by and see those injustices of the terrorists denying our rights,
for not clipping my wings and for letting me fly. Thank you to my mother for inspiring me to be ruthlessly killing people and misusing the name of Islam. We decided to raise our voice and tell
patient and to always speak the truth - which we strongly believe is the true message of Islam. them: Have you not learnt, have you not learnt that in the Holy Quran Allah says: if you kill one
And also thank you to all my wonderful teachers, who inspired me to believe in myself and be person it is as if you kill the whole humanity?
brave. Do you not know that Mohammad, peace be upon him, the prophet of mercy, he says,
I am proud, well in fact, I am very proud to be the first Pashtun, the first Pakistani, and do not harm yourself or others".
the youngest person to receive this award. Along with that, along with that, I am pretty certain And do you not know that the very first word of the Holy Quran is the word Iqra",
that I am also the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger which means read"?
brothers. I want there to be peace everywhere, but my brothers and I are still working on that. The terrorists tried to stop us and attacked me and my friends who are here today, on
I am also honoured to receive this award together with Kailash Satyarthi, who has been our school bus in 2012, but neither their ideas nor their bullets could win.
a champion for children's rights for a long time. Twice as long, in fact, than I have been alive. I We survived. And since that day, our voices have grown louder and louder.
am proud that we can work together, we can work together and show the world that an Indian I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not.
and a Pakistani, they can work together and achieve their goals of children's rights. It is the story of many girls.
Dear brothers and sisters, I was named after the inspirational Malalai of Maiwand who Today, I tell their stories too. I have brought with me some of my sisters from Pakistan,
is the Pashtun Joan of Arc. The word Malala means grief stricken", sad", but in order to lend from Nigeria and from Syria, who share this story. My brave sisters Shazia and Kainat who were
some happiness to it, my grandfather would always call me Malala – The happiest girl in the also shot that day on our school bus. But they have not stopped learning. And my brave sister
world" and today I am very happy that we are together fighting for an important cause. Kainat Soomro who went through severe abuse and extreme violence, even her brother was
This award is not just for me. It is for those forgotten children who want education. It killed, but she did not succumb.
is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want Also my sisters here, whom I have met during my Malala Fund campaign. My 16-year-
change. old courageous sister, Mezon from Syria, who now lives in Jordan as refugee and goes from tent
I am here to stand up for their rights, to raise their voice… it is not time to pity them. to tent encouraging girls and boys to learn. And my sister Amina, from the North of Nigeria,
It is not time to pity them. It is time to take action so it becomes the last time, the last time, so it where Boko Haram threatens, and stops girls and even kidnaps girls, just for wanting to go to
becomes the last time that we see a child deprived of education. school.
I have found that people describe me in many different ways. Though I appear as one girl, though I appear as one girl, one person, who is 5 foot 2
Some people call me the girl who was shot by the Taliban. inches tall, if you include my high heels. (It means I am 5 foot only) I am not a lone voice, I am
And some, the girl who fought for her rights. not a lone voice, I am many.
Some people, call me a "Nobel Laureate" now. I am Malala. But I am also Shazia.
However, my brothers still call me that annoying bossy sister. As far as I know, I am I am Kainat.
just a committed and even stubborn person who wants to see every child getting quality I am Kainat Soomro.
education, who wants to see women having equal rights and who wants peace in every corner of I am Mezon.
the world. I am Amina. I am those 66 million girls who are deprived of education. And today I am
Education is one of the blessings of life—and one of its necessities. That has been my not raising my voice, it is the voice of those 66 million girls.
experience during the 17 years of my life. In my paradise home, Swat, I always loved learning and Sometimes people like to ask me why should girls go to school, why is it important for
discovering new things. I remember when my friends and I would decorate our hands with henna them. But I think the more important question is why shouldn't they, why shouldn't they have
on special occasions. And instead of drawing flowers and patterns we would paint our hands with this right to go to school.
mathematical formulas and equations. Dear sisters and brothers, today, in half of the world, we see rapid progress and
We had a thirst for education, we had a thirst for education because our future was development. However, there are many countries where millions still suffer from the very old
right there in that classroom. We would sit and learn and read together. We loved to wear neat problems of war, poverty, and injustice.
and tidy school uniforms and we would sit there with big dreams in our eyes. We wanted to make We still see conflicts in which innocent people lose their lives and children become orphans. We
see many people becoming refugees in Syria, Gaza and Iraq. In Afghanistan, we see families being
killed in suicide attacks and bomb blasts.
 Many children in Africa do not have access to education because of poverty. And as I Let us become the first generation to decide to be the last, let us become the
said, we still see, we still see girls who have no freedom to go to school in the north of Nigeria. first generation that decides to be the last that sees empty classrooms, lost childhoods, and wasted
Many children in countries like Pakistan and India, as Kailash Satyarthi mentioned, potentials.
many children, especially in India and Pakistan are deprived of their right to education because of Let this be the last time that a girl or a boy spends their childhood in a factory.
social taboos, or they have been forced into child marriage or into child labour. Let this be the last time that a girl is forced into early child marriage.
One of my very good school friends, the same age as me, who had always been a bold Let this be the last time that a child loses life in war.
and confident girl, dreamed of becoming a doctor. But her dream remained a dream. At the age Let this be the last time that we see a child out of school.
of 12, she was forced to get married. And then soon she had a son, she had a child when she Let this end with us.
herself was still a child – only 14. I know that she could have been a very good doctor. Let's begin this ending ... together ... today ... right here, right now. Let's begin this
But she couldn't ... because she was a girl. ending now.
Her story is why I dedicate the Nobel Peace Prize money to the Malala Fund, to help Thank you so much.
give girls quality education, everywhere, anywhere in the world and to raise their voices. The first
place this funding will go to is where my heart is, to build schools in Pakistan—especially in my What persuasive techniques does Malala use in her speech?
home of Swat and Shangla. Pathos Ethos Logos
In my own village, there is still no secondary school for girls. And it is my wish and my Emotions Trust Logic
commitment, and now my challenge to build one so that my friends and my sisters can go there Text evidence Text evidence Text evidence
to school and get quality education and to get this opportunity to fulfil their dreams.
This is where I will begin, but it is not where I will stop. I will continue this fight until I see every
child, every child in school.
Dear brothers and sisters, great people, who brought change, like Martin Luther
King and Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Aung San Suu Kyi, once stood here on this
stage. I hope the steps that Kailash Satyarthi and I have taken so far and will take on this journey
will also bring change – lasting change.
My great hope is that this will be the last time, this will be the last time we must fight
for education. Let's solve this once and for all.
We have already taken many steps. Now it is time to take a leap.
It is not time to tell the world leaders to realize how important education is - they
already know it - their own children are in good schools. Now it is time to call them to take action
for the rest of the world's children.
We ask the world leaders to unite and make education their top priority.
Fifteen years ago, the world leaders decided on a set of global goals, the Millennium
Development Goals. In the years that have followed, we have seen some progress. The number
of children out of school has been halved, as Kailash Satyarthi said. However, the world focused
only on primary education, and progress did not reach everyone.
In year 2015, representatives from all around the world will meet in the United
Nations to set the next set of goals, the Sustainable Development Goals. This will set the world's
ambition for the next generations.
The world can no longer accept, the world can no longer accept that basic education is
enough. Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy is
sufficient, when their own children do homework in Algebra, Mathematics, Science and Physics?
Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education
for every child.
Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard. Or maybe even
impossible. But it is time the world thinks bigger.
Dear sisters and brothers, the so-called world of adults may understand it, but we
children don't. Why is it that countries which we call strong" are so powerful in creating wars but
are so weak in bringing peace? Why is it that giving guns is so easy but giving books is so hard?
Why is it, why is it that making tanks is so easy, but building schools is so hard?
We are living in the modern age and we believe that nothing is impossible. We have reached the
moon 45 years ago and maybe will soon land on Mars. Then, in this 21st century, we must be able
to give every child quality education.
Dear sisters and brothers, dear fellow children, we must work… not wait. Not just the
politicians and the world leaders, we all need to contribute. Me. You. We. It is our duty.
1. Part A: Which of the following identifies Malala Yousafzai’s main claim in the text? A. They show how Yousafzai has been able to use her education.
A. Women and girls need to be valued for their intelligence and ideas over their ability B. They prove that all girls want access to a secondary education.
to have and raise children. C. They portray young girls as having impressive academic potential.
B. The education crisis is an issue isolated to Pakistan, but it effects negatively impact D. They emphasize how important education has been to Yousafzai personally.
the rest of the world. 6. What is the effect of the speaker addressing the audience as “sisters and brothers”?
C. World leaders need to prioritize access to education for all children, as it is important 7. What does Yousafzai mean when she thanks her father for “not clipping my wings and for
for all children to be able to succeed. letting me fly” and how does this contribute to the overall meaning of the text? (paragraph 5)
D. A good education can give children the knowledge and strength to take a stand 8. Do you agree with Yousafzai about the importance of equal access to quality education? How
against acts of injustice. important is education to you?
2. Which details from the text best supports the answer to Part A? 9. How has Yousafzai become a leader of the movement for equal access to education? Why do
A.“We wanted to make our parents proud and prove that we could also excel in our you think people feel compelled to join her movement?
studies and achieve those goals, which some people think only boys can.” 10. In the context of this speech, what is the goal of education? Why does Yousafzai believe
(Paragraph 17) access to education is so important for all children? What can they accomplish with it?
B. “The terrorists tried to stop us and attacked me and my friends who are here today, 11. In the context of the speech, how can we achieve peace? What about Malala’s work
on our school bus in 2012, but neither their ideas nor their bullets could contributed to peace? What is the connection between peace and education?
win.” (Paragraph 27) 12. All of the following are true about Yousafzai’s win of the Nobel Peace Prize EXCEPT:
C. “At the age of 12, she was forced to get married. And then soon she had a son, she A. She is the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
had a child when she herself was still a child — only 14. I know that she B. She is the first Pakistani to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
could have been a very good doctor.” (Paragraph 44) C. She is the first person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for work in education.
D. “Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy D. She shared the prize with Kailash Satyarthi.
is sufficient, when their own children do homework in algebra, mathematics, 13. Education is important to Yousafzai because she believes…
science and physics?” (Paragraph 56) A. it is necessary to achieve future dreams
