Final answer:
A stranger held Malala Yousafzai as she was unconscious and bleeding in the school van. This event is a pivotal moment in her memoir which advocates for education for girls.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the reference provided, when Malala Yousafzai was unconscious and bleeding in the back of the school van after being shot by the Taliban, it was d) A stranger who held her. This narrative is captured in her memoir, "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban," which highlights the importance of education for girls and her own harrowing experience of being attacked.
Malala Yousafzai became a symbol for the fight for girls' education globally after the attempt on her life on October 9, 2012. Her incredible recovery and continued advocacy have made her a significant figure in social studies discussions about human rights and education.