The Breadwinner
#1 of 5 in The Breadwinner Series
on Goodreads (2,468)
What’s inside...
The Breadwinner trilogy by Deborah Ellis follows the journey of a young girl named Parvana in war-torn Afghanistan. After her father's unjust arrest, Parvana disguises herself as a boy to become the breadwinner for her family. Throughout the series, Parvana faces the harsh realities of war but finds strength and hope through courage and imagination. In the sequels, Parvana sets out to find her scattered family and meets other war-affected children, while the story later shifts focus to Shauzia, a friend of Parvana, who aspires to escape to France. The books provide a poignant look at the human cost of war and a hopeful perspective on survival.
Discussion points
How did the setting of Afghanistan shape Parvana's life and choices throughout the story?
What do you think about the role of family in Parvana's journey? How did her relationships influence her actions?
What challenges did Parvana face and how did she overcome them? Do you think you would have acted similarly in her situation?
How did Parvana's experiences change her view of the world? What did she learn about herself?
What does this story teach us about resilience and hope in difficult situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background about Afghanistan to contextualize the story's setting.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Parvana’s situations, acknowledging both difficult and uplifting moments.
Pause at critical points in the story to discuss Parvana's decisions, asking your child what they might have done differently.
Link the story’s themes to real-life situations by discussing current events or historical issues that relate to the book’s themes of resilience and family.
After finishing the book, engage your child in a creative activity such as drawing a scene they found memorable or writing a letter to Parvana.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Parvana, demonstrates resilience as she navigates life under Taliban rule, taking on her father's role to support her family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to challenging circumstances and finding inner strength to overcome obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through Parvana’s experiences, readers gain insight into the struggles of living in a war-torn country, fostering a deeper empathy for people from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and understanding towards others who may be facing difficult situations, promoting inclusivity and compassion.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: The story highlights the restrictions on education under the Taliban, especially for girls, underscoring education as a privilege and a tool for empowerment.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate their own access to education and be motivated to learn and grow, recognizing it as a pathway to better opportunities.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Parvana's bold choices, like disguising herself as a boy to earn money, illustrate acts of bravery in dire situations.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the courage to stand up for themselves and others, making brave choices in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the challenges, Parvana’s family remains a crucial support system, highlighting the strength found in familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This promotes the value of family unity and support, encouraging children to cherish and rely on their family during tough times.