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I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

-Nola Gardiner and Nykema Ebizie

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I Am Malala is a book written from Malala's perspective. The book goes over what it was like to grow up in Pakistan and how the Taliban influenced her daily life. The main focus is on how she fought for her education and never gave up. These details are important because education was all Malala aspired to achieve.

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The book is written from first point of view and is very heavily detailed, almost as if we are living the moment with her. Due to this, we feel as if we have a close connection to Malala and what she went through.

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The central message of the book is bravery. The book develops this theme through sharing experiences of discrimination from the Taliban, and publicly speaking up against the Taliban on the news provides an obvious example of bravery. Additionally, she takes us through her daily life providing subtle examples of bravery, such as the walk to school.

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Malala Yousafzai's dad, Melanne Verveer Ziauddin Yousafzai was a major contribution to her personal character. He always believed in her and supported her and her education. In the book it states "I will protect your freedom Malala, Carry on with your dreams." (Yousafzai 24). This symbolizes how he always believed in her and allowed her to get an education.

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The first key event occurs in 2005 when the first verbal threats begun. Someone claiming to be "mufti" had come to Malala's home and told her father that his school was "a blasphemy," (Yousafzai 32). Malala's father tried to shoo her away to deter her from hearing what they had to say; however, she ended up overhearing the conversation. This information holds great importance as it was the first time it ever occurred to her that there is "something wrong" with girls going to school.

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Secondly, in 2008 Malala got her first chance to publicly speak out on the news, along with many of her classmates who did they same. She states how, "Girls are getting more deprived of [their] rights," (Yousafzai 71). Her speaking out at a young age has built her the confidence to shape her into the brave, influential women she is today.

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Another key individual in this story is Malala's teacher. They stayed strong and kept educating the youth, even in the climate of their hometown. They fed into the girls curiosity, inspired them to keep questioning and never be silenced.

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Malala Yousafzai was a young girl born in Pakistan. Malala came from a family that raised her to value education, and never be silenced. Because of this, she decided to speak out against the Taliban. she organized and delivered speeches in Pakistan to speak how she felt. due to this, the Taliban shot her point blank while on her way to school. Although no one expected her to survive, she persevered and became one of the most important symbols of peace. She has won multiple awards such as the Nobel peace prize, Mother Teresa awards, Shorty award for teen hero, Sakharov prize, and many more. She's considered one of the most influential voices of our generation.

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Additionally, and arguably the most important and life-altering experience- when Malala was shot by the Taliban. On October 9, 2012 she was shot on the bus going to school. Despite experiencing physical and verbal abuse from many, she persevered and continued to speak up for women's rights.

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Finally, Malala's recovery in the hospital (October, 2012) is another significant event, as the immense amount of support she was receiving worldwide further proved to her that her efforts matter and contribute to more people than just her community alone.

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The most pivotal moment in the book I Am Malala was October 9th, 2012 which was her assassination attempt. She was shot by a gunman on her way home from school and miraculously survived. She made a full recovery and went on to win multiple awards and lead many movements.

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The book states, "The drops of water lit the air like diamonds," (Yousafzai 121). This phrase is a simile, and comparing the water to diamonds helps shapes how we imagine the moment by providing a deeper description of the way the water was sparkling in the sun.

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"It was a humble place with nothing more than blackboards and chalk- and it was right next to a smelly river. But to me it was paradise," (Yousafzai 19). This quote is an example of a metaphor and it impacts our interpretation and helps us understand how much school really means to Malala early in the novel.

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Fatwa: a non-binding legal ruling in Islamic law issued by a qualified religious scholar, or mufti, in response to a question about a particular issue. Muslims may seek a fatwa when they have doubts about conduct, disputes, or other life matters, with topics ranging from personal hygiene to complex legal or ethical issues.

Fatwa is a noun

"But some in Iran have never forgotten the fatwa against him."

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Extremism, a noun that means the holding of extreme political or religious views; fanaticism

"This kind of extremism only serves to harm a child’s chances for success."

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Militant is an adjective that means combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods.

"The nation is still reeling from the militant group's cross-border raid last year that started the war."

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The Taliban takeover in Swat valley, which took place from 2007-2009. This started from the radio service lead by Maulana Fazlullah which spewed hateful speech. This resulted in his gain in supporters and the Taliban taking control over towns and villages.

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Pashtun Culture and identidy.

Malala is Pashtun which is an ethnic group. This ethnic group is know for their traditional ways and the Pashtunwali code of conduct.

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In the prologue the author states, "The bed is unmade, my fluffy blanket is in a heap, because I've rushed out for school, late for an exam," (Yousafzai 1). This quote appeals to multiple senses and creates a vivid scene, which helps us feel as if we are in the moment with her.

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Malala being shot by the Taliban is an example is irony, because they thought shooting her would silence her voice; however, (They cannot shoot [her] dreams," (Yousafzai 188). This action only made her voice louder.

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Around the early 2000's-2010's, Pakistan was politically unstable and faced constant political problems. The government had a weaker leadership. This made it more difficult for citizens to feel safe, but easier for political takeover.

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The military vs. Taliban conflicts occurred around 2009. This was Pakistan army's fighting the Taliban. This led to many families having to temporarily evacuate because of the dangerous conditions.

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The Sharia Law was imposed by the Taliban between 2007-2009. They enforced stricter rules and banned music, Tv, and education for women. They destroyed multiple schools and were not afraid to claim lives.