The Breadwinner

By (author) Ellis Deborah
Short description/annotation
A bestselling story about a girl living in war-torn Afghanistan under Taliban rule, recommended by Malala Yousafzai. Parvana must disguise herself as a boy to save her mother and sisters from starvation. Every day, it is a fight for survival. But even in despair lies hope . . .
Description
Recommended by Malala Yousafzai, The Breadwinner is the first book in Deborah Ellis''s bestselling series set in Afghanistan. This award-winning novel explores loyalty, survival, family and friendship under extraordinary circumstances. Parvana''s father is arrested and taken away by Taliban soldiers. Under Taliban law, women and girls are not allowed to leave the house on their own. Parvana, her mother, and sisters are prisoners in their own home. With no man to go out to buy food, they face starvation. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner to save her family. It is a dangerous plan, but their only chance. In fear, she goes out, and witnesses the horror of landmines, the brutality of the Taliban, and the desperation of a country trying to survive. But even in despair lies hope . . .
Review quote
''It answers the question; What''s it like to be an Afghan child?It makes it clear that Afghans aren''t the enemy, that children all over the world hate helping with the washing up, whether they are starving or not. It allows children to draw their own conclusions about why we are fighting. Most importantly, it humanises the war . . . it deserves to become a bestseller . . .
Review quote
Very remarkable and highly topical. The horrors of life under the Taliban are balanced by loyalty, courage and hope. Read it.
Review quote
I was gripped by this series and couldn''t drag myself away from it. Ellis beautifully captures childhood in war-torn Afghanistan and Pakistan. The stories are very moving.
Review quote
All girls [should read]: The Breadwinner,by Deborah Ellis [...] I think it''s important for girls everywhere to learn how women are treated in some societies. But even though Parvana is treated as lesser than boys and men, she never feels that way. She believes in herself and is stronger to fight against hunger, fear and war. Girls like her are an inspiration. The Breadwinnerreminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world
Review quote
An eye-opening experience for readers who are not acquainted with such a difficult reality.
Promotional headline
Bestselling story about girl living in war-torn Afghanistan under Taliban rule.