Estimated time: 60 minutes

Think about and discuss these questions from your reading:

1. Malala writes in chapter 2 about how the best foods, such as cream and eggs, were only for the boys. How would you feel if this was the case in your home? How do you think parents justify this?
2. Discuss this quote from Jinnah: "There are two powers in the world: one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women."
3. In chapter 2, Malala's father learned how to turn "his weakness into a strength." How did he do it? How can you apply this to your own life?
4. Discuss this quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."
5. "Kindness can only be repaid with kindness. It can't be repaid with expressions like "thank you" and then forgotten." Do you agree or disagree with this idea?
6. Malala gets caught stealing and promises herself she will never do it again. She says, as of the writing of this book, that she never has again. Write about a time you got caught doing something wrong and how you handled it.

Freewriting

After pondering and discussing these questions with your teacher, choose one to complete a freewrite. If you are unfamiliar with freewriting, here are a few tips:

• Keep your pencil moving. Don't stop. Just brain dump onto your paper.
• Have a set amount of time. Set a timer and write for the full amount of time.
• Ignore all grammar and spelling. Don't let editing slow down the process. These are not important in this instance.
• Pen and paper aren't the only ways to freewrite. Feel free to type on the computer. Not only does this accomplish the task, but it builds typing skills.
• Share your freewrite with us in the comments below.