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Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan / Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan
Two stories of bravery in one beautiful book! Meet two brave young heroes of Pakistan who stood up for the right to freedom and education in this inspirational nonfiction picture book from acclaimed author-illustrator Jeanette Winter. One country: Pakistan. Two children: Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai. Each was unafraid to speak out. He, against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade. She, for the right of girls to attend school. Both were shot by those who disagreed with them--he in 1995, she in 2012. Iqbal was killed instantly; Malala miraculously survived and continues to speak out around the world. The stories of these two courageous children whose bravery transcended their youth are an inspiration to all"--
40 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
June 25, 2020
Winter does a fine job of explaining the lives of two brave children to even the youngest readers.
Most of the world is familiar with Malala's tale - a young girl's belief that an education should be available to all, regardless of sex.
Less well known is the story of Iqbal Masih, a bonded worker who later spoke out against child labor.
I really liked this one. Winter tells the stories of both of these heroes quite simply, with a minimum of words. Likewise, her artwork is not detailed, but very evocative. Highly recommended.
Most of the world is familiar with Malala's tale - a young girl's belief that an education should be available to all, regardless of sex.
Less well known is the story of Iqbal Masih, a bonded worker who later spoke out against child labor.
I really liked this one. Winter tells the stories of both of these heroes quite simply, with a minimum of words. Likewise, her artwork is not detailed, but very evocative. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2020
Jeanette Winter, whose many excellent picture-book biographies for children include such titles as
Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
,
The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps
, and
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
, here examines the lives of two young Pakistani children, each activists in their own way, who came to international attention for their brave opposition to injustice. One half of the book is devoted to Malala Yousafzai, an advocate of education for girls from Pakistan's Swat Valley, whose outspoken online diary about living under Taliban rule led to an assassination attempt on the part of Islamist fanatics. This brave young girl survived, eventually going on to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Flipping the book over, one comes to the second half, which is devoted to the story of Iqbal Masih, a young boy who was sold into slavery to a carpet manufacturer, in order to pay off his parents' debt of $12. Eventually escaping at age ten, Iqbal became an activist around issues of child labor, helping over 3,000 fellow child slaves escape bondage. He was invited to speak in countries such as Sweden and the Unites States, and was planning to become a lawyer, when he was assassinated at the age of twelve.
An moving book, one that educates readers while keeping them involved in the stories being told, Malala / Iqbal is a heartbreaking look at some very disturbing realities. The economic exploitation of children (and their parents) in the carpet industry, the misogynist oppression of women and girls at the hands of the Taliban - these are very serious issues indeed. Some might think them too serious for a picture-book, and yet, ironically, the two heroes depicted here are children themselves, and had to confront challenges that many western children would have trouble even imagining. The language Winter uses here is simple, although her subject matter is so grave. She includes an author's note for each of her stories, giving more information about the two young people being profiled. As always, her artwork is lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for picture books that address issues of poverty, injustice and activism. Given the subject matter, perhaps most suitable for the upper range of picture-book readers.
An moving book, one that educates readers while keeping them involved in the stories being told, Malala / Iqbal is a heartbreaking look at some very disturbing realities. The economic exploitation of children (and their parents) in the carpet industry, the misogynist oppression of women and girls at the hands of the Taliban - these are very serious issues indeed. Some might think them too serious for a picture-book, and yet, ironically, the two heroes depicted here are children themselves, and had to confront challenges that many western children would have trouble even imagining. The language Winter uses here is simple, although her subject matter is so grave. She includes an author's note for each of her stories, giving more information about the two young people being profiled. As always, her artwork is lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for picture books that address issues of poverty, injustice and activism. Given the subject matter, perhaps most suitable for the upper range of picture-book readers.
October 8, 2017
Due storie, una al femminile con Malala ed una al maschile con Iqbal, si intrecciano all'insegna della libertà: la libertà di espressione, la libertà di esistere, la libertà pura e semplice di vivere, ma purtroppo molte volte la vita non è così semplice. Qui nello specifico si raccontano le vite difficili di due bambini nel Pakistan repressivo dei Talebani.
L'intreccio è qui rappresentato da un'illustrazione, al centro del libro, dove ci sono Malala ed Iqbal che inseguono il loro personale aquilone (simbolo di libertà)...
http://img.ibs.it/images/978886526506...
L'intreccio è qui rappresentato da un'illustrazione, al centro del libro, dove ci sono Malala ed Iqbal che inseguono il loro personale aquilone (simbolo di libertà)...
http://img.ibs.it/images/978886526506...
July 8, 2016
This was not as in depth a look at Malala Yousafzi and Iqbal Masih as in other children's books I've read, but it makes a nice introduction to these two brave children.
