Author Inspires Main Street Students To Make A Difference

IRVINGTON, NY — Main Street School fourth- and fifth-graders, who had been reading “Amal Unbound” throughout the month of October as part of their Global School Read Aloud activities, welcomed the book’s author, Aisha Saeed, to their school Nov. 5.

During her visit, which was funded by the PSTA and organized by librarian Gayle Pulley, the author recounted her writing journey and shared her inspirations behind her book and characters. Saeed’s novel tells the story of a young Pakistani girl who is forced into indentured servitude.

“A school visit by an author is the bridge that connects students and teachers to the story,” Pulley said. “Ms. Saeed’s visit provided the students and school faculty with opportunities to gain greater awareness of the author’s purpose, inspirations and writing process. The visit is one day, but the benefits span the school year and influences of a more intrinsic nature will last a lifetime.”

Principal Joyce Chapnick said Saeed shared stories of real-life children who bravely affect change in their communities. The book’s main character, Amal, was inspired by Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education.

“Amal embodies so many of the habits of mind that we explicitly teach into and foster within the MSS community,” Chapnick said. “She values learning and education above all else and is willing to risk her life to read.”

Chapnick explained that Saeed’s message and belief that one person can make a difference in the world directly connects to Main Street School’s efforts of teaching students how to be good global citizens.

Throughout the month, the students participated in a variety of activities, including reading aloud in their classes and connecting with other students from across the country and world who were reading the same book. They discussed how the book’s main character didn’t change her positive traits despite the hardships she endured and that she always stood up for what she believed was right. They also learned how to become empathetic toward children around the world and think of ways they can be global citizens. In addition, through inquiry-based research in their library classes, the students learned about the geography and culture of Pakistan.

“I hope the students took away the ideas of persistence, following their dreams and the importance of education, as well as an appreciation for what they have and the country we live in,” Pulley said.

In addition, students and staff members are raising money for the Malala Fund, whose goal is to enable girls to complete 12 years of safe, quality education so that they can achieve their potential and be positive change makers in their families and communities.

“Special thanks to our Global School Read Aloud Leadership Team for leading the work, planning the author visit and raising money for the Malala Fund,” Chapnick said.

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Photo caption: Main Street School students and teachers welcomed author Aisha Saeed to their school Nov. 5. Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.