The Breadwinner

"not only is the movie a fantastic visual, but the books are even better. this story is captivating and good for most ages (some dark themes), and the books following are just as interesting. 10/10 series"

"Reread. I loved this book in school"

"I read this as a child and I remember being drawn into the story as it was easy for me to understand, yet still touches on complex topics. Highly recommend!"

"This book was heartbreaking, but a valid and necessary read for anyone wanting to understand better what people went through in Afghanistan living under Taliban rule in the early 2000s. It was recently made into a movie that was featured on Netflix, and is a good adaptation, with some differences. Because this is a book series, the film had to bring more closure to the story.<br/><br/>After her father is arrested, Parvana must dress as a boy in order to provide food for her family, as women are not allowed outside without a male escort. It reminded us of Mulan a little bit in that respect. <br/><br/>I have already started the second in the series. I hope I can find the third at my libraries.<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>Favorite quotes:<br/><br/>"Fatana, you are a writer," he often said. "You must come out into the city and see what is happening. Otherwise, how will you know what to write about it?"<br/><br/>"Who would read what I write? Am I allowed to publish? No. Then what is the point of writing, and what is the point of looking? Besides, it will not be for long. The Afghan people are smart and strong. They will kick these Taliban out. When that happens, when we have a decent government in Afghanistan, then I will go out again. Until then, I will stay here."<br/><br/>"It takes work to make a decent government," Father said. "You are a writer. You must do your work."<br/><br/>"If we had left Afghanistan when we had the chance, I could be doing my work!"<br/><br/>"We are Afghans. This is our home. If all the educated people leave, who will rebuild the country?"<br/><br/>It was an argument Parvana's parents had often. When the whole family lived in one room, there were no secrets. (p. 46)<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>". . . We have no choice. Someone has to be able to go outside, and you are the one most likely to look like a boy." <br/><br/>Parvana thought about it. Her fingers reached up her back to see how long her hair had grown. <br/><br/>"It has to be your decision," Mrs. Weera said. "We can force you to cut off your hair, but you're still the one who has to go outside and act the part. We know this is a big thing we're asking, but I think you can do it. How about it?"<br/><br/>Parvana realized Mrs. Weera was right. They could hold her down and cut off her hair, but for anything more, they needed her cooperation. In the end, it really was her decision.<br/><br/>Somehow, knowing that made it easier to agree.<br/><br/>"All right," she said. "I'll do it."<br/><br/>"Well done," said Mrs. Weera. "That's the spirit." <br/><br/>Nooria snapped the scissors again. "I'll cut your hair," she said. <br/><br/>"I'll cut it," Mother said, taking the scissors away. "Let's do it now, Parvana. Thinking about it won't make it any easier."<br/><br/>Parvana and her mother went into the washroom where the cement floor would make it easier to clean up the cut-off hair. Mother took Hossain's clothes in with them.<br/><br/>"Do you want to watch?" Mother asked, nodding toward the mirror. <br/><br/>Parvana shook her head, then changed her mind. If this was the last she would see of her hair, then she wanted to see it for as long as she could.<br/><br/>Mother worked quickly. First she cut off a huge chunk in a straight line at her neck. She held it up for Parvana to see.<br/><br/>"I have a lovely piece of ribbon packed away," she said. "We'll tie this up with it, and you can keep it." <br/><br/>Parvana looked at the hair in her mother's hand. While it was on her head, it had seemed important. It didn't seem important any more.<br/><br/>"No, thanks," said Parvana. "Throw it away." <br/><br/>Her mother's lips tightened. "If you're going to sulk about it," she said, and she tossed the hair down to the floor.<br/><br/>As more and more hair fell away, Parvana began to feel like a different person. Her whole face showed. What was left of her hair was short and shaggy. It curled in a soft fringe around her ears. There were no long parts to fall into her eyes, to become tangled on a windy day, to take forever to dry when she got caught in the rain.<br/><br/>Her forehead seemed bigger. Her eyes seemed bigger, too, maybe because she was opening them so wide to be able to see everything. Her ears seemed to stick out from her head.<br/><br/>They look a little funny, Parvana thought, but a nice sort of funny. <br/><br/>I have a nice face, she decided. (p. 63-65)"