Consider the Author’s Note. Why does Saeed include information about the Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai? How does Amal show courage in the novel? What other characters show courage? Give examples. 

What is the significance of the novel’s title? How is Amal bound? What restricts her freedom? How does she become unbound? Explain your reasoning. 

Abu thinks that since Amal has already learned to read and write, she doesn’t need to go to school any more. Amal disagrees. Why is education so important to Amal? Why does she encourage both Nabila and Fatima to attend the Literacy Center once they are freed? How can education empower people?