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40 pages 1 hour read

The Breadwinner

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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Deborah Ellis

The Breadwinner

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

171

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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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

4.3

31,775 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

31,775 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

171

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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