Summary

Chapter 5 : “Why I Don’t Wear Earrings and Pashtuns Don’t Say Thank You”

Malala says she is quickly recognized as the top of her class. She is also active in extracurricular activities such as music, art, drama, and sports. Then, a girl named Malka-e-Noor joins their class. Malala loses the first-place spot to her. She is sad and cries until her mother comforts her. Malala describes a young girl in the neighborhood named Safina. Safina is slightly younger than Malala and has many possessions, including toys and jewelry. Malala has only a few toys, and she cherishes a pink plastic telephone she uses to mimic her father, who is constantly talking on his phone. Malala discovers that Safina has a pink plastic phone and that her own is missing, but Safina claims to have purchased hers at the bazaar. Malala...