Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan
By Jan Carr,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Two true, inspiring stories about child activists.
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What's the Story?
MALALA, A BRAVE GIRL FROM PAKISTAN/IQBAL, A BRAVE BOY FROM PAKISTAN tells two true, separate stories of bravery. Both of the children profiled are Pakistani, both stood up very publicly for human rights, and both were shot by those who opposed them. Malala's story is now well-known: She attended a girls' school in Swat Valley, Pakistan, where the Taliban opposed education for girls. Though they targeted Malala, she went on to become a celebrated advocate for girls' rights and education. Iqbal was a child laborer who was bound by family debt to work in a carpet factory. After he spoke out against child labor and bondage, he was killed. Each story is told separately, and the reader physically turns the book over to start the other on the flip side.
Is It Any Good?
Winter is an acclaimed author/illustrator and picture-book biographer who sensitively handles difficult, cross-cultural subjects, and her colorful, folk-art-inspired illustration suits the subject. Small, telling human details help kids relate; Malala and her friends wear regular clothes over their school uniforms to disguise the fact that they're going to school; Iqbal weaves tiny kite patterns into his rug, ones the boss can't see. In an evocative center spread, the children reach out to each other via kites that soar between them, a powerful visual reminder that their stories are intertwined.
Malala and Iqbal's stories are inspirational and can introduce young readers to life in a country less free than their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the realities of children's lives in other cultures. What are children's lives like in Pakistan? How are they different from yours? How do you think they're the same?
What do you think you would do if you were Malala or Iqbal?
How would you feel if someone said you couldn't go to school?
Book Details
- Author: Jeanette Winter
- Illustrator: Jeanette Winter
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books
- Publication date: November 11, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: March 7, 2019
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