Malala’s Magic Pencil

Summary

Malala’s Magic Pencil is an autobiography written by Malala Yousafzai. In her story, Malala recounts her childhood dreams of using a magic pencil. Malala lists the multiple ways she would use a magic pencil to bring positive change to her community and the world. She highlights she spoke out against the Taliban when they brought restrictions to deny girls access to education. Malala overcame challenges to become a well-known girls’ education activist fighting for equal access to education.

Theme(s):

Your words/voice are powerful, Anyone can make a change in the world, gender equality

Personal Response

I really enjoyed this story. My school is doing a unit dedicated to Malala’s autobiography but I have not read the picture book. I loved how Malala discussed the many things she would have done with the magic pencil for her community. Malala is a great role model for kids who struggles with using their voice to speak up for themselves or others. I always struggled with speaking up for myself in my early childhood. I found this story is a more condensed version of her autobiography I Am Malala.

Teaching Ideas

In my school’s 6th-grade reading curriculum, we have a unit dedicated to autobiographies specifically Malala’s. I see myself using this book with my AIS students as an introduction to the unit in their reading class and as an introduction to my persuasive writing to make a connection between both stories. I would also use this story paired with a journal entry where the students would write about what they would do with a magic pencil after a discussion about social change.

BOOK.tique