Deborah Ellis's The Breadwinner receives praise for its authentic portrayal of life under Taliban rule, offering readers a poignant and gripping narrative about resilience and courage. However, some reviewers feel the character development could be deeper. Overall, it's a powerful and eye-opening read for young audiences.

Readers who would enjoy The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis are typically middle school students interested in stories of resilience and courage. Similar to I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, they appreciate narratives set in conflict zones that highlight strong female protagonists overcoming substantial challenges.

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis follows 11-year-old Parvana, who disguises herself as a boy to support her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan after her father is arrested and her mother succumbs to depression. Parvana takes up her father's business in the market, forms alliances, and clings to hope despite the dire circumstances and systemic oppression faced by women. This book addresses violence and trauma.

Challenging / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Contemplative / Emotional

Deborah Ellis

Middle grade

Novel

The Breadwinner

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Breadwinner Summary and Study Guide

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The Breadwinner Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Breadwinner Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

The Breadwinner Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

The Breadwinner Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Breadwinner Character Analysis

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Themes

The Breadwinner Themes

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The Breadwinner Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Breadwinner Important Quotes

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The Breadwinner Essay Topics

The Breadwinner

Before You Read

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