About Malala
What country does Malala live in during this memoir?
What is Pakistan?
What is the genre of A Schoolgirl’s Diary?
Memoir
What is Malala’s main conflict?
She wants to go to school even though it’s forbidden.
"After the fifteenth of January, no girl, whether big or little should go to school." What was this pronouncement called?
edict
What is one central idea of A Schoolgirl’s Diary?
Education is worth fighting for—even in danger.
Answers may vary
What is the importance of including numbers and dates in paragraphs 33 and 35?
What is to increase suspense by giving the impression that time is running out.
What does the prefix an- mean in anonymous?
"without"
Why did Malala end the prologue with,"I jumped in that Tuesday morning and never looked back at my home."
foreshadowing, create suspense, moment in life when everything changed
From what point of view is this story told?
First person (Malala tells her own story).
What internal conflict does Malala face while writing her diary?
She is afraid of being discovered but believes it’s worth the risk.
What did the students debate in class?
Talibans edict and would the Pakistani government allow it.
What inference can you make about Malala's parents?
They want Malala to be brave and to speak out against injustice
Describe reasons why people give up in paragraphs 38-40?
Teachers and students were justifiably terrified of the Taliban.
What does the prefix de- mean
against
Why does Malala decide to write a diary for the BBC?
To tell the world what life was like under Taliban rule.
What does the prologue help the reader understand?
It shows what Malala’s normal life was like before the attack.
What external conflict does Malala’s family face?
Deciding whether to let her write for the BBC despite the danger.
What does defy mean?
To resist or refuse to obey.
What can readers infer about Malala’s father from his actions?
He believes deeply in education and supports her bravery.
What kept Malala from giving up?
Family support and faith
What does the root word bate mean?
"beat"
What was Malala's pseudonym?
Gul Makai
Why does the author include maps and footnotes in the text?
To help readers understand cultural and geographic context.
What does Malala’s pink shalwar kamiz symbolize?
Her courage and refusal to hide her identity as a girl seeking education.
What does anonymous mean?
Unknown or unnamed.
What does the statement “I am Malala” symbolize?
Her courage, identity, and willingness to stand up for girls everywhere.
What does post- mean in postpone?
delay
What does greek word onym mean?
"without name"
What is the effect of Malala’s father accidentally revealing her identity?
She is found out and gains the attention of the world
How does the story’s structure show cause and effect?
cause: Malala speaking out effect: gains attention of the world
cause: edict effect: some girls stop attending school
cause: Ayesha can't write diary effect: Malala does
What does this memoir show about standing up for what’s right?
That speaking up can inspire global awareness and change.
Why does Malala write under a pseudonym?
To stay safe while telling her story.
How does the author use memoir characteristics to convey a central idea?
expresses writer's thoughts, feelings, using an informal tone to show how her personal experiences reflects a larger fight for girls’ rights
What did Malala's mother tell her when she asked if she should write the diary?
"Speaking up is the only way things will get better."
What does the Greek prefix pseudo- mean?
False