3. Part A: Which of the following best describes the connection Yousafzai makes between gender B. it makes people more compassionate
and education in some regions? C. it will solve most of the world’s problems
A. Girls often do not want to pursue an education and would rather raise a family. D. it can improve the economy
B. Girls are discouraged and sometimes physically prevented from pursuing an 14. Why were women prevented from pursuing education in Swat, Pakistan?
education. A. it was too dangerous for women to attend school
C. Girls are discouraged from going to school for reasons concerning their safety. B. there wasn’t enough money to pay teachers
D. Girls are often encouraged to work rather than continue their education. C. older women wanted younger women to focus on the domestic life
4. Part B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A? D. a terrorist group forbid it
A. “We had a thirst for education, we had a thirst for education because our future was 15. Yousafzai describes her story as…
right there in that classroom.” (Paragraph 17) A. grabbing the world’s attention
B. “And my sister Amina, from the North of Nigeria, where Boko Haram threatens, B. representing many girls’ stories
and stops girls and even kidnaps girls, just for wanting to go to school.” C. one of extreme bravery
(Paragraph 32) D. unlikely to happen to others
C. “Sometimes people like to ask me why should girls go to school, why is it important 16. Which of the following describes Yousafzai’s perspective on the world today?
for them.” (Paragraph 39) A. Not enough children have access to education.
D. “And then soon she had a son, she had a child when she herself was still a child — B. The entire world is making progress.
only 14. I know that she could have been a very good doctor.” (Paragraph 44) C. Pakistan is facing greater hardships than any other place.
5.How do paragraphs 16-17 contribute to the development of the text? D. Issues of war are improving, but education is not.
“Education is one of the blessings of life — and one of its necessities. That has been 17. How does Yousafzai describe the world leaders’ approaches to education?
my experience during the 17 years of my life. In my paradise home, Swat, I always loved learning A. They don’t consider access to education a priority.
and discovering new things. I remember when my friends and I would decorate our hands with B. They don’t think the world has a problem with access to education.
henna2 on special occasions. And instead of drawing flowers and patterns we would paint our C. They support all children’s equal access to education.
hands with mathematical formulas and equations. D. They have high expectations for their children, but not others.
We had a thirst for education, we had a thirst for education because our future was 18. When does Yousafzai want to see improvements to education?
right there in that classroom. We would sit and learn and read together. We loved to wear neat A. before we reach Mars
and tidy school uniforms and we would sit there with big dreams in our eyes. We wanted to make B. by the end of the century
our parents proud and prove that we could also excel in our studies and achieve those goals, C. as soon as possible
which some people think only boys can.” D. before the year 2030
“Malala Yousafzai’s Address to the United Nations, July 2013” by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. She is known mainly for human rights advocacy and she focuses on
women’s issues and access to education. Across the globe, millions of girls are excluded from school and educational opportunities because of their gender. Her activism
began at age 11. When she was 14, she was singled out and shot by members of the Taliban, an Islamic extremist group, who despised her for promoting equal educational
access for women. After recovering, she continued her activism. She was invited to speak at the United Nations in 2013 on her 16th birthday, which they proclaimed as Malala
Day. As you read, take notes on what Yousafzai believes about humanity and the change that needs to happen to bring equal rights to women.
In the name of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to
Honorable UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorists
Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremic group. I am here to speak up for the right of education of every child. I want
Honorable UN Envoy for Global Education Mr. Gordon Brown, education for the sons and the daughters of all the extremists especially the
Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters; Taliban.
Today, it is an honor for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand
here with such honorable people is a great moment in my life. and he stands in front of me. I would not shoot him. This is the compassion that I
I don’t know where to begin my speech. I don’t know what people would be have learnt from Muhammad-the prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord
expecting me to say. But first of all, thank you to God for whom we all are equal Buddha. This is the legacy of change that I have inherited from Martin Luther
and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and a new King, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is the philosophy of non-
life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received violence that I have learnt from Gandhi Jee, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And
thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of this is the forgiveness that I have learnt from my mother and father. This is what
them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you my soul is telling me, be peaceful and love everyone.
to my elders whose prayers strengthened me. Dear sisters and brothers, we realize the importance of light when we
I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and all of the staff of the see darkness. We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the
hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me get same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realized the
better and recover my strength. I fully support Mr. Ban Ki-moon the Secretary- importance of pens and books when we saw the guns.
General in his Global Education First Initiative and the work of the UN Special The wise saying, “The pen is mightier than sword” was true. The
Envoy Mr. Gordon Brown. And I thank them both for the leadership they continue extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens
to give. They continue to inspire all of us to action. them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens
Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing. Malala Day is not my them. And that is why they killed 14 innocent medical students in the recent attack
day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised in Quetta. And that is why they killed many female teachers and polio workers in
their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of human rights activists and Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa and FATA. That is why they are blasting schools every
social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling day. Because they were and they are afraid of change, afraid of the equality that
to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality. Thousands of people have we will bring into our society.
been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a
So here I stand.... one girl among many. journalist, “Why are the Taliban against education?” He answered very simply. By
I speak – not for myself, but for all girls and boys. pointing to his book he said, “A Talib doesn’t know what is written inside this
I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a book.” They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would send girls
voice can be heard. to the hell just because of going to school. The terrorists are misusing the name
Those who have fought for their rights: of Islam and Pashtun society for their own personal benefits. Pakistan is peace-
Their right to live in peace. loving democratic country. Pashtuns want education for their daughters and
Their right to be treated with dignity. sons. And Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood. Islam says that it
Their right to equality of opportunity. is not only each child’s right to get education, rather it is their duty and
Their right to be educated. responsibility.
Dear Friends, on the 9th of October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left Honorable Secretary General, peace is necessary for education. In many
side of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the bullets would parts of the world especially Pakistan and Afghanistan; terrorism, wars and
silence us. But they failed. And then, out of that silence came, thousands of conflicts stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these
voices. The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our wars. Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many
ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labor. Many schools
hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. I am the same have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by the
Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. My dreams are the hurdles of extremism for decades. Young girls have to do domestic child labor and
same. are forced to get married at early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and
the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and 2. Which of the following statements would Malala most likely agree with?
women. A. If someone hurts you, then you should hurt them back.
Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women’s rights and girls’ education B. It is not worth risking your life to stand up for what you believe in.
because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social C. It is best to forgive those who hate you.
activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by D. Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa did not understand the power of
ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women’s rights non-violence.
rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves. 3. Part A: Which statement best expresses the central idea of the speech?
Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up. A. Taliban terrorists are using violence to spread fear and control
So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies regions in Pakistan.
in favor of peace and prosperity. B. World leaders are the people most able to create change that will help
We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women access education.
women and children’s rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of women and C. Education is the most effective tool to improve the world and end
their rights is unacceptable. inequality.
We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for D. Islam is a peaceful religion that supports equal rights, access to
every child all over the world. education, and freedom for all.
We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to 4. Part B: Which sentence from her speech best supports the answer to Part A?
protect children from brutality and harm. A. “Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions
We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of have been injured.” (Paragraph 4)
educational opportunities for girls in the developing world. B. “...Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood.” (Paragraph
We call upon all communities to be tolerant – to reject prejudice based on 18)
cast, creed, sect, religion or gender. To ensure freedom and equality for women C. “We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect
so that they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. women and children’s rights.” (Paragraph 23)
We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength D. “So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and
within themselves and realize their full potential. terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our
Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every most powerful weapons.” (Paragraph 32)
child’s bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and 5. In paragraph 16, Yousafzai creates an analogy. Explain the analogy and what it
education for everyone. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we reveals about her experience as a young woman in Pakistan.
will bring change through our voice. We must believe in the power and the strength “Dear sisters and brothers, we realize the importance of light when we see
of our words. Our words can change the world. darkness. We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the
same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realized the
Because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we
want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of importance of pens and books when we saw the guns.”
knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness. 6. In paragraph 15, Yousafzai references many individuals who have inspired her.
Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are What might be the purpose in naming them in her speech?
A. She is providing context as to why she would not respond to hate with
suffering from poverty, injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that millions
violence.
of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers
B. Naming these individuals is a way to thank them for their important
