Enacting critical pedagogy through text
In this blog post, I'll be discussing how purposeful text sets and thoughtful conversations can encourage students to disrupt the status quo and enact social change. As discussed in Reading to Make a Difference: Using Literature to Help Students Speak Freely, Think Deeply, and Take Action, literacy instruction and writers workshop are natural places for these thoughtful conversations and deconstructions to take place. (Kelly & Laminack, 2019) Students may feel like just one person cannot make a difference, but as teachers and advocates, we can help students "discover the power in their own words and actions as they demonstrate that change can begin with one class or one person." (Kelly & Laminack, 2019, p. 84)
Amal Unbound
Written by Aisha Saeed
Malala: A Brave Girl From Pakistan & Iqbal: A Brave Boy From Pakistan
Written by Jeanette Winter
Powerful examples of young activists in children's literature
In both books pictured above, brave young people living in Pakistan enact social change that greatly impacts the lives of others for generations to come. In historical fiction novel Amal Unbound, twelve-year-old Amal is forced into indentured servitude after offending Khan Sahib, the wealthy, power-hungry landlord who rules the village she and her family call home. As she serves the landlord and his family, Amal comes to realize the lengths to which he and his family will go to remain in control of the land, sparking fear that ultimately leads her to challenge this authority and regain their village.This story is inspired by that of Malala Yousafzai, whose actions of bravery and unwavering determination are retold through Malala: A Brave Girl From Pakistan by Jeanette Winter.
Aisha Saeed
author of Amal Unbound
I am blown away by the examples of bravery and activism told by Malala: A Brave Girl From Pakistan and Iqbal: A Brave Boy From Pakistan. From a text features perspective, this book is incredibly unique in that it is actually two different books disguised as one. When closed, flipping the book vertically reveals the opposite cover and new story to be read. Within the books, a gorgeous double-page spread of Malala and Iqbal marks the transition into the next story. In this book, young activists will be captivated by Malala as she risks her life against the Taliban, gets shot in the head while traveling to school, and speaks before world leaders. All before the age of sixteen.
Several pages later, readers will be outraged at the sight of four-year-old Iqbal in chains, forced into work at a carpet factory in Pakistan throughout his youth. In the factory, dozens of children just like Iqbal are weaving carpets to repay loans. On his way home one night many years later, Iqbal discovers that Peshgi, which allowed bonded child labor, is now illegal! He spreads the word to over 3,000 children across the nation until he is shot and killed while riding his bicycle. His bravery and determination in spreading awareness of bonded labor has undoubtedly changed the lives of thousands, and his memory lives on through his story.
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Find additional examples of children's literature set in Pakistan here.
Why read these books?
Quality and diverse children's literature, like the ones discussed above, encourage students to read, listen, and share the stories of those like Amal, Malala, and Iqbal. Books like these expose young readers to challenging topics such as sexism, inequality, poverty, and other social injustices that plague the world we live in. When students are aware of these injustices, they are better able to dissect the stereotypes and inequity that often causes such issues. Through these stories and thoughtful reflection, young readers become empowered to enact change.
Resources for teaching & learning
Teaching literature to enact social change
Students often feel called to action after witnessing textual examples of other young people igniting change. These examples can be found in books like Amal Unbound, Book Uncle and Me, and so many more. Additionally, teachers can provide examples of young people using text to spark change through their powerful letters, like the one seven-year-old Charlotte Benjamin wrote to LEGO, demanding a better selection of female LEGO mini-figures. LEGO responded to Charlotte's passionate letter, and since then, the company has produced multiple lines of female scientists, police officers, and more.
Charlotte is just one of many young activists whose letters and efforts have received recognition. There are many other examples that teachers can show students to emphasize the impact just one person can have. Aside from historical fiction text and letters, teachers can supplement examples of young people in action through the use of photographs, newspaper articles, guest speakers, and video clips. Exposing students to this variety of text increases their awareness of advocacy and the ways that they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Charlotte's letter to LEGO
Image from: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550322/Girl-7-writes-strongly-worded-letter-Lego-complaining-lack-female-figurines-adventures.html
LEGO Women of NASA set
Image from https://fortune.com/2017/10/18/women-of-nasa-lego-set-legos/
Citations
Laminack, L. and Kelly, K. (2019). Reading to make a difference: Using literature to help students speak freely, think deeply, and take action. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.