Grace Banu Finds Her Voice

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Grace Banu Finds Her Voice

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Country: India

Ages: 10–12

Author: Sayantan Datta

Publisher: Pratham Books

Illustrator: Priya Dali

Story Source: StoryWeaver

About The Story

Grace had many questions. Why did she have to sit outside the classroom? Why couldn’t she wear a dress like the others? Why couldn’t transgender people study engineering? As both a Dalit and a transgender girl growing up in India, Grace Banu faced exclusion at every step. But Grace didn’t stop at asking questions—she went looking for answers. And she found them in the courtroom. As she grew older, she became an engineer, an activist, and a changemaker. This powerful story follows her journey to make science and technology education more inclusive—so that no child is ever made to feel that they don’t belong.

Themes

Community

Biography

Inclusion & Disability

Sub Themes

Identity and Belonging

Social Justice

Access and Inclusion in Education

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Learn about Grace Banu’s story as a powerful example of self-advocacy and justice
Understand the barriers faced by transgender and marginalized children in education.
Reflect on how institutions can change through persistence and courage.
Explore the value of empathy, allyship, and creating space for all
Recognize that beneath differences of caste, gender, or identity, we share one common humanity.

Lesson Plan

Through this story, students learn about the rights of every child to be seen, heard, and respected.
Discussions will center around fairness, identity, and the power of asking brave questions.

Activities

Grace’s Questions Journal: Students write a question they have about fairness in their own life. Discuss how to explore answers together.
Allyship Posters: Create posters about inclusion, kindness, and welcoming differences
Invisible No More: Draw a classroom where everyone—regardless of identity—is visible and celebrated.
Mini Research: Identify another changemaker who challenged exclusion. Share what they achieved.
Debate: “Should all schools have special policies for inclusion?”

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Have you ever been treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?
What does it mean to stand up for yourself or someone else?

During reading

What questions does Grace ask?
How do others treat her at school?
What does she decide to do when things are unfair?

After reading

What do you admire most about Grace?
Why do you think it’s hard for some children to go to school?
How can we make our classroom a more welcoming place for everyone?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education

Supports inclusive education that recognizes and respects diverse identities.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Addresses gender identity and challenges faced by transgender children and youth.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Tackles intersectional inequality based on caste, gender, and identity.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promotes justice and institutional reform for equitable access

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