The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is a must-read for all ages. This powerful and inspiring story follows the life of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. After her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana must disguise herself as a boy to provide for her family.
This coming-of-age novel explores themes of courage, freedom and resilience as Parvana navigates her way through a dangerous and oppressive world. Along the way she learns difficult lessons about life and finds strength in her own courage despite the perils she faces. The Breadwinner is an incredibly captivating read that will leave readers feeling inspired and empowered.
The book has received numerous awards for its compelling storyline, including the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. With its rich characters and gripping plot, it is no wonder why this book has become an international bestseller.
The Breadwinner Review
The Breadwinner is an inspiring, eye-opening novel by Deborah Ellis that tells the story of a young girl’s struggle to protect her family during Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Parvana is a brave and determined 12 year old who must disguise herself as a boy so she can provide for her family when her father is wrongfully arrested. Through her journey, she learns about the power of courage and resilience.
Key Features:
- 1. An inspiring and eye-opening tale of courage and resilience
- 2. Encourages readers to think critically about gender roles, oppression, poverty and war
- 3. A timely story about the refugee crisis currently affecting millions of people worldwide
- 4. Winner of numerous awards including the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature
The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis is an incredibly important book that will leave its readers with a deeper understanding of life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. It encourages critical thinking about gender roles, oppression, poverty and war while also providing a timely reminder of the refugee crisis that is currently affecting millions of people worldwide. This powerful novel has won numerous awards including the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature and will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Product DetailsProduct | Details |
---|---|
Title | The Breadwinner |
Author | Deborah Ellis |
Publisher | Groundwood Books Ltd. |
Publication Date | August 25, 2020 |
ISBN-13 | 9781554987659 |
Genre/Category | Fiction/Historical Fiction/Coming of Age Story |
Page Count | 192 pages |
Format Available in Print and eBook Format | Print and eBook Format |
The Breadwinner Pros and Cons
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis: A Review
1. Pros
- The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is an inspiring and thought-provoking story about an Afghan girl’s struggle to save her family during the Taliban regime.
- The book is educational and gives insight into a culture that is often misunderstood.
- The characters are well-rounded and complex, making the reader feel connected to them.
- The language used in the novel is simple yet effective, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
- The themes of courage, resilience, and hope are strong throughout the story.
2. Cons
- The story does have some violence and adult themes, so it may not be suitable for younger readers.
- Some of the characters’ motivations are unclear, which can make it difficult to understand their actions.
- The ending can feel abrupt and unsatisfying for some readers.
Overall, The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they finish it.
It addresses difficult topics with grace and sensitivity while also providing hope for a better future. This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
Who are They for
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is an inspiring and heart-warming novel about Parvana, an eleven-year-old girl living in Afghanistan under the Taliban. She must disguise herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after her father’s imprisonment. Through her struggles, she discovers strength, courage and hope.
This incredible story of Parvana’s journey brings to life a part of the world that is rarely seen. Ellis provides readers with a unique look into the lives of those living in poverty and under oppressive regimes. Her powerful writing captures the emotions of Parvana’s experiences, offering insight and understanding into a different culture and way of life.
The Breadwinner is an important addition to literature, as it sheds light on cultures that are often misunderstood or overlooked. It is also a reminder to young readers about the importance of resilience, compassion, and standing up for what is right. This book will stay with you long after you finish it, making it a must-read for all ages.
My Experience for The Breadwinner
I’m so excited to read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis! I’ve heard so much about it and can’t wait to dive in.
The story follows the struggles of 11-year-old Parvana, a young girl growing up in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan who must disguise herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after her father’s arrest. It’s an incredible journey of perseverance and courage, and I can already tell it’s going to be an amazing read.
What I love most about The Breadwinner is how it brings the reader into Parvana’s world. You feel like you’re right there alongside her, experiencing the same emotions that she goes through. The vivid descriptions make it easy to imagine yourself living in Afghanistan during this time period and empathize with the characters’ struggles. It really gives you a better understanding of what life is like for people living under oppressive regimes.
The Breadwinner is an inspiring story about the power of determination and hope in times of hardship. It’s an incredibly moving tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Whether you’re looking for a captivating read or a powerful message, The Breadwinner is sure to not disappoint!
What I don’t Like
1. The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is a powerful story about the struggles of a young girl in Afghanistan.
2. The language and subject matter may be too mature for some young readers.
3. The story does not have a happily-ever-after ending.
4. The characters are not always likable or relatable.
5. The plot can be difficult to follow at times.
6. It is based on a real life situation, which can be upsetting for some readers.
How to Teach Kids about Compassion Through The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is a powerful novel that can be used to teach children important lessons about compassion and understanding. This book follows the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan who must disguise herself as a boy to provide for her family.
Parvana’s journey is full of obstacles, but she never gives up hope. Through her courage, perseverance and sense of justice, she shows readers how to remain strong and compassionate even in the most difficult situations. This makes The Breadwinner an invaluable tool for teaching kids about selflessness, empathy and resilience.
Here are some tips on how to use The Breadwinner when teaching kids about compassion:
- Discuss the characters’ experiences and feelings: Talk to your kids about what Parvana and other characters go through in the book. Ask them to share their thoughts on how they would have responded in similar situations. Encourage your kids to talk openly about their own emotions.
- Help them understand different perspectives: Discuss with your kids why people act differently in certain circumstances. Encourage them to think from different points of view and try to understand why others might behave differently.
- Emphasize the importance of helping each other: Explain how people can help one another out of difficult situations. Remind your kids that everyone has something valuable to offer and that we should strive to make the world a better place.
By reading The Breadwinner together, you can help your children develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and learn how they can make a difference in their community.
Questions about The Breadwinner
What is The Breadwinner?
The Breadwinner is a Newberry Honor-winning novel by Deborah Ellis, about a young Afghan girl named Parvana who must disguise herself as a boy to provide for her family after her father’s arrest.
How does The Breadwinner portray the lives of Afghan children?
The Breadwinner portrays the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan during Taliban rule, where children were denied basic rights like freedom and education. This coming-of-age story highlights the resilience of children in difficult circumstances and celebrates their courage.
What themes are explored in The Breadwinner?
The Breadwinner explores themes such as gender inequality, poverty, family loyalty, and courage. It also touches on issues such as displacement and war, highlighting the struggles that many families face when living under oppressive regimes.
Who is the author of The Breadwinner?
The Breadwinner is written by Canadian author Deborah Ellis. She has written several other books focusing on social justice issues, including Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak.

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.