are waiting for a bright peaceful future.
contributions to women’s rights.
So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism
C. She wants to show the United Nations she has learned about many
and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.
individuals in her education.
One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.
D. These individuals are from different nations, and it proves that she is
Education is the only solution. Education First. tolerant and accepting.
7. During her speech, Yousafzai claims that the Taliban is “afraid of women”
1.Which of the following phrases best describes Malala’s tone towards her
(paragraph 17). What does she mean and why does she use this specific wording?
audience?
8. In the context of the speech and Malala’s life, what does it mean to be brave?
A. sad but calm
Cite evidence in your answer.
B. excited but nervous
9. According to Malala Yousafzai, what is the purpose of education? To what
C. confused and upset
extent do you agree with her claim? Cite evidence in your answer.
D. gracious and humble
 Emma Watson’s Speech “He For She” at the United Nations a parent being valued less by society, despite my need of his presence as a child,
as much as my mother’s. I’ve seen young men suffering from mental illness,
Today we are launching a campaign called HeForShe. I am reaching out to unable to ask for help for fear it would make them less of a man. In fact, in the
you because we need your help. We want to end gender inequality, and to do this, UK, suicide is the biggest killer of men between 20 to 49, eclipsing road accidents,
we need everyone involved. This is the first campaign of its kind at the UN. We cancer and coronary heart disease. I’ve seen men made fragile and insecure by a
want to try to mobilize as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for distorted sense of what constitutes male success. Men don’t have the benefits of
change. And, we don’t just want to talk about it. We want to try and make sure equality, either.
that it’s tangible. We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes,
I was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women six months ago. but I can see that they are, and that when they are free, things will change for
And, the more I spoke about feminism, the more I realized that fighting for women as a natural consequence. If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to
women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one be accepted, women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to
thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop. control, women won’t have to be controlled.
For the record, feminism by definition is the belief that men and women Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and
should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political, economic women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a
and social equality of the sexes. spectrum, instead of two sets of opposing ideals. If we stop defining each other
I started questioning gender-based assumptions a long time ago. When I by what we are not, and start defining ourselves by who we are, we can all be
was 8, I was confused for being called bossy because I wanted to direct the plays freer, and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom.
that we would put on for our parents, but the boys were not. When at 14, I started I want men to take up this mantle so that their daughters, sisters, and
to be sexualized by certain elements of the media. When at 15, my girlfriends mothers can be free from prejudice, but also so that their sons have permission
started dropping out of sports teams because they didn’t want to appear muscly. to be vulnerable and human too, reclaim those parts of themselves they
When at 18, my male friends were unable to express their feelings. abandoned, and in doing so, be a more true and complete version of themselves.
I decided that I was a feminist, and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But You might be thinking, “Who is this Harry Potter girl, and what is she doing
my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. speaking at the UN?” And, it’s a really good question. I’ve been asking myself the
Women are choosing not to identify as feminists. Apparently, I’m among the ranks same thing.
of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, All I know is that I care about this problem, and I want to make it better.
and anti-men. Unattractive, even. And, having seen what I’ve seen, and given the chance, I feel it is my responsibility
Why has the word become such an uncomfortable one? I am from Britain, to say something.
and I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right Statesman Edmund Burke said, “All that is needed for the forces of evil
that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.”
women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my In my nervousness for this speech and in my moments of doubt, I told
life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men. myself firmly, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” If you have similar doubts when
But sadly, I can say that there is no one country in the world where all opportunities are presented to you, I hope those words will be helpful. Because
women can expect to see these rights. No country in the world can yet say that the reality is that if we do nothing, it will take seventy-five years, or for me to be
they achieved gender equality. These rights, I consider to be human rights, but I am nearly 100, before women can expect to be paid the same as men for the same
one of the lucky ones. work. Fifteen and a half million girls will be married in the next 16 years as
My life is a sheer privilege because my parents didn’t love me less children. And at current rates, it won't be until 2086 before all rural African girls
because I was born a daughter. My school did not limit me because I was a girl. My can have a secondary education.
mentors didn't assume that I would go less far because I might give birth to a child If you believe in equality, you might be one of those inadvertent feminists
one day. These influences were the gender equality ambassadors that made me that I spoke of earlier, and for this, I applaud you. We are struggling for a uniting
who I am today. They may not know it, but they are the inadvertent feminists that word, but the good news is, we have a uniting movement. It is called HeForShe. I
are changing the world today. We need more of those. invite you to step forward, to be seen and to ask yourself, “If not me, who? If not
And if you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It’s the now, when?”
idea and the ambition behind it, because not all women have received the same Thank you very, very much.
rights I have. In fact, statistically, very few have.
In 1997, Hillary Clinton made a famous speech in Beijing about women’s
rights. Sadly, many of the things that she wanted to change are still true today. But
what stood out for me the most was that less than thirty percent of the audience
were male. How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or
feel welcome to participate in the conversation?
Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation.
Gender equality is your issue, too. Because to date, I’ve seen my father’s role as
1. PART A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text? 7. Why do you think it’s difficult for people to let gender stereotypes go?
A. The term “feminism” to describe the movement of gender equality is too 8. In the context of the text, how do we define the roles of men and women? Why are
strong a word, which is why Emma Watson has adopted the term “HeForShe.” men’s participation in the HeForShe movement necessary to create change? Cite
B. Emma Watson believes that gender inequality should not only be a concern evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history
for women, but men as well. in your answer.
C. Gender inequality is an issue that effects women alone, as women have been
denied equal rights and men have not. Next, read this article about Emma Watson’s Interview “Malala Yousafzai tells
D. The help of men in achieving gender equality is necessary because their
voices and opinions are more respected than women’s. Emma Watson: I’m a feminist thanks to you.”
Malala Yousafzai has told Emma Watson that the actor’s speech to world leaders
2. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A? made her change her mind about not describing herself as a feminist.
A. “I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism The 18-year-old human rights and education champion from Pakistan met the film
the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often star at the premiere of a documentary about her, called He Named Me Malala.
Yousafzai, a Nobel peace prize winner, said she initially thought feminism was a
become synonymous with man-hating.” (Paragraph 4)
“tricky word” but now believed everyone should be a feminist.
B. “I started questioning gender-based assumptions when at eight I was Watson, a UN global goodwill ambassador for women, gave a speech to the UN last
confused at being called ‘bossy,’ because I wanted to direct the plays we year to launch her “He for She” campaign, aimed at encouraging men to speak up for
would put on for our parents—but the boys were not.” (Paragraph 6) women’s rights.
C. “How can we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel Yousafzai began speaking out on education for girls in 2009 when she was just 12.
welcome to participate in the conversation?” (Paragraph 18) She was 15 and on her way home from school in Swat valley, Pakistan, when she was shot in
D. “I’ve seen men made fragile and insecure by a distorted sense of what the head in October 2012, for speaking out against the Taliban and its ban on female
education.
constitutes male success. Men don’t have the benefits of equality either.”
Yousafzai said her father, Ziauddin, had been an “example to all men” and called
(Paragraph 21) himself a feminist. She added: “It has been a tricky word. When I heard it the first time I heard
some negative responses and some positive ones. I hesitated in saying am I feminist or not?
3. PART A: How do the experiences of men with gender inequality compare to “Then after hearing your speech I decided there’s no way and there’s nothing
women? wrong by calling yourself a feminist. So I’m a feminist and we all should be a feminist because
A. Men are more privileged than women but are still negatively impacted by feminism is another word for equality.” Men “have to step forward” to promote equality of
gender stereotypes. the sexes, she said.
B. Men do not experience society’s gender expectations until later in life, while Watson posted a video of the interview on her Facebook page and said she found
women experience them from girlhood. Yousafzai’s admission moving. She said: “Perhaps the most moving moment of today for me
was when Malala addressed the issue of feminism. To give you some background, I had
C. Men are more accepting of gender inequality than women because they have
initially planned to ask Malala whether or not she was a feminist but then researched to see
monetary advantages and this is something that is unlikely to change. whether she had used this word to describe herself.
D. Men are less likely than women to help end gender inequality because they “Having seen that she hadn’t, I decided to take the question out before the day of
would lose some of their rights to women. our interview. To my utter shock Malala put the question back into one of her own answers
and identified herself. Maybe feminist isn’t the easiest word to use … but she did it anyway.
4. PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A? “I’ve spoken before
A. “This is the first campaign of its kind at the UN: we want to try and galvanize on what a controversial word
as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for gender equality.” feminism is currently. More
recently, I am learning what a
(Paragraph 3)
factionalised movement it is
B. “When at 15 my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams too. We are all moving towards
because they didn’t want to appear ‘muscly.’” (Paragraph 8) the same goal.“Let’s not make
C. “We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes but I it scary to say you’re a
can see that that they are and that when they are free, things will change for feminist. I want to make it a
women as a natural consequence.” (Paragraph 22) welcoming and inclusive
D. “Because the reality is that if we do nothing it will take 75 years, or for me to movement. Let’s join our hands
and move together so we can
be nearly a hundred before women can expect to be paid the same as men for
make real change. Malala and I
the same work.” (Paragraph 30) are pretty serious about it but
we need you.”
5. What is the impact of Emma Watson sharing her own experiences with inequality, Yousafzai has been
as a woman? living in Birmingham with her
6. Have you ever felt limited by your gender or the stereotypes associated with it? If family since the assassination attempt. She is studying for A-levels in history, economics,
so, how? math and religious studies and plans could include going to Oxford University, or Stanford, in
California.
Research Simulation Essay: What are Emma Watson’s and Malala Yousafzai’s point of view on feminism? How
does each woman develop and support her point of view. Make sure you use text evidence from both speeches
and interviews.
OVERVIEW Ms. Marvel: No Normal

