Iqbal

Francesco D'AdamoFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001

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During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

Iqbal

Genre: Fiction; young adult
Originally Published: 2001
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 730L; grades 5-12
Structure/Length: 15 chapters, introduction, and epilogue; approximately 122 pages; approximately 2 hours, 52 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: This novel is based on the true story of the life and death of Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani boy born in 1983 who helped liberate child laborers. Fatima, the young narrator of the novel, works in a carpet factory, working long hours in the heat with little food. When she meets Iqbal, he gives her hope that she and the other children can have a life free from exploitation.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Child exploitation; child labor; murder of a child

Francesco D’Adamo, Author

Bio: Lives in Milan, Italy; writes Italian noir fiction for adults and fiction for young adults
Other Works: My Brother Johnny (2008); Oh, Freedom! (2017)
Awards: Christopher Award, Ages 10-12 (2004); Great Stone Face Book Award nominee (2005); Iowa Teen Award nominee (2007)

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CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

Coming Together to Escape Oppression
The Power of Corruption
The Economic Impact of Forced Child Labor

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Guide, students will:

Develop an understanding of the economic and social contexts regarding the use of child labor in Pakistan’s carpet industry, which incites Iqbal’s campaign against enslaving institutions.
Analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Coming Together to Escape Oppression, The Power of Corruption, and The Economic Impact of Forced Child Labor.
Research and present an overview of the conditions of child labor in contemporary society and make comparisons with the circumstances and character actions in the novel.
Analyze and evaluate plot, characters, and themes to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding Karim’s role in the novel, the friendship between Iqbal and Fatima, and other essay topics.