40 pages • 1 hour read
The Breadwinner
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
171
Novel • Fiction
Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
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.
Challenging
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
31,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
31,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Parvana’s Father
Parvana’s Father
An intellectual and former teacher who insists on staying in Afghanistan despite the danger, encouraging his family to persevere and remain hopeful.
Parvana’s Mother
Parvana’s Mother
A writer who loses her job due to the Taliban's restrictions on women but finds renewed purpose in supporting her family and educating girls secretly.
Shauzia
Shauzia
Parvana’s friend who also disguises herself as a boy to work and dreams of leaving Afghanistan to find freedom and a better life.
Mrs. Weera
Mrs. Weera
A determined and practical ally to Parvana’s family who helps support them through difficult times and aids in their efforts to educate girls secretly.
171
Novel • Fiction
Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.