Ms. Mavel: No Normal encompasses the first five issues of Marvel’s new reboot. It features a Muslim
Pakistani American superheroine who struggles with identity issues whether she’s in or out of her
costume. Kamala’s polymorph superpowers — which mean she can change her shape, size and form —
are a wonderful metaphor that reflects her inner struggles as she stretches, bends, and recoils from the
pressures all around her. Throughout this volume, Kamala Khan not only struggles with her identity,
but with the different ways and expectations of her religion, with the pressures and expectations from
her strict (but nurturing) parents, and with her power as well. Throughout all these conflicts, Kamala
must also be careful as a polymorph to not be all things to all people, which in the long run, might be
very dangerous.

The readers, while passive observers, can’t help but be drawn into this story. Despite Kamala’s diverse
cultural background — or maybe because of it — she’s in many ways also a wonderfully typical
teenager, wrestling with being a Jersey City girl who happens to come from a modern religious family.
Like most teens, she’s just trying to figure out how to fit in. Throughout this book, the text provides
wonderful insights into Kamala’s thoughts and character, while moving quickly along. The art is
equally engaging and inviting. Alphona’s somewhat comic figures balance Kamala’s real-life conflicts with Wilson’s wit, drawing us deeper and deeper into the story.

Note that while this is a reboot, readers do not necessarily need to know the original story. It may help, though, as there are some gaps in the beginning of the story.
That said, Ms. Marvel is engaging for all readers (tweens and up) and is full of wonderful witticisms and humor while subtly introducing diversity in a previously told
but equally engaging story.

Ms. Marvel is about:

 The typical American teenage girl experience;

 The struggles and pressures of assimilation and fitting in while retaining family background, family history,
 and family religion;
 The stresses of being an individual trying to fit into various cultural “boxes” or communities, which may or
may not conflict with each other;
 The ability to balance gifts and pressures in the world around her;
 The fact that while a Muslim and a polymorph, what shapes and drives Kamala are her personality, her
parents’ teachings, her inner strengths and her values — not her labels.

SUMMARY

In Ms. Marvel: No Normal, Kamala, a sixteen year old Muslim Pakistani-American, has a “sad nerd obsession with the Avengers” and tries to bridge her Muslim world
and friends with the Jersey City kids with which she goes to school. The book opens with Kamala and her friend Nakia in the Circle Q convenience store talking with
Bruno (Kamala’s “second best friend”). Zoe and her boyfriend Josh walk in, and Zoe, all peaches and cream, condescendingly patronizes Kamala and her friends while
inviting them to a waterfront party. While Nakia has no interest in attending because they’ll be drinking alcohol. which is against her religion, Kamala wants to go.
Despite the fact that Kamala’s parents refuse to let her go, she sneaks out and goes anyway. While she sees and approaches Bruno, Zoe comes over to her, openly insults
her, and Kamala runs away after they trick her into drinking alcohol. As she runs away, a mist envelops Jersey City, and Kamala meets the Avengers.
 Not understanding where she is or what she’s seeing, Captain America tells her “You are seeing what you need to
see. You stand at a crossroads. You thought that if you disobeyed your parents — your culture, your religion —
your classmates would accept you. What happened instead?” Kamala explains that they laughed at her and
mocked her family and “brown people” but that she was there because she grew up American, from Jersey City
and “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be.” When Captain Marvel (Carol
Danvers) asks her who she wants to be, Kamala answers, “I want to be you.” And just like that, she becomes a
polymorph, although Captain Marvel warns her, “It is not going to turn out the way you think.”

The first issue ends with Kamala finding herself trapped in a cocoon. As she punches her way out, she realizes
she’s been turned into Captain Marvel. She’s got the white skin, blond hair, and tight-fitting, body-revealing
costume — all of it.

In the second issue, Kamala struggles as she comes to

grips with her transformation. On her way home she
returns to the waterfront to see that Zoe and Josh are
arguing. Zoe pushes herself away from Josh, lands in the water, and because she is drunk, is drowning. Kamala,
with her powers and the voice of her father and the Quran echoing in her head, saves Zoe. She then runs home
only to find she’s been busted. Bruno, worried about Kamala, called her family to ask if she returned safely. When
she hadn’t, they stayed up waiting and worrying, only to bust her when she returned. This issue ends with
Kamala realizing that while she still can’t control her morphing power, she feels good about having saved a life
and hopes that, “Maybe this is what I’ve been waiting for.”

In the third issue, Kamala finds out she (looking like Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel) was on television and
worries about being found out. Even though as Captain Marvel she looks nothing like Kamala, she worries that
she’s been discovered when she herself doesn’t know how or why all this is happening. She is also still trying to learn how to control her powers while wrestling with
how to deal with Bruno and his “betrayal.” As she walks over to the Circle Q where he works, hoping to talk to him and work things out, she sees he’s being held up.
She texts the police and then enters as Captain Marvel to save the day. Instead, she gets shot.

In the fourth issue, Kamala finds that as a polymorph, she can heal quickly as long as she doesn’t morph. While
Bruno begins to call for an ambulance for Captain Marvel, Kamala tells him it’s her. She morphs to Kamala and
begs him not to call for help. As Bruno learns Kamala’s secret, Kamala learns that Vick, Bruno’s younger brother
was the one holding up the store. They keep Vick’s identity a secret, and Kamala tells Bruno she wants to help.
Bruno, after some convincing, agrees to let Kamala help and tells her that Vick usually hangs out at an abandoned
house in Greenville. That evening, before going to rescue Vick, Kamala realizes she needs to be herself and not
Captain Marvel. So she changes her costume and super hero look. She now is dressed in modest super-hero attire,
wears high top sneakers instead of boots, and keeps her dark hair and complexion while changing her superhero
name to Ms. Marvel. With her transformation complete she goes to rescue Vick only to realize that the guardian
of the house, Doyle, has creepy “kitty” robots that overpower her. She shrinks to a mini-size to escape and
regroup.

In the fifth and final issue in this volume, Kamala, after learning to master her polymorph powers, realizes she still needs some help and enlists Bruno. She asks to
“borrow [his] science nerd brain” and the “super snot” polymer he’s developing (a project he hopes will help his Rutgers application). She rubs some on her costume so
it will stretch and shrink more efficiently as she does. Bruno also insists on accompanying her to the house. They have a code she’ll send if she needs help. Kamala
shrinks to enter, turns life-size as she rescues Vick, and then morphs into a giant as she storms (with Vick) out of the house. The Inventor, the evil mind behind the
scheme, sends Kamala a warning as he angrily tells Doyle, “You haven’t just created a problem, Doyle. You’ve created an urban legend. And the legend ends NOW!”
In Ms. Marvel: No Normal, Kamala learns that becoming blonde and Caucasian doesn’t make her happy or
glamorous or even popular. She eventually realizes however, that changing shape doesn’t mean she can erase
who she is. It doesn’t protect her from others insulting her values, her family’s values, or her religion. It also
doesn’t protect her from the wrath of her parents or from Sheikh Abdullah, who runs their mosque and its youth
lectures she has to attend. Kamala even admits that, “Being someone else isn’t liberating. It’s exhausting. I
always thought that if I had amazing hair, if I could pull off great boots, if I could fly — that would make me
happy. But the hair gets in my face, the boots pinch… and the leotard is giving me an epic wedgie.”