May 28, 2020
قصة جميلة لطفلين شجاعين اختارا الحياة على الظلام و الجهل و السخرة .. مكتوبة بطريقة بسيطة و رسوم جميلة .. مناسبة لعمر 6 سنوات فمافوق
December 29, 2015
I don't know how I managed to miss this book, which tells the stories of two young Pakistani fighters for social justice. Although I might wish that there were more details provided for both youngsters, the book offers just the right amount of information for its particular audience. Adults familiar with Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih, both youngsters who were brave enough to speak out against unfair practices in their homeland, will be delighted to have this book to share with a young audience. Both Malala and Iqbal drew the ire of those in power, and both were shot by assassins. Fortunately, Malala survived while Iqbal died at the age of twelve. Young readers will be shocked to learn that girls in Pakistan were discouraged from becoming educated and that children were kept in bondage weaving carpets to pay off their parents' loans, both practices that these two young activists decried. Although there is certainly enough information about both individuals to merit books of their own, I liked how the author chose to tell both stories, one starting from one direction, and the other from the other direction, and both joining in the middle as though their fates and influences were somehow tied together. The inclusion of actual words from these inspiring youngsters adds impact to their stories, complemented as they are by the illustrator's usual soft color palette that softens the violence both faced. The Tagore quote at the start of both stories is a wonderful reminder of how to live one's life, not hiding in fear but facing challenges bravely. What a marvelous way to approach life's unpleasant realities! Add this title to a classroom collection of young persons who made a difference and one focusing on civil rights. It's important that all students realize that education is not a given in many countries and that many products are created through child labor. Thus, the book offers a starting place for conversations about some of these unsavory practices and how we can make sure we aren't taking advantage of others in a similar way.
January 8, 2015
This nonfiction picture book celebrates the accomplishments of two young heroes from Pakistan. Told side-by-side, in a book that flips over, the two young people both managed to make real changes in their country. Malala Yousafzai is a very well-known heroine who fights for the rights of young women in Pakistan to have an education. Iqbal Masih has also won human rights awards and fought for the end of child slavery in the carpet industry. Both of them were shot as a result of their efforts to change their country. Tragically, Iqbal was killed while Malala survived and continues to inspire people around the world. These are examples of children who created the change their country was desperate for, changing the lives of other children through their efforts. True heroes in every sense of the word!
Winter begins each of these nonfiction stories with an Author’s Note that explains in detail the life of the young person. The story parts are told in spare text that shows on every page the ferocious pride that Winter has for their work. There is an anger on the page, one that is exactly the right tone for what is happening in their stories. While Iqbal may be lesser known to American children than Malala, their stories are so supportive of one another that the pairing strengthens both their stories. Readers may pick up the book for Malala and along the way learn of this boy whose efforts were just as amazing.
Winter’s illustrations have the feeling of framed artwork on the page. Done in strong colors, they have a beauty and straightforward nature that works well with the subject. There is a directness here that you will also feel in the writing, the two combining to make a book that hits hard at what injustice there is in the world but also at how important children can be in realizing change.
A beautiful and inspiring picture book that adds diversity and true child heroism to your shelves. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
Winter begins each of these nonfiction stories with an Author’s Note that explains in detail the life of the young person. The story parts are told in spare text that shows on every page the ferocious pride that Winter has for their work. There is an anger on the page, one that is exactly the right tone for what is happening in their stories. While Iqbal may be lesser known to American children than Malala, their stories are so supportive of one another that the pairing strengthens both their stories. Readers may pick up the book for Malala and along the way learn of this boy whose efforts were just as amazing.
Winter’s illustrations have the feeling of framed artwork on the page. Done in strong colors, they have a beauty and straightforward nature that works well with the subject. There is a directness here that you will also feel in the writing, the two combining to make a book that hits hard at what injustice there is in the world but also at how important children can be in realizing change.
A beautiful and inspiring picture book that adds diversity and true child heroism to your shelves. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
May 26, 2017
Using a "two-books-in-one" picture book format, Jeanette Winter brings the stories of Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai, two brave children from Pakistan, to the very young. It is a clever idea: one girl; one boy. The stories of each are linked with a center illustration of the two children flying kites--an iconic Pakistani celebratory activity.
In spite of the fact that there is very little text on each page, some vocabulary could be quite challenging to young audiences: Taliban; religious extremists; "school van". The illustrations are not always helpful in rendering a foreign culture more comprehensible. For example, the school van--especially its interior--doesn't really look like a school van young North American children might be familiar with. At times, the text is rather too poetic as well. Of Malala's school, for example, Winter writes: "The school room holds their sun and blocks the threatening shadows. But away from school, a dark cloud follows them everywhere." (A difficult description for literal-minded younger listeners.) Iqbal's story is generally more accessible. It would have been useful for Winter to include a glossary and a map in her book.
This is an attractive text, but it might have been even more lovely with a more varied paint pallette; the illustrations are largely shades of pink, mauve, and teal. The book would work well as a read-aloud, but the reader needs to be prepared to explain aspects of Pakistani culture and concepts (like extremism) to his or her young audience.
