The Breadwinner

Ellis, Deborah. (2000). Toronto: A Groundwood Book. 0-88899-419-2

PLOT SUMMARY

In Afghanistan, during the Taliban rule, life for girls was hard. When eleven year old Parvana's father is taken away, she disguises herself as a boy to support her family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Parvana is a strong character and one that kids can relate to and sympathize with. Her predicament is unfortunate, and the book is great for kids to read as an introduction to another culture, it's differences and how it compares to their own. Kids will understand the hardships that sometimes make life so unfair, and will learn that even though we are so different, we are also the same in the way we feel, how we hurt and how we will do what we can to survive.

READER'S ANNOTATION

Parvana is an eleven year old girl living in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule. When her father is taken away, the family is without a man, and without a man, the girls must stay home and starve, or do something that could possibly get them all killed. Parvana's decision to disguise herself as a boy is one that helps ensure their survival, but at great risk.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deborah Ellis won the Governor's Award for her first book Looking for X. She is a women's rights activist and has spent years in Afghanistan documenting the lives of women.

GENRE

Realistic Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

Social Studies

Have students discuss society in Afghanistan, comparing and contrasting with their own. Discuss the issues of women in society, here and there.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

If you were forced to disguise yourself so that you could make a living, in fear for your life all the time, wondering if you would be discovered, how long do you think you could last?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10 and over

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Shows unsavory issues in another culture

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library policy and the book. Be aware of the ways that we can help kids understand the differences in cultures.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

Exposes kids to new ideas and issues in another culture.