The Breadwinner

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 areprisoners 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 thebreadwinner 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 . . .

"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 . . ." The Daily Telegraph
"Very remarkable and highly topical. The horrors of life under the Taliban are balanced by loyalty, courage and hope. Read it." Independent on Sunday
"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." New York Times
"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 Breadwinner reminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world." Malala Yousafzai , New York Times
"An eye-opening experience for readers who are not acquainted with such a difficult reality." Teacher Academic Forum

Deborah Ellis is the author of the international bestseller The Breadwinner, which has been published in twenty-five languages. She has won the Governor General's Award, the Middle East Book Award, the Peter Pan Prize, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award. A recipient of the Order of Canada, Deborah has donated more than 2 million in royalties to organizations such as Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, UNICEF and Street KidsInternational. Deborah has spent a lot of time in Pakistan, in Afghan refugee camps, talking to women and documenting their lives under 20 years of war. She lives in Simcoe, Ontario.

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