One of the best things about the book is the quotation from Tagore: "Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless when facing them." Would that we could all be as brave as these two young people!
A nice companion to Winter's earlier NASREEN'S SECRET SCHOOL, but not quite as good.
In spite of the fact that there is very little text on each page, some vocabulary could be quite challenging to young audiences: Taliban; religious extremists; "school van". The illustrations are not always helpful in rendering a foreign culture more comprehensible. For example, the school van--especially its interior--doesn't really look like a school van young North American children might be familiar with. At times, the text is rather too poetic as well. Of Malala's school, for example, Winter writes: "The school room holds their sun and blocks the threatening shadows. But away from school, a dark cloud follows them everywhere." (A difficult description for literal-minded younger listeners.) Iqbal's story is generally more accessible. It would have been useful for Winter to include a glossary and a map in her book.
This is an attractive text, but it might have been even more lovely with a more varied paint pallette; the illustrations are largely shades of pink, mauve, and teal. The book would work well as a read-aloud, but the reader needs to be prepared to explain aspects of Pakistani culture and concepts (like extremism) to his or her young audience.
One of the best things about the book is the quotation from Tagore: "Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless when facing them." Would that we could all be as brave as these two young people!
A nice companion to Winter's earlier NASREEN'S SECRET SCHOOL, but not quite as good.
April 25, 2015
Text to Text: Recently I read a book called I Am Malala for a presentation I gave about interactive read alouds in the content areas. This was the tale of Malala Yousafzai and how she single handedly began a movement for educational change in Pakistan. The book itself is geared toward a young adult audience, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for this assignment. The theme is so important though, and I was excited to find a children’s version of the book on the library shelves. Text from I Am Malala is transferred to the picture book and it is printed in red. This insures the theme from one book is directly tied to the other. Powerful!
Multiple Perspectives/Values: There is only one perspective portrayed in this book with two stories. The story is told from the perspective of Pakistani children who are being persecuted by the ruling powers in their country. The narrative is supported by facts that show only the view of the children. In Iqbal’s case it is the practice of Peshgi. In Malala’s situation, it is the denial of the rights of girls to go to school. The values of both Malala and Iqbal are commendable. Their unwavering stance in the face of oppression is shown throughout the book. Both are fearless and continue to speak out despite the cost.
Bloom's Questions
Remembering: Name two things that are unique about the cultural setting of each story.
Understanding: What did Iqbal mean when he said he wanted to do what Abraham Lincoln did?
Application: Imagine you were Malala and the Taliban told you that you could not go to school. What would you have done?
Analyzing: How would you compare Malala’s and Iqbal’s responses when their freedoms were denied?
Evaluating: What did you like the best in each story?
Creating: Create a new ending in which Iqbal is not killed and how he would go on to help his community.
Multiple Perspectives/Values: There is only one perspective portrayed in this book with two stories. The story is told from the perspective of Pakistani children who are being persecuted by the ruling powers in their country. The narrative is supported by facts that show only the view of the children. In Iqbal’s case it is the practice of Peshgi. In Malala’s situation, it is the denial of the rights of girls to go to school. The values of both Malala and Iqbal are commendable. Their unwavering stance in the face of oppression is shown throughout the book. Both are fearless and continue to speak out despite the cost.
Bloom's Questions
Remembering: Name two things that are unique about the cultural setting of each story.
Understanding: What did Iqbal mean when he said he wanted to do what Abraham Lincoln did?
Application: Imagine you were Malala and the Taliban told you that you could not go to school. What would you have done?
Analyzing: How would you compare Malala’s and Iqbal’s responses when their freedoms were denied?
Evaluating: What did you like the best in each story?
Creating: Create a new ending in which Iqbal is not killed and how he would go on to help his community.
April 21, 2015
We just completed our unit on Historical Fiction. You learned about men and women who fought against segregation, fought for equal rights, fair treatment, and the right to follow their dreams. Do you think only adults can do these things? How can kids like you help? (Make student-generated list) What if what you were tying to do made other people angry? So angry that they might hurt you to make you stop trying... would you stop? We are going to read two stories about two very brave kids who didn't care what other people thought because they knew what they were doing was the right thing.
Opening Moves: Raising questions in the readers' minds, Foreshadow the problem of the story.
Rationale:
After working on a Historical Fiction unit with picture books, I wanted to shift the focus more towards student or children working towards "change". I found a picture book that focused on two Pakistani children Malala and Iqbal. While Malala is probably more widely known, and I would supplement teaching this book after we finished the unit by showing some videos of Malala's speeches, the second story in the book was unknown to me but very powerful. The author ties the two children's stories together in a very unique way. It doesn't matter which story you start with, hold the book one way and read the inspiring story of a young girl who fights for her right to education regardless of the obstacles and when the reader arrives to middle of the book the illustrator has weaved the Iqbal's story in with Malala's. Flip the book upside down and begin reading about a brave boy who fights for all children to be freed from slavery. The language is simplified for relatively easy readability for 3rd-7th graders, but the themes of determination in the face of adversity and potential harm all for the sake of necessary change make this a great beginning book for the discussion of "change". I would teach this book first to draw attention to previous cultural differences that students learned about in a historical fiction unit. This would also be a great book to segue into "The Last Stop on Market Street."
