Iqbal: A Novel Review
Iqbal Masih was a 4 year boy who was sold into child bonded labor for under by his parents. He worked in a rug making factory in Pakistan under deplorable conditions. At the age of 10 he escaped and began crusading against illegal child bonded labor practices. His work won him the Reebok Human Rights Award and he came to the US to receive the award. Upon his return home Iqbal was murdered while riding his bike near his grandmother's home. While no one knows who murdered him, it is assumed that the "carpet mafia" wanted to silence him.
Iqbal is a fictionalized account of Iqbal Masih's life. It is written at a fifth grade level but the content is better suited for middle school students. We are reading this book as a kick off to our study of child labor practices around the world. The book is compelling and told from a adolescents point of view. It is advised that this book is read as a class and within context of classroom discussions and facts about child labor. A student reading this book without classroom support may have a difficult time with emotional and societal issues addressed in the novel.
Iqbal: A Novel Overview
"You see, for Iqbal I was not invisible. I existed, and he made me free."
For Fatima and the other unseen children of Hussain Khan's carpet factory, Iqbal Masih's arrival is the end of hope and its beginning. It is Iqbal who tells them that their family's debt will never be cancelled, no matter how many inches of progress they make in their rugs, no matter how neat the knots or perfect the pattern. But it is also Iqbal who is brave enough to talk about the future. "Fatima," he promises, "next spring you and I are going to go and fly a kite. Remember that, whatever happens."
This is the story of the real Iqbal: a courageous thirteen-year-old boy who knew that his life was worth more than a rug, that chaining children to looms to work hours without rest was not right, and that there was a way to stop the abuse.
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Customer Reviews
Iqbal the story of an amazing boy - Amanda Wright -
I just finished reading this book. It has to be one of the most inspirational and most wonderful books I have ever read. It shows courage and bravery and Iqbal himself is amazing. If you haven't read this book what are you waiting for? Pick it up!
Extraordinary! - César Chávez - Amsterdam
An incredible book that while being socially conscious delivers a fast moving story maintaining interest throughout. A crucially important look at exploitation and fascinating read. Upper grade elementary school students and adults alike will love it.
powerful and lovely - Kelsey May Dangelo - Vermont
A beautifully written (especially for a young adult novel) story of Iqbal, a young slave to a carpet merchant and his fight for freedom and participation in the anti-child labor movement. Another must read for young adults, showing they have power in this world for good. Grade: A-
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 21, 2010 22:35:06
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