Discussion Questions

1.    What can be done about female education in the Middle East and places like Pakistan? What are the prospects? Can one girl, despite her worldwide fame, make a difference? Why does the Taliban want to prevent girls from acquiring an education—how do they see the female role?

2.    Why does Taliban's power continue to grow and attract followers...or is it gaining new followers? What attraction does it have for Muslim men? Can it ever be defeated?

3.    How does Malala describe the effect of the growing Taliban presence in her region? Talk about the rules they imposed on the citizens in the Swat valley. What was life like?

4.    Talk about the role of Malala's parents, especially her father, Ziauddin. If you were her parents, would you have encouraged her to write and speak out?

5.    Malala has said that despite the Taliban's restrictions against girls and women, she remains a proud believer. Would you—could you—maintain your faith given those same restrictions?

6.    Talk about the reaction of the international community after Malala's shooting. Has the outrage made a difference?  Has it had any effect?

7.    Do you know anyone who has the bravery that Malala exhibited and continues to exhibit?  What is this person’s story? 

Adapted from: http:// http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/9457-i-am-malala-yousafzai?start=3