Opening Moves: Raising questions in the readers' minds, Foreshadow the problem of the story.
Rationale:
After working on a Historical Fiction unit with picture books, I wanted to shift the focus more towards student or children working towards "change". I found a picture book that focused on two Pakistani children Malala and Iqbal. While Malala is probably more widely known, and I would supplement teaching this book after we finished the unit by showing some videos of Malala's speeches, the second story in the book was unknown to me but very powerful. The author ties the two children's stories together in a very unique way. It doesn't matter which story you start with, hold the book one way and read the inspiring story of a young girl who fights for her right to education regardless of the obstacles and when the reader arrives to middle of the book the illustrator has weaved the Iqbal's story in with Malala's. Flip the book upside down and begin reading about a brave boy who fights for all children to be freed from slavery. The language is simplified for relatively easy readability for 3rd-7th graders, but the themes of determination in the face of adversity and potential harm all for the sake of necessary change make this a great beginning book for the discussion of "change". I would teach this book first to draw attention to previous cultural differences that students learned about in a historical fiction unit. This would also be a great book to segue into "The Last Stop on Market Street."
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May 2, 2017Lauren Fariss:
This simplified version of two tales of bravery, is a great way to get students thinking about what they themselves feel strongly about. Because it is about two young people who stood up and made a difference, this a great text to help students understand that even at a young age, their actions have consequences and they can have a long-lasting, positive impact on the lives of others.
After reading this text, the following strategies would be great tools for students: "What Would Have Happened if?____" (Gallagher 161), "Forgive My Guilt" (Gallagher 39), and the "Five Things You Can Do" (Gallagher 187).
I would ask students to reflect on their own lives and think about a moment in which they wished they had stood up for something or reacted differently to a situation. They may choose to answer the question, "What would have happened if I had acted in _____way?," or students may choose to write "Forgive My Guilt" poem, in which they write about how they would have liked to have responded differently to a situation. Finally, students could also be asked to create a list of the five things you can do to be brave and make a difference in the lives of others (Gallagher 187).
Thus, this text is relatable for students, as it is about kids their age who made a difference in the world. It is a great lead-in for getting students to think about ways in their own lives in which they can choose to be brave and have a positive influence on others.
This simplified version of two tales of bravery, is a great way to get students thinking about what they themselves feel strongly about. Because it is about two young people who stood up and made a difference, this a great text to help students understand that even at a young age, their actions have consequences and they can have a long-lasting, positive impact on the lives of others.
After reading this text, the following strategies would be great tools for students: "What Would Have Happened if?____" (Gallagher 161), "Forgive My Guilt" (Gallagher 39), and the "Five Things You Can Do" (Gallagher 187).
I would ask students to reflect on their own lives and think about a moment in which they wished they had stood up for something or reacted differently to a situation. They may choose to answer the question, "What would have happened if I had acted in _____way?," or students may choose to write "Forgive My Guilt" poem, in which they write about how they would have liked to have responded differently to a situation. Finally, students could also be asked to create a list of the five things you can do to be brave and make a difference in the lives of others (Gallagher 187).
Thus, this text is relatable for students, as it is about kids their age who made a difference in the world. It is a great lead-in for getting students to think about ways in their own lives in which they can choose to be brave and have a positive influence on others.
November 5, 2016
Malala, A Brave Girl From Pakistan/Iqbal, A Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery is an inspiring true story of to child heroes. Children in Pakistan were enslaved and not allowed to be educated. Malala and Iqbal who were children themselves, stood up against the mistreatment of children in Pakistan. Iqbal and Malala were both shot by individual who didn't agree with their movement in 1995. Iqbal dies from the shooting. Malala is still spreading awareness and she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.
There are many stories about her life but I chose this particular one because it was developmentally appropriate for young children. The content may be a little heavy for children under 3rd grade. I was an amazing story that many children can connect to to see this kind of bravery in such young children could be inspiring for our youth to make a different in their own communities.
There are many stories about her life but I chose this particular one because it was developmentally appropriate for young children. The content may be a little heavy for children under 3rd grade. I was an amazing story that many children can connect to to see this kind of bravery in such young children could be inspiring for our youth to make a different in their own communities.
September 23, 2015
I’m sorry that I missed reading these two stories beautifully told and illustrated last year by Jeannette Winter. On one side is the story of Malala; turn it over and there is the story of Iqbal. The words are brief, inspiring stories told for younger children, but each also adds an author’s note that explains more. There is a beautiful quote at the beginning of each by Rabindranath Tagore: “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless when facing them.” These are the words exemplified by the story of these two young children.
