The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis Date of Publication: 2002 ISBN: 0-88899-416-8 Number of Pages: 168

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Low Historical Fiction
THEMES : Family – Survival –Isolation – Good versus Evil – Appearance versus Reality - Loyalty

SUMMARY:
Parvana is a young girl living in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Her father has disappeared, and without a man who can go outside of the home, the remaining family members will starve. This sets Parvana on a course of action; she will disguise herself as a boy, and go outside to find work. Unfortunately, if she is caught, it will mean her death…

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- has come from a country at war
- wants to learn about what war is like
- is interested in human rights
- likes stories about “real people” and “real events”
- likes stories about resilience, inner strength and courage
- likes stories based on historical events
- enjoys learning about other cultures and countries
- is curious about events in the Middle East
- may have come to Canada from a similiar situation
- is interested in cultural diversity


WHAT ELSE?
This is the first in a series of three books, and is followed by Parvana’s Journey and Mud City.

Be aware that the descriptiveness of the war situation may strike too close to home for some students who perhaps have experienced war in their own lives.

RELATED LINK:
To see an interview with Deborah Ellis, check out www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-ellis-deborah.asp