Kamala also finds that her father’s teachings of the Quran

give her the vision and strength to use her powers. Just
before deciding to rescue Zoe, she remembers a passage
from the Quran: “Whoever saves one person, it is as if he
has saved all of mankind.” She soon learns that while she
may look like Captain Marvel on the outside, that’s just a
costume. What’s inside is Kamala, and part of who Kamala
is — her family, her religion, her friends, and her ethnicity — are what ultimately guide her and help her realize
who she is and how she fits in.

While Wilson and Alphona have created a superhero comic in the classic Marvel mode, they offer a more
progressive perspective in the characters, text, and artwork. Alphona provides a wonderful balance of gravitas
and whimsy in his art, keeping the tone light and fun with his cartoonish-y exaggerated character expressions
and flourishes. Balancing this quirkiness is Wilson’s insightful text filled with imagery of its own. Alphona’s cartoonish characters, fashion details, and use of color are
engaging and add a delightful depth, complementing Wilson’s highly expressive, real-life text. All this enables readers to embrace the diversity of their characters while
adding a breath of fresh air to this rebooted story.

o Discuss what Carol Danvers means when she tells Kamala, “You’re about to get the kind of total reboot most people only dream about. But it is not
going to turn out the way you think.” Discuss how Kamala thinks it will turn out, and discuss how and why things don’t always turn out the way we
expect.
o Discuss why Kamala questions: “This is what I asked for… so why don’t I feel strong, confident and beautiful?”
o Discuss what Kamala means when she realizes, “Being someone else isn’t liberating, it’s exhausting.”
o Discuss /debate: “Maybe putting on a costume doesn’t make you brave. Maybe it’s something else.” Deliberate what makes one brave. What does it
take to be a hero?
o As Kamala adjusts to her new image and powers, she wonders, “What if I don’t fit into my old life anymore? Like it’s a pair of jeans I’ve just
outgrown?” Discuss if /when your students have felt this way and why. What did they do to find their way and adjust? Discuss Wilson’s use of simile
here as well.
o As Kamala comes to realize that her Ms. Marvel image has to relate to her, she notes: “Abu is right. Bruno was right. I’m not here to be a watered-
down version of some other hero… I’m here to be the best version of Kamala.” Discuss what this “best version” of Kamala should be. Have
students/readers evaluate what their “best version” of themselves might/should be.
o Discuss what The Inventor means when he tells Doyle, “…You haven’t just created a problem… you’ve created an urban legend…” Discuss what
urban legends are, and how/why Ms. Marvel may be one. Discuss why this may pose a threat to The Inventor and why Ms. Marvel’s legend “must end
now!”
o Discuss why Kamala tells Captain Marvel she wants to be like her. Why like Carol Danvers and not someone else?
“What the New Ms. Marvel Means for Muslims in Comics” by Gene Demby, 2013, NPR
Kamala Khan, the new Ms. Marvel, has gamers, collectors and comic book fans AKHTAR: Well, I would say it's rarely represented unless it's represented
talking. Why? Kamala Khan is Muslim; the old Ms. Marvel was depicted as a negatively. There was, for example, this recent gem of an example, in the small
blond military pilot. In this blog post from NPR’s CodeSwitch, journalist Gene press/independent comics scene of which I'm more familiar, in which the
Demby interviews several Muslim comic book fans and discusses what the new author claimed to be riffing on B-movies of the action and gross-out vein, with
Ms. Marvel means for Muslims in comics. the "good white guys" killing brown bearded men who spoke gibberish and
As you read, identify evidence to answer these questions: What are the yelled things like "Allahu Akbar." The subsequent comments thread was very
effects of stereotyping? Why do people resist change? interesting. There was some vague explanation about it being satire, but lazy
Marvel Comics recently said that it is reimagining Ms. Marvel, one of its satire which has no point still has the ability to be racist and
superheroines, as an American teenager Islamaphobic. There's a lot of that going around, to varying degrees.
named Kamala Khan. But the news has I was actually talking about this the other day with a friend, and my own views
gotten so much attention because Khan on it are ever-shifting, but representation of other cultures, races and religions
is Muslim. by the best-intentioned people who are not from those groups lack the ability to
Some quick background: The old Ms. capture the nuance and subtleties and understanding of what they're
Marvel was a blond military pilot who portraying. Craig Thompson’s Habini, is a beautiful, beautiful book, and I love
could fly, shrug off bullets, and shoot that the clear admiration and respect he has for the language and script — but
energy blasts from her hands. (Because there were parts of it which emphasized the exoticness of Arab culture, and the
aliens or something.) But Khan is a distinctions between culture and religion were not always made. ... People who
teenager from New Jersey who will be aren't aware of those cultures and religions then read these depictions as
able to grow and shrink different parts given. I'm all for representation, but the way to get it right is to allow those
of her body, and eventually she'll be able people to tell their own stories, which simply doesn't happen, due to a white,
to shape-shift. middle-class hegemony of the literary establishment, which extends to comics to
"Kamala has all of her opportunities in a significant degree.
front her, and she is loaded with The way people of colour, or religion, or anything else should be written
potential, but her parents' high shouldn't be what defines them. Character comes first. ... I'm a person, you
expectations come with tons of know, I like comics, bad food, terrible music, and I also happen to be
pressure," Marvel said in a press Muslim. It's a huge part of me, but it's not the way I introduce myself, or the
release. "When Kamala suddenly gets way I want to be perceived necessarily. I want people to think of me as a
powers that give her the opportunity to person, not as a Muslim and, let's be honest, all the negative connotations that
be just like her idol, Captain Marvel, it challenges the very core of her carries in society today.
conservative values." With Ms. Marvel, I'm a little more hopeful, due to the fact that two Muslim
Notably, the new Ms. Marvel will be edited by Sana Amanat, herself a Muslim. ladies are in charge of it. I can see why her being Muslim is such a big deal, even
We decided to pick the brains of a few Muslim comics fans to see what this as I wish she weren't marketed as such. Q2
might augur for the future of Muslim representations in comics. Mariam Assad MUAZ ZEKERIA: We're not portrayed positively in most media, so comics
is a doctoral candidate in digital media at Georgia Tech. Zainab Akhtar blogs can't be expected to be much different. ... Any Muslim superheroes I've seen
about comics at Comics & Cola. Muaz Zekeria runs the gaming blog introduced goes through the same cycle: introduced; heavily featured in one
Twinfinite. Here are some highlights from our exchange. Q1 book; book either gets canceled or wraps up; character fades into the
GENE DEMBY: How do you think Muslims and Islam are represented in background; and is rarely, if ever, heard from or featured again. This also goes
comics now? Are there any depictions that you think are done especially well? for most minority characters. I think Luke Cage, Black Panther, Cyborg and
ZAINAB AKHTAR: Awww, man. Are we talking all comics and not just John Stewart are the only ones who have bucked this trend, and even they don't
mainstream comics? get as much attention as your Iron Man, Captain America, Batman, Superman,
DEMBY: We are! etc.
MARIAM ASAD: The 99 is my favourite representation of Muslims in comics Marvel character named the Arabian Knight who wielded a mystical scimitar and rode an
so far. I think Zainab hit the nail on the head: A "good" depiction for me — indestructible flying carpet.] Q4
not just of Islam, but any religion or culture or character — is one that is DEMBY: Real quick: Could you rattle off some other Muslim
nuanced and multifaceted. It's not about creating an archetype to represent an superheroes? I've been trying to think of other characters whose religions have
entire group, it's not about "getting" or understanding them. That, to me, makes been a big part of their stories at all. So far I can only remember two X-
a representation or a depiction feel cheap and exploitative, like it's a static Men: Nightcrawler, a devout Catholic; and Dust, the Muslim X-man who turns
platitude to be consumed and never considered again. That's not what any kind into sand. (This reminds me of Jubilee, the Chinese-American member of the
of identity is about, right? People are complex, and being Muslim is just one X-Men whose initial power was fireworks.)
part of that complexity, and The 99 I feel does that justice. It's not to downplay AKHTAR: The only other Muslim heroes I can think of are Faiza Hussain,
being Muslim, of course, or to dismiss it, but instead it's more like incorporating created by Paul Cornell for Marvel, in consultation with a group of Muslim
religion into the larger, more holistic representation of what it is to be a women; she operates under the code name Excalibur (again with the sword
person: you're a human being first, and Muslim second (or third, or fourth, or thing — generally an "Eastern" icon/weapon), is a medical doctor, and also
ninth, or whatever). Q3 briefly became Captain Britain for a time (the comic she appeared in), and her
DEMBY: Could you give us some examples of those negative depictions? portrayal is well-done.
AKHTAR: One of Batman's staunchest villains has been Muslim, although his There was also the Muslim "Batman," aka Nightrunner, aka Bilala Asselah, an
religion is rarely discussed. I'm talking about Ra's Al Ghul which translates from Algerian French black Sunni Muslim. He was recruited by Bruce Wayne in the
Arabic to "Demon's head." I don't mind that he's a villain at all, because he's "Incorporated" storyline, where Batman wanted to go global and for there to be
consistently portrayed as a smart, intelligent, genius-level guy, who while a Batman in each country in the world. It was a very well-written storyline, and
wanting to cleanse the world of evil, obviously goes about it the wrong way. So nicely characterized, more contemporary and contextual, taking in French
of course, in Batman Begins he was played by... Liam Neeson. Couldn't possibly politics, and attitudes towards Muslims, etc.