February 21, 2017
Heartbreaking yet hopeful stories of two young children from Pakistan who showed great courage as they fought to improve not only their own lives but the lives of other children. While I wouldn't read this with really young children due to the violence perpetrated, this can lead to a lot of great discussion...about the importance of education, about child labor, about courage, about the freedoms we enjoy in the US (and many other nations) but that aren't enjoyed in all parts of the world, about how children and adults can work to make the world better.
January 4, 2015
This is another great book to add to a growing list of picture books highlighting young people around the world who are changing the world. Jeannette Winter shares a but about the lives of Iqbal and Malala with the focus on their bravery and the fact that they took a stand and acted even though they were young. These two stories will certainly provide a starting point for classroom discussions about the rights of children.
November 10, 2014
Though I think it is hard to fit two picture book biographies into one book, Winters did an admirable job and also at a level that is appropriate for primary grades. A nice compliment to other books on Malala and a good intro to Iqbal.
July 14, 2015
Wonderful book. A must read to our children. It takes the blinders off of their eyes to the blessings we have here and being able to home educate in relative peace. What a great example of 2 most extraordinary brave children in today's time that our children can relate to.
August 27, 2018
The book had 2 parts, honestly, the Malala part was better, barely. The Iqbal part I found boring, and to me it felt to sudden of what happened to him. To me, Malala was ended up a bit slower and had more details. The message of this book is to speak up for yourself, and you will have good reward.
September 13, 2018
I liked the illustrations and the story, but it was very touching that these kids can't go to school. My question that popped up was" why do Talibans want the children? And why do they not want the kids to be educated?" I wish that this will change in the next few years because that is unfair.
August 5, 2015
This set of two books in one started excellent conversations with my children over Pakistan, The Taliban, and our freedoms in America.
January 28, 2019
In my humble opinion; not helpful for
October 19, 2016
Plot Summary:
- In this nonfiction biography by Jeanette Winter actually contains two biographies about two children from Pakistan that took a stand a made a difference. Malala the girl in the story is a young girl who defies all rules of women. “Women can’t learn. Women can’t go to school. Women can’t read.” But Malala keeps going against this and attending school and wearing non-traditional clothes. She wants to stand up for her right along with many other women Malala and her friends had to ride in a van to school because it got that dangerous for them to ride to school. Except one day her van was stopped and she was shot. Thankfully, Malala lived through it and the book closes with “They thought that bullets would silence us, but they failed… One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.” Then the biography switches over to the story of a boy named Iqbal from Pakistan. Iqbal is being forced to be chained to a work table as a young boy aside many other young boys until his parents loans are paid off. One day on his way home Iqbal sees a sign and is notified that all their loans are paid off. So him along with the other Pakistanian boys are set free. He attends school and speaks out about his story to other children even as he gets threats from factories. He isn’t scared. He spread his message all over carpet factories in Pakistan, and even across the ocean. The threats continued by his home, and one day on his way home on his bike he was shot and killed. “At his funeral 800 mourners wept for this brave boy from Pakistan.” These two biographies greatly show the courage of these two young children wanting to change the world.
Literary Merit/Criteria:
- Setting: The author of this biography does a great job at giving accurate descriptions of the cultures these two children lived in and the issues they were dealing with.
Characterization: The author of this story also does a great job at describing these two children as real individuals. The author also describes the values of each child and their goals.
Theme: The author shows the central theme in this story of two children wanting to make a difference no matter what threats they are given. They were not scared, they just wanted to make a difference.
Reader’s Response/ Classroom Connection:
-In order to connect this to my classroom I would choose to make a Bio-Cube by separating my students into small groups. Along with the bio-cube I would assign them one of the two characters. I would have my students make a bio-cube that went along with their assigned character, and I would also give them a poster board and have them draw a picture to illustrate their character and their journey.
**TEXT SET-People that make a difference.**
- In this nonfiction biography by Jeanette Winter actually contains two biographies about two children from Pakistan that took a stand a made a difference. Malala the girl in the story is a young girl who defies all rules of women. “Women can’t learn. Women can’t go to school. Women can’t read.” But Malala keeps going against this and attending school and wearing non-traditional clothes. She wants to stand up for her right along with many other women Malala and her friends had to ride in a van to school because it got that dangerous for them to ride to school. Except one day her van was stopped and she was shot. Thankfully, Malala lived through it and the book closes with “They thought that bullets would silence us, but they failed… One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.” Then the biography switches over to the story of a boy named Iqbal from Pakistan. Iqbal is being forced to be chained to a work table as a young boy aside many other young boys until his parents loans are paid off. One day on his way home Iqbal sees a sign and is notified that all their loans are paid off. So him along with the other Pakistanian boys are set free. He attends school and speaks out about his story to other children even as he gets threats from factories. He isn’t scared. He spread his message all over carpet factories in Pakistan, and even across the ocean. The threats continued by his home, and one day on his way home on his bike he was shot and killed. “At his funeral 800 mourners wept for this brave boy from Pakistan.” These two biographies greatly show the courage of these two young children wanting to change the world.
