Celebrate a nation of diverse readers with these recommended books, authors, and teaching resources.
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How to Teach This Book
Malala writes that she hopes that readers will realize that every pencil can be magic because the real magic is “in you, in your words, in your voice.” Children need opportunities to talk about issues that concern them and to be involved in broader issues that affect them. Talk to students about what it means to speak up for something you believe in. Encourage discussion about issues that affect them and let students brainstorm ways they can effectively share their insights and ideas and use their voices to be heard. If there is something they wish to speak out about, help them find ways to add their voice and to connect with others who share their concerns.
Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing
- Do you believe in magic?
- What are some different meanings of the word “magic”?
- What are human rights?
- How do human rights work?
- What are some opportunities for you to speak up and make a difference?
Additional Resources for Teaching About Finding One's Voice
- Malala’s Magic Pencil: Teaching Guide from Penguin UK
- One Person Makes a Difference lesson plan from Teach Peace Now
- Social Justice Lesson Plans from NEA
- Foster student voice with low-stakes writing assignments from Edutopia
- Reading Is Fundamental support materials
- Malala Yousafzai Biography video from Biography.com
- “An Ordinary Hero” video from the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation
Celebrate a nation of diverse readers with these recommended books, authors, and teaching resources.
More Titles to Try
- Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation Duncan Tonatiuh
- I Dissent Debbie Levy
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History Vashti Harrison
- Let the Children March Monica Clark-Robinson
- She Stood for Freedom Loki Mulholland
- That’s Not Fair / No Es Justo! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Tenayuca
- Drum Dream Girl Margarita Engle
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