40 pages • 1 hour read
Deborah EllisThe Breadwinner
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Breadwinner?
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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
710LBook Details
Children's Literature
Historical Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Gender / Feminism
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Society: War
Relationships: Family