Literary Merit/Criteria:
- Setting: The author of this biography does a great job at giving accurate descriptions of the cultures these two children lived in and the issues they were dealing with.
Characterization: The author of this story also does a great job at describing these two children as real individuals. The author also describes the values of each child and their goals.
Theme: The author shows the central theme in this story of two children wanting to make a difference no matter what threats they are given. They were not scared, they just wanted to make a difference.
Reader’s Response/ Classroom Connection:
-In order to connect this to my classroom I would choose to make a Bio-Cube by separating my students into small groups. Along with the bio-cube I would assign them one of the two characters. I would have my students make a bio-cube that went along with their assigned character, and I would also give them a poster board and have them draw a picture to illustrate their character and their journey.
**TEXT SET-People that make a difference.**
December 16, 2015
Malala, A Brave Girl From Pakistan/Iqbal, A Brave Boy From Pakistan by Jeanette Winter. New York, 2014
Characters: Malala and Iqbal
Setting: Muridke, Pakistan and Mingora, Pakistan.
Theme: Children Nonfiction Biographies, Activists, children’s rights.
Golden quote: “I have the right to speak up-”
Plot/Summary: The author Jeanette Winter has combined two biographies about Malala and Iqbal in one book. Both of them are from Pakistan but lived in different villages and different times. However, both were activists fighting for better treatment and equality.
Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan, 1997. She lived with her mother, father, and two brothers. She attended a school managed by her father. But soon the Taliban fighters took control of the village and order for girls not to attend school. These threats did not discourage Malala to stop from attaining her education. She and some of girls would dress in regular clothes rather than school uniform to disguise from the Taliban fighters and attend school. She made her first speech at the age of eleven years old and continues to do so until she got shot in the van that took them to school. She was rush to a hospital away from her village and survived this traumatizing experience. This did not stop her and at 16, she continued to speak out for the right to obtain an education.
Iqbal was born in Muridke, Pakistan, 1982. At the age of four he is forced to work from early morning until after the sun sets weaving carpets. He would arrive daily and sit next to other children who were also there to pay their parent’s loan. Iqbal’s loan was $12 and was paid 20 cents per day. But one day “Peshgi” was banned. “Peshgi” was referred to the loan process that exchange pay through child labor. Iqbal hears the good news and runs to announce this to the other children. He starts to go to school and does very well. He continues to speak out against child labor and the injustices in these carpet workplaces. He is not afraid. He speaks to over 3,000 children in Pakistan. He goes to America to speak out as well. He is recognized for his bravery. However, he is shot at the age of 12 and is killed instantly on April 16, 1995.
Strengths/Weakness: Malala and Iqbal are brave kids who were able to speak out against their strict country regime. While the Taliban fighters are cowards for trying to intimidate and attempt killings to children.
Personal critique: This is an inspirational story that is told by two brave children who persisted in being heard.
Lesson Plan: This is a wonderful book that can be use when studying inspirational biographies for children.
Target audience: 4 – 8 years old.
Characters: Malala and Iqbal
Setting: Muridke, Pakistan and Mingora, Pakistan.
Theme: Children Nonfiction Biographies, Activists, children’s rights.
Golden quote: “I have the right to speak up-”
Plot/Summary: The author Jeanette Winter has combined two biographies about Malala and Iqbal in one book. Both of them are from Pakistan but lived in different villages and different times. However, both were activists fighting for better treatment and equality.
Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan, 1997. She lived with her mother, father, and two brothers. She attended a school managed by her father. But soon the Taliban fighters took control of the village and order for girls not to attend school. These threats did not discourage Malala to stop from attaining her education. She and some of girls would dress in regular clothes rather than school uniform to disguise from the Taliban fighters and attend school. She made her first speech at the age of eleven years old and continues to do so until she got shot in the van that took them to school. She was rush to a hospital away from her village and survived this traumatizing experience. This did not stop her and at 16, she continued to speak out for the right to obtain an education.
Iqbal was born in Muridke, Pakistan, 1982. At the age of four he is forced to work from early morning until after the sun sets weaving carpets. He would arrive daily and sit next to other children who were also there to pay their parent’s loan. Iqbal’s loan was $12 and was paid 20 cents per day. But one day “Peshgi” was banned. “Peshgi” was referred to the loan process that exchange pay through child labor. Iqbal hears the good news and runs to announce this to the other children. He starts to go to school and does very well. He continues to speak out against child labor and the injustices in these carpet workplaces. He is not afraid. He speaks to over 3,000 children in Pakistan. He goes to America to speak out as well. He is recognized for his bravery. However, he is shot at the age of 12 and is killed instantly on April 16, 1995.
Strengths/Weakness: Malala and Iqbal are brave kids who were able to speak out against their strict country regime. While the Taliban fighters are cowards for trying to intimidate and attempt killings to children.
