Summary: The Breadwinner (Deborah Ellis)

"The Breadwinner" is a young adult novel written by Canadian author Deborah Ellis. It was first published in 2000 and is the first book in a series of four novels that also includes "Parvana's Journey," "Mud City," and "My Name Is Parvana."

The story is set in Kabul, Afghanistan, under the rule of the Taliban regime. It follows the life of an 