have a smart, elegant, Arab dude be a reasonable-ish villain now! (Same thing Both are fringe characters, though, only appearing in the comics intermittently.
happened with Khan in Star Trek.) ZEKERIA: Other than the aforementioned heroes, I can really only remember
ZEKERIA: Has Ra's ever actually been portrayed as a Muslim? I haven't been two. Simon Baz, who is the new(-est) Green Lantern. He's from Dearborn,
following DC for that long so I genuinely don't know. The only thing I know of Mich., which has the country's highest population of Arab-Americans. He's also
his portrayals is that he's the Orientalist idea of an exotic Middle Eastern villain. the son of immigrants, and when DC was introducing and setting up the
I've never actually seen Muslims portrayed in comics as villains. It seems Marvel character, they made a point of touching on how he has to balance his two
and DC are very careful as to never show them as Muslim bad guys, just Middle identities before ever having put on the ring. An interesting little tidbit that
Eastern bad guys or insurgents. stood out to me was a scene when Simon is mistakenly arrested for a terrorist
The closest I think either have come to saying "This is a Muslim villain," was plot, and one of the interrogating federal agents pointing out a tattoo Simon has
during The Ultimates 2. The leader of the Ultimates' counterpart, the Liberators, on his arm that reads "Courage" in Arabic, and asking why Simon had the
is Colonel Abdul al-Rahman who is the Captain America equivalent. There was tattoo if they are forbidden in Islam. While to the average reader that may seem
also a Syrian mutant named Swarm, who was The Wasp's counterpart. like just regular knowledge, I was impressed since it showed that not only was
AKHTAR: Ra's isn't religious and sort of views himself as a god, but I've DC making an Arab-American superhero, but they were also doing research
always assumed back when he was a man he was a Muslim — that's the reading into the religion instead of just going off what people think they know about
I got — could be wrong, of course! Islam, most of which is inaccurate.
ASAD: Oh man. I'm actually less familiar with negative depictions. Whenever The second super is Monet St. Croix, a mutant member of X-Force. The
I'd see news or articles or whatever about Muslim superheroes, I'd intentionally character has long been established as having a half Algerian, half Afro-
avoid reading them if they weren't about something positive. I feel like I read European heritage. For the longest time, that was about all that I knew of her
enough about negative portrayals of Muslims in other media (the Coachella background, but in a recent issue (I want to say the past 12-18 issues but I can't
Valley mascot, anyone?). Though I do remember one of the Arabian Knights find my copy right now) she revealed that she self-identifies as a Muslim. I don't
being super awful, like wearing-a-turban-wielding-a-scimitar-on-a-magic-flying- think that it has been mentioned since, but the series ended last month or the
carpet awful. That was Marvel, right? [Ed. note: Yes, in fact. There was a turban-clad month before so I don't know if that was something the writer, Peter David,
meant to expand upon in the future.
Just to touch on what Zainab was talking about, Faiza Hussein actually wields 1. Which of the following is NOT something different about the new Ms.
Excalibur, so it's not so much a rehashing of the "Eastern weapon" iconography Marvel?
but more of a meshing of the East and West. She also had to deal with more A. She is Muslim and has conservative values
conservative parents and balancing her British, Muslim, superhero and doctor B. She can blast her enemies with energy shot from her hands
identities. C. She does not fit the stereotype of a female superhero
ASAD: Yeah, Dust is the first hero that I think of and, I mean, enough said, D. She is an American teenager from New Jersey
right? The other superhero that comes to mind is Ibn al Xu'ffasch from 2. According to Akhtar, the current portrayal of Muslims in comics is…
the Kingdom Come series, who's the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul in an A. an entirely false depiction due to the misunderstanding of the culture
alternate universe. (I warned you I was more of a DC lady!) I don't know that and religion.
he's canon though, and I'm pretty sure he's never actually identified as Muslim. B. completely negative, influenced by current politics and racism
When I think of Muslim superheros, I think of The 99 series. It's published by a C. positive, accurate, and captures the complexities of modern Muslim-
Kuwaiti publisher, and I remember it got lots of coverage, like a TED talk, and American life
I think President Obama gave it a shout-out at one point. The 99 is a reference D. often satirized, stereotyped, and exoticized by artists and writers
to the 99 names of God (which are also characteristics of God, if my summer who aren’t Muslim
school memories serve me right), which is fairly prominent in Muslim 3. Why does Asad think The 99 shows a different kind of Muslim superhero?
tradition. I was really happy to see The 99 come out because it wasn't on-the- A. The 99 shows what Muslims should ideally be like according to their
nose religious, but a subtle, more complex perspective of Islam; the series dealt religion
with virtues, not dogmas. B. The 99 depicts Muslims with more multifaceted and realistic
DEMBY: Does being Muslim complicate your fandom? personalities
ASAD: It doesn't really play a role for me at all. I mean, my being Muslim C. The 99 depicts Muslims without actually letting readers know that
impacts how I consume some television shows or movies or video games, but they are Muslim
somehow I've given comics a pass? It might have something to do with the time D. The 99 depicts Muslims as they are shown in American foreign
in my life when I was really heavy into comics — it was more in my earlier policy and politics
teenage years when I wasn't really interrogating my cultural or ethnic identities 4. What do Akhtar, Zekeria, and Asad’s comments tell us about Muslim villains
too much, so maybe it's just bad timing? in comic books?
AKHTAR: Yeah, it doesn't really affect the things I read or consume. That's A. All the Middle Eastern villains in comic books are clearly depicted as
down to taste and preference. Actually, I guess I actively tend to avoid things practicing Muslims
[that tackle] overtly Islamic issues; I've never watched Homeland for that B. There are only a few Middle Eastern villains in comic books, and it is
purpose; I have no desire to see yet another rehashing of all those themes. I'm not clear whether they are Muslim
tired of it all. C. Many Muslim superheroes are depicted as villains
ZEKERIA: Honestly, it doesn't affect it at all. The only way these two ever D. Because DC and Marvel comics are very sensitive to the issue,
intersect is when dealing with the "gods" in comics such as Thor or the Greek Muslim villains never appear in comic books
pantheon in DC comics. One of the main creeds of Islam, as in all other
monotheistic religions, is that there is only one God. But, obviously they are 5. How does being Muslim affect the comic fandom of Asad, Akhtar, and
fictitious characters in fictitious universes in comic books, so it doesn't affect Zerkeria?
me. I mean, I even still consider Thor my favorite superhero. ... A. They do not think their religion influences the kind of comics they
I don't really find myself avoiding media that focuses on Islam, but I've come to read
expect at best an inaccurate depiction, and at worst a portrayal of Muslims as B. They think their religion influences the way they interpret the comics
ignorant, bloodthirsty, violent savages. I'm looking forward to seeing what they read
Marvel does with Kamala, but I feel like this is more of a short-term thing than C. They feel being Muslim led to their interest in comics
the establishment of a character that we'll be seeing and talking about for the D. They feel their religion played a large role in why they became
next 10, 20, 30-plus years. I'd love to be wrong, but I'm not that hopeful. Q5 comic fans
6. Part A: What does the word “hegemony” mean as it is used in paragraph 10? 9. How does the text’s discussion of The 99 contribute to the central idea of the
A. Discrimination against another ethnic/minority group text?
B. Economic or monetary control A. The 99 is another example of Muslims being misrepresented in
C. Predominant cultural influence or authority comics
D. Long-term effects of strained racial relationships B. The 99 is another example of Muslims being underrepresented in
7. Part B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A? comics
A. “…emphasized the exoticness of Arab culture…” C. The 99 is proof the Muslim characters in comics can be the most
(paragraph 10) popular
B. “…white, middle-class” (paragraph 10) D. The 99 is an example of how religion can be woven into a good
C. “Character comes first.” (paragraph 11) Storyline
D. “I can see why her being Muslim is such a big deal…” (paragraph 10. Compare the character Ra’s Al Ghul in Batman with the new Ms. Marvel.
12) How are these two characters similar and/or different? Cite examples from the
8. How does the text’s discussion of other Muslim heroes contribute to the text in your response.
central idea of the text? 11. How might the new Ms. Marvel be helping to reduce negative stereotyping?
A. The lack of other Muslim heroes illustrates the underrepresentation Explain your answer.
of Muslims in comics 12. In what ways have comic books advanced? In what ways do they still need
B. The weakness of other Muslim heroes illustrates how Muslims are to advance? Explain your answer.
often intentionally misrepresented in comics to earn greater 13. Imagine you are a consultant for DC Comics or Marvel Comics. What
profits advice would you give?
C. The evil/exotic nature of other Muslim heroes illustrates how 14. In the context of the article, why do people resist change? Use evidence
Muslims are often misrepresented in comics from this article, your own experience, and other art or literature in your
D. The religious zeal of all other Muslim heroes illustrated the one- answer.
dimensionality of Muslim characters in comics 15. Two of the comic book experts interviewed in this story admit to avoiding
comics and other media that they believe portray Muslims in a negative way.
Can you blame them for doing so? How does this action affect your views of
them as experts, or their opinions on Muslim appearances in media?
Naif Al-Mutawa has created a group of comic superheroes based on Islamic culture and religion. They derive their superpowers from the 99 attributes of Allah.