Personal critique: This is an inspirational story that is told by two brave children who persisted in being heard.
Lesson Plan: This is a wonderful book that can be use when studying inspirational biographies for children.
Target audience: 4 – 8 years old.
May 29, 2019
Malala: a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal: a Brave Boy from Pakistan is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. It is a book about the bravery of two children, Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih, who spoke out against injustice in their world.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially the education of women and children in her native Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school.
Iqbal Masih was a Pakistani boy who became a symbol of abusive child labor in the developing world. With his family unable to repay a loan of twelve dollars, Iqbal Masih became a bonded worker, shackled every day to a carpet loom until the loan was repaid – earning twenty cents a day. After he gained his freedom when bonded workers became illegal, Iqbal bravely spoke out against child labor.
The text is simplistic, straightforward, and powerful. It captured the circumstances of Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih extremely well. It is a flipbook to read the other biography one must turn the book upside down to read the other. With very few words, the text captured the courage of these two children. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn. It captured the essence and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is the story of Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih who stood up against injustice they saw around them girls' education and children enslavement respectively and became the symbol of those causes at an International stage. This book chronicles their journeys that made them inspirational.
All in all, Malala: a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal: a Brave Boy from Pakistan is a wonderful children's book of two children from Pakistan who spoke out against injustice in their world. Their bravery in the face of great danger is an inspiration to all who read their stories.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially the education of women and children in her native Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school.
Iqbal Masih was a Pakistani boy who became a symbol of abusive child labor in the developing world. With his family unable to repay a loan of twelve dollars, Iqbal Masih became a bonded worker, shackled every day to a carpet loom until the loan was repaid – earning twenty cents a day. After he gained his freedom when bonded workers became illegal, Iqbal bravely spoke out against child labor.
The text is simplistic, straightforward, and powerful. It captured the circumstances of Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih extremely well. It is a flipbook to read the other biography one must turn the book upside down to read the other. With very few words, the text captured the courage of these two children. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn. It captured the essence and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is the story of Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih who stood up against injustice they saw around them girls' education and children enslavement respectively and became the symbol of those causes at an International stage. This book chronicles their journeys that made them inspirational.
All in all, Malala: a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal: a Brave Boy from Pakistan is a wonderful children's book of two children from Pakistan who spoke out against injustice in their world. Their bravery in the face of great danger is an inspiration to all who read their stories.
Read
June 8, 2016Today, we’re going to be reading Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter. Have any of you heard of Malala Yousafzai? What do you know about her? (wait for student responses) Yes, Malala is a young woman who fought for her right to get an education when others were saying she and other girls shouldn’t be allowed to go to school. Now, the subtitle of this book is “a brave girl from Pakistan”. Why might Malala have needed to be brave? (wait for student responses) Yes, some of the people who didn’t want Malala and other girls to go to school actually tried to hurt her, and she was shot, but she survived. This book is going to begin at the moment right before Malala was shot, and then is going to go back into the past to tell about why. This is called a flashback, when a story goes back in time. Remember our theme is “heroes and helpers”, think about how Malala might fit this idea.
This opening contains the following opening moves:
Activate prior knowledge
Foreshadow the problem of the story
Alert students to unusual literary structures
(Pinnell and Fountas)
My text set is called “Heroes and Helpers, and in the set I have chosen books which display individuals who have worked for equality and to make the world a better place for themselves and others. Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter, connects to the other texts in this set by showing how an individual took action to fight for equality. It also continues the theme of books about real individuals began with the first book in the set: Emmanuel's Dream.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, k-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
Thompson, L. A. (2015). Emmanuel's dream. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
This opening contains the following opening moves:
Activate prior knowledge
Foreshadow the problem of the story
Alert students to unusual literary structures
(Pinnell and Fountas)
My text set is called “Heroes and Helpers, and in the set I have chosen books which display individuals who have worked for equality and to make the world a better place for themselves and others. Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter, connects to the other texts in this set by showing how an individual took action to fight for equality. It also continues the theme of books about real individuals began with the first book in the set: Emmanuel's Dream.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, k-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
Thompson, L. A. (2015). Emmanuel's dream. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
April 15, 2016
Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery is a two-story-in-one memoir about two children who stood up to authority in Pakistan. Malala, a young 11 year-old-girl, refused to allow the Taliban to take her education from her, even at the costs of getting shot. Iqbal, a servant to a factory owner, found his voice and his freedom and refused to be silenced as long as he lived. Both stories, though short, are inspiring recounts of real events.
These books discuss critical issues in children's literature, while also being true accounts of the lives of real individuals. Illustrations in Malala's story show the girls in the schools when they weren't legally allowed to be. These girls look scared but determined to get their education. Iqbal's story features some very vivid illustrations, including some where he and the children in the factory are physically chained to their machines as to prevent them from escaping. While the image are drawing, they still feature realities but in a tame enough way for children to see and not be scarred. This is one of the best features of Winter's books.
