“‘Who is Malala?’ he demanded. No one said anything, but several of the girls looked at me. I was the only girl with my face not covered.”  

Without the story having begun, readers learn something critical about Malala: she is different. She is the only one without her face covered. The implications behind the lack of cover may be initially lost on some readers, but the implications are great in Malala’s culture and country.

“My father always said, ‘Malala will be free as a bird.’ I dreamed of going to the top of Mount Elum like Alexander the Great to touch Jupiter and even beyond the valley. But, as I watched my brothers running across the roof, flying their kites and skillfully flicking the strings back and forth to cut each other’s down, I wondered how free a daughter could be.”

Despite her father’s support and her continued education, Malala understands the barriers she faces. She watches her brothers, who are already free, and wonders how she can be equally free, especially when she must fight for it. However, her father’s proclamation inspires Malala and she fights, with him beside her.

“I will protect your freedom, Malala. Carry on with your dreams.” 

Just as he proclaims Malala will be free, her father promises to protect the freedom she gains. He understands the implications of his “modern” daughter fighting for education and for her rights. Further, he wants her to remember her dreams, despite the challenges. In the meantime, he will campaign for her and others.