The Breadwinner

I just finish reading what might be my new favorite book The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. This book was written before the war in Afghanistan and helps to explain the powerlessness of women in that country. Parvana, a young girl, lives in Afghanistan under the Taliban. This is a place where women can not leave their homes without their husbands, much less get an education. Women cannot enter shops to buy groceries or goods for their families. They must stand outside and shout their order into the shop owner. Parvana's father, who was educated in England, is arrested. When he is no longer there to support the family she must cut her hair and pose as a young boy. Then, she can sit in the marketplace and read and write letters for people. Students have an opportunity to learn much from Parvana and her experiences. This would make a great whole class novel. While many students in 4th through 7th grade might understand the content of the book, others, who have a small cultural experience might struggle to understand the concept of such a restrictive culture. Thus, a teacher or parent might need to explain the context of the tale a little.