It is also incredible that Winter follows the lives of real human beings. Both of these stories feature incredibly brave, young children standing up against incredibly corrupt forces. The books teach children to stand up for their rights, and to be strong in the face of fear, a good lesson for children to learn as they encounter many difficult situations in their lives.
Overall, I believe the short stories are still very impactful. Two entirely separate people were both very brave and the message for children, while possibly controversial to some, is a good one that will resonate with them.
These books discuss critical issues in children's literature, while also being true accounts of the lives of real individuals. Illustrations in Malala's story show the girls in the schools when they weren't legally allowed to be. These girls look scared but determined to get their education. Iqbal's story features some very vivid illustrations, including some where he and the children in the factory are physically chained to their machines as to prevent them from escaping. While the image are drawing, they still feature realities but in a tame enough way for children to see and not be scarred. This is one of the best features of Winter's books.
It is also incredible that Winter follows the lives of real human beings. Both of these stories feature incredibly brave, young children standing up against incredibly corrupt forces. The books teach children to stand up for their rights, and to be strong in the face of fear, a good lesson for children to learn as they encounter many difficult situations in their lives.
Overall, I believe the short stories are still very impactful. Two entirely separate people were both very brave and the message for children, while possibly controversial to some, is a good one that will resonate with them.
Read
June 11, 2015Opening: The book we will read today is a very special one. You see, it’s 2 books in one. One half is about a girl named Malala and the other half is about a boy named Iqbal. It’s called Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan and Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan. It’s by Jeanette Winter. Both of these children are from Pakistan. Let’s find Pakistan on the map. In Pakistan there is a group of people, called the Taliban, who have taken over the country. They are very cruel people who don’t believe in freedom for everyone. In Malala’s story, she is not free to go to school because the Taliban doesn’t think girls should be educated. In Iqbals’ story, he speaks out against child slavery in Pakistan and people don’t think he should do that. Both of these children speak out for freedom and show great bravery. These are also 2 true stories, and I think we can learn a lot from their bravery.
Opening Moves: Draw attention to the setting, provide important background information, and raise interest in a topic or theme
Rationale: I chose this book because Malala and Iqbal’s stories are more modern tales of bravery. The other books in the text set take place more than 100 years ago. I also chose this book because it involves a boy’s bravery, too. I would need to set time aside to talk about this book after reading it because Iqbal’s story does not have a happy ending.
Opening Moves: Draw attention to the setting, provide important background information, and raise interest in a topic or theme
Rationale: I chose this book because Malala and Iqbal’s stories are more modern tales of bravery. The other books in the text set take place more than 100 years ago. I also chose this book because it involves a boy’s bravery, too. I would need to set time aside to talk about this book after reading it because Iqbal’s story does not have a happy ending.
April 10, 2019
This is an important story of two young Pakistani children who fought for the rights of their fellow Pakistani peers. Iqbal Masih lost his life while advocating to end the practice of child slavery in the carpet trade while Malala Yousafzai was nearly killed for promoting equal educational rights for girls under Taliban rule. Jeanette Winter did a nice job of relating these horrifying stories in a way that parents/educators can share and discuss with their students.
November 15, 2014
Malala: a Brave Girl from Pakistan and Iqbal: a Brave Boy from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter is a book that informs readers of two unique stories of bravery. The two stories are very short with text - making it easier for children to read and follow - but still spread a powerful message. Malala's story tells of the Taliban, and their refusal of education. Malala - a young girl - stands up and fights for her right to learn. One half of the book is dedicated to her story and her fight for education. Iqbal is a young boy who is used for child labor. The second half of this book is used to tell his story. Both of these children continue to be inspirations and their stories are meant to be shared.
Even though the text is easy to read - given the topics and acts of violence - I would recommend this book for third of fourth graders. I think it is very important for a teacher to discuss world issues, but it should be done appropriately and within context. Students could fill out bio-cubes for each story, and compare and contrast these two heroes.
Even though the text is easy to read - given the topics and acts of violence - I would recommend this book for third of fourth graders. I think it is very important for a teacher to discuss world issues, but it should be done appropriately and within context. Students could fill out bio-cubes for each story, and compare and contrast these two heroes.
July 26, 2018
This book is a double-sided picture book about two children named Malala and Iqbal, both are from Pakistan and were brave in the face of danger. The two children were born 15 years apart and never met, but their stories are connected. Iqbal stands up to child slavery and Malala stands up to the Taliban and their ban on girls being educated. The children are brave beyond their years and stand up for what is right in the face of great danger. The illustrations in both stories carry the theme of kites. The only full page/full spread illustration is at the middle of the book when we see Iqbal release his kite and Malala hold tightly to hers. I can see using this book to teach so many different themes and subjects in school. Bravery, anti-bullying, child slavery, child rights, basic rights, and human rights, just to name a few. This book could be used with any grade level and each grade level would offer a different level of complexity in studying the book.
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