Ted Talks July 2010

In "THE 99," Naif Al-Mutawa's new generation of comic book heroes fight more than crime -- they smash stereotypes and battle
extremism. Named after the 99 attributes of Allah, his characters reinforce positive messages of Islam and cross cultures to
create a new moral framework for confronting evil, even teaming up with the Justice League of America.

Why you should listen

Widad the Loving, Bari the Healer, Mumita the Destroyer and friends, all working together to fight evil -- the virtues of
Islam are embodied in the characters of the thrilling new comic The 99. Naif Al-Mutawa, a clinical psychologist by training, created
the characters with a team of artists and writers to showcase traditional, tolerant and enlightened Muslim values in the guise of
good old-fashioned superheroes, ordinary mortals who acquire special powers and crisscross the globe on missions.
Soon, the 99 heroes will be saving the world alongside all-American heroes Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman in a
crossover comic with the Justice League. The 99 comic is the corner stone of an expanding family (moving toward videogames
and theme parks) that will bring these characters into the mainstream; an animated cartoon series has been announced for fall
2010 on US cable channel The Hub. And US President Barack Obama recently commended The 99 for capturing the imagination
of young people through their message of tolerance.

What others say

“All the characters in 'The 99' are the epitome of kindness, generosity, wisdom and honesty, which are core Islamic values. Al-Mutawa uses 'The 99' to spread a message of peace that the world
really needs to hear.” — Sumayyah Meehan, Muslim Media Network

Transcript Excerpts

In October 2010, the Justice League of America will be teaming up with The 99. Icons like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and their colleagues will be teaming up with icons Jabbar,
Noora, Jami and their colleagues. It's a story of intercultural intersections, and what better group to have this conversation than those that grew out of fighting fascism in their respective histories
and geographies? As fascism took over Europe in the 1930s, an unlikely reaction came out of North America. As Christian iconography got changed, and swastikas were created out of
crucifixes, Batman and Superman were created by Jewish young men in the United States and Canada, also going back to the Bible.

Consider this: like the prophets, all the superheroes are missing parents. Superman's parents die on Krypton before the age of one. Bruce Wayne, who becomes Batman, loses his parents
at the age of six in Gotham City. Spiderman is raised by his aunt and uncle. And all of them, just like the prophets who get their message from God through Gabriel, get their message from above.
Peter Parker is in a library in Manhattan when the spider descends from above and gives him his message through a bite. Bruce Wayne is in his bedroom when a big bat flies over his head, and he
sees it as an omen to become Batman. Superman is not only sent to Earth from the heavens, or Krypton, but he's sent in a pod, much like Moses was on the Nile. (Laughter) And you hear the voice
of his father, Jor-El, saying to Earth, "I have sent to you my only son." (Laughter)

These are clearly biblical archetypes, and the thinking behind that was to create positive, globally-resonating
storylines that could be tied to the same things that other people were pulling mean messages out of because then the
person that's using religion for the wrong purpose just becomes a bad man with a bad message. And it's only by linking
positive things that the negative can be delinked. This is the kind of thinking that went into creating The 99. The 99
references the 99 attributes of Allah in the Koran, things like generosity and mercy and foresight and wisdom and dozens
of others that no two people in the world would disagree about. It doesn't matter what your religion is; even if you're an
atheist, you don't raise your kid telling him, you know, "Make sure you lie three times a day." Those are basic human values.

Now there are two groups that exist within the Muslim world. Everybody believes the Koran is for all time and all
place. Some believe that means that the original interpretation from a couple thousand years ago is what's relevant today. I
don't belong there. Then there's a group that believes the Koran is a living, breathing document, and I captured that idea
within these stones that self-update. Now the main bad guy, Rughal, does not want these stones to update, so he's trying to
get them to stop updating. He can't use the stones, but he can stop them. And by stopping them, he has more of a fascist
agenda, where he gets some of The 99 to work for him -- they're all wearing cookie-cutter, same color uniforms they’re not allowed to individually express who they are and what they are. And he
controls them from the top down --whereas when they work for the other side, eventually, when they find out this is the wrong person, they've been manipulated, they actually, each one has a
different, colorful kind of dress.

So here's some of the characters that we have. Mujiba, from Malaysia: her main power is she's able to answer any question. She's the Trivial Pursuit queen, if you want,but when she
first gets her power, she starts going on game shows and making money. We have Jabbar from Saudi who starts breaking things when he has the power. Now, Mumita was a fun one to name. Mumita
is the destroyer. So the 99 attributes of Allah have the yin and the yang; there's the powerful, the strong, and there's also the kind, the generous. I'm like, are all the girls going to be kind and
merciful and the guys all strong? I'm like, you know what, I've met a few girls who were destroyers in my lifetime, so ... (Laughter) We
have Jami from Hungary, who first starts making weapons: He's the technology wiz. Musawwira from Ghana, Hadya from Pakistan,
Jaleel from Iran who uses fire. And this is one of my favorites, Al-Batina from Yemen. Al-Batina is the hidden. So Al-Batina is hidden,
but she's a superhero. I came home to my wife and I said, "I created a character after you." My wife is a Saudi from Yemeni
roots. And she said, "Show me." So I showed this. She said, "That's not me." I said, "Look at the eyes. They're your eyes."

And The 99 were like superheroes kind of flying out of what was happening around the world.

So "The 99" is technology; it's entertainment; it's design. But that's only half the story. As the father of five sons, I worry
about who they're going to be using as role models. I worry because all around me, even within my extended family, I see religion
being manipulated. As a psychologist, I worry for the world in general, but worry about the perception of how people see
themselves in my part of the world. Now, I'm a clinical psychologist. I'm licensed in New York State. I trained at Bellevue Hospital
Survivors of Political Torture Program, and I heard one too many stories of people growing up to idolize their leadership, only to end
up being tortured by their heroes. And torture's a terrible enough thing as it is, but when it's done by your hero, that just breaks you
in so many ways. I left Bellevue, went to business school and started this.

Now, one of the things that I refer to when I -- about the importance of this message -- is that I gave a lecture at the
medical school at Kuwait University, where I lecture on the biological basis of behavior, and I gave the students two articles, one
from The New York Times and one from New York magazine. And I took away the name of the writer, the name of the [unclear] --
everything was gone except the facts. And the first one was about a group called The Party of God, who wanted to ban Valentine's
Day. Red was made illegal. Any boys and girls caught flirting would get married off immediately, okay. The second one was about a
woman complaining because three minivans with six bearded men pulled up and started interrogating her on the spot for talking to a
man who wasn't related to her.

And I asked the students in Kuwait where they thought these incidents took place. The first one, they said Saudi Arabia.
There was no debate. The second one, they were actually split between Saudi and Afghanistan. What blew their mind was the first
one took place in India, it was the party of a Hindu God. The second one took place in upstate New York. It was an Orthodox Jewish
community. But what breaks my heart and what's alarming is that in those two interviews, the people around, who were interviewed as
well, refer to that behavior as Talibanization. In other words, good Hindus and good Jews don't act this way. This is Islam's influence
on Hinduism and Judaism. But what do the students in Kuwait say? They said it's us -- and this is dangerous. It's dangerous when a
group self-identifies itself as extreme.

