The Breadwinner

Author:

Deborah Ellis

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

OUP Oxford

First Published:

1 Sept 2000

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

This is a brilliantly pitched account of a young girl's life under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. We first read this together in our family as a read-aloud when our youngest was perhaps 7. She was too young for it then, but, at 12, is now about to re-read it for herself. It's length and language make it an easy read, but its subject matter is weighty. It's an extremely good first introduction for young readers to the idea that a book can transport you into another life, another place, or another time, and that as you get a taste of someone else's life experience, your heart can be changed.

Heads Up!

Deborah Ellis does an incredible job of making heavy subject matter accessible for younger readers - to write about life under the Taliban and make it digestible for a child is no easy task. Parvana's father is arrested in one scene where the Taliban storm their small flat. More sensitive readers might be better to wait until 10 or 11 to read this book.

Publisher Review

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 . . .