This is one of my sons, Rayan, who's a Scooby Doo addict. You can tell by the glasses there. He actually called me a meddling kid the other day. (Laughter) But I borrow a lesson that I
learned from him. Last summer when we were in our home in New York, he was out in the yard playing in his playhouse. And I was in my office working, and he came in, "Baba, I want you to come with
me. I want my toy." "Yes, Rayan, just go away." He left his Scooby Doo in his house. I said, "Go away. I'm working. I'm busy." And what Rayan did then is he sat there, he tapped his foot on the floor, at
three and a half, and he looked at me and he said, "Baba, I want you to come with me to my office in my house. I have work to do." (Laughter) (Applause) Rayan reframed the situation and brought
himself down to my level.

And with The 99, that is what we aim to do. You know, I think that there's a big parallel between bending the crucifix out of shape and creating swastikas. And when I see pictures like this,
of parents or uncles who think it's cute to have a little child holding a Koran and having a suicide bomber belt around them to protest something, the hope is by linking enough positive things to the
Koran, that one day we can move this child from being proud in the way they're proud there, to that. And I think -- I think The 99 can and will achieve its mission.
“This is What Courage Looks Like” During a troubled time in U.S. History, one 15-year-old girl stood up to injustice- and helped change America by Mack
Lewis
 “When School Was Scary” By Blair Rainsford
For many teens, the first day of school means a new outfit. For Elizabeth Eckford, it
meant threats, violence, and a photograph that made history.
It was September 4, 1957. A crowd of people followed 15-year-old Elizabeth
Eckford, shouting at her.
“We don’t want you here!”
“Don’t let her in!”
The African-American teenager looked straight ahead and kept walking. A group of girls
came up behind her. They were so close they could grab her.
One girl’s face twisted into pure hatred. “Go back to Africa!” she screamed.
UNFAIR TIMES
That was supposed to be Elizabeth’s first day at Central High School in Little Rock,
Arkansas. But huge crowds showed up to make sure she wouldn’t get in.
For a long time, Central High had been for white students only. Many people wanted
it to stay that way.
In the 1950s, segregation was common, especially in the South. Laws said that black
people and white people had to use separate restaurants, bathrooms, and even schools.
Then, in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that segregation in public schools
was illegal. Schools would have to integrate.
THE LITTLE ROCK NINE
Segregation didn’t end right away. The laws had changed, but people didn’t want to change their ways.
Little Rock finally started to integrate in 1957. Elizabeth and eight other black students were chosen to go to Central High School. People called them the “Little Rock
Nine.”
In addition to an angry mob, Arkansas National Guard troops were at Central High on the first day of school. They blocked the black students from entering.
The Little Rock Nine had to leave. They stayed home for three weeks.
ATTACKS AT SCHOOL
At last, the President sent U.S. Army soldiers to Little Rock. On September 25, these soldiers drove the nine black students to school and walked them inside.
The soldiers remained at the school all year. Each of the black students had a soldier as a bodyguard. The bodyguards walked the students to and from class
to protect them, but they couldn’t be everywhere.
White students were mean to the Little Rock Nine every day. They threw ink, books, and rocks at them. Elizabeth got some of the worst abuse. People pushed
her down the stairs. They put broken glass in her gym shower. They lit balls of paper on fire and threw them at her.
Elizabeth stayed calm on the outside, but the attacks scared her. “I knew it was going to be rough,” Elizabeth told a reporter, “but knowing it and experiencing
it are different things.”
A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH
Why was Elizabeth such a target? She was the most famous of the Little Rock Nine. On the morning of September 4, a photographer had taken a picture of the
girl screaming at Elizabeth. It appeared in newspapers all over the country.
Americans were shocked. They couldn’t believe that people could be so cruel to such a young girl.
The photo brought a lot of attention to the struggles that many African-Americans faced. Elizabeth received hundreds of letters of support.
NINE BRAVE TEENS
As the years passed, more and more schools around the country began
to integrate. But no one ever forgot about Little Rock. In 1999, the members of Pretend to be one of the Little Rock Nine students. Write a letter to Malala
the Little Rock Nine got the Congressional Gold Medal. It is the highest after she was attacked and hospitalized in Birmingham, England. What might
honor civilians can receive. you say about courage and your common cause for social justice?
Elizabeth and her classmates were just nine teenagers trying to go to
school. But they will always be remembered for their bravery.
On her sixteenth birthday, Malala
is invited to speak at the United
Nations. The United Nations is an
international organization founded
in 1945. It is currently made up
of 193 Member States. The main
organs of the UN are the General
Assembly, the Security Council,
the Economic and Social Council,
the Trusteeship Council, the
International Court of Justice,
and the UN Secretariat. The UN
system, also known unofficially
as the "UN family", is made up of
the UN itself and many affiliated
programmes, funds, and
specialized agencies, all with
their own membership,
leadership, and budget. The
programmes and funds are
financed through voluntary
rather than assessed
contributions. The Specialized
Agencies are independent
international organizations funded
by both voluntary and assessed
contributions. Read the United
Nations Declaration of Human
Rights.

Why did Eleanor Roosevelt feel

this declaration was so
 IB Summative Assessment
Goal: Your goal is to remove gender inequality in education around the world.
Role: You have been asked to speak to the United Nations assembly.
Audience: Your target audience is the representatives at the United Nations.
Situation/Context: The challenge involves dealing with some countries on your side and some against you.
Product and Purpose/Intention: You will write a speech in order to convince the representatives to change and inforce new
laws
Success: Your work will be judged by the members of the United Nations changing their laws in their countries.

IB Rubric
0 The student does not reach a standard The student does not reach a standard The student does not reach a standard The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below described by any of the descriptors below described by any of the descriptors below described by any of the descriptors below
1-2 Rarely justifies opinions and ideas with Organizes opinions and ideas with minimal Makes minimal stylistic choices in terms of Writes and speaks in an inappropriate register
examples or explanations; uses little or no degree of logic. linguistic, literary and visual devices, and style that do not serve the context and
terminology. demonstrating limited awareness of impact of intention.
audience.
3-4 Justifies opinions and ideas with some examples Organizes opinions and ideas with some Make some stylistic choices in terms of Sometimes writes and speaks in a register and
and explanations, though this may not be degree of logic. linguistic, literary and visual devices, style that serve the context and intention.
consistent; uses some terminology. demonstrating some awareness of impact on
audience.
5-6 Sufficiently justifies opinions and ideas with Organizes opinions and ideas in a logical Makes thoughtful stylistic choices in terms of Writes and speaks competently in a register
examples and explanations; uses accurate manner, with ideas building on each other. linguistic, literary and visual devices, and style that serve the context and intention.
terminology. demonstrating good awareness of impact on
audience.
7-8 Gives detailed justification of opinions and ideas Effectively organizes opinions and ideas in a Makes perceptive stylistic choices in terms on Writes and speaks in a consistently appropriate
with a range of examples and thorough logical manner with ideas building on each linguistic, literary and visual devices, register and style that serve the context and
explanations; uses accurate terminology other in a sophisticated way. demonstrating clear awareness of impact on intention.
audience.
 He Named Me Malala Movie Permission Slip
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The title of the film we will be watching in class is He Named Me Malala (2015).

He Named Me Malala is a documentary about Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, an uncommonly brave Middle Eastern teenage girl who's also a world-renowned human
rights activist. The film is frank about everything that led to Malala's shooting in 2012, including the increasingly turbulent politics that fed into the event and the
subsequent challenges she faced -- and continues to face -- as she moves forward. While there's no graphic imagery that directly reveals the extent of her injuries,
viewers do briefly see bloody pictures of the vehicle she was riding in, as well as a couple of surgery-prep scenes, and there is news footage showing how almost everyone
expected her to die. The movie references violence and images of gunfire, threats, and explosions.

However, the FOCUS of this documentary is very clear – the importance and power of education, for both boys and girls, that the pen and the book are the mightiest of
weapons against injustice. This documentary encourages youth to stand up for what they believe in, even when others are too timid to do so. This film is a fantastic
enhancement to the novel we have been reading in class, I am Malala.

The Motion Picture Industry Rating is PG-13 for thematic elements involving disturbing images and threats. We want to make you aware of this information, as well as give
you a chance to opt your child out of the movie. If your child does not return this permission slip, or you decide to opt them out of the video, an alternative assignment will
be provided.

Please return the permission slip below by: ____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Child’s Name ____________________________________ Teacher: _____________________________________

____ Yes, I give my child permission to view He Named Me Malala.

____ No, I do not give my child permission to view He Named Me Malala. I understand that alternate learning experiences will be provided for my child while the movie is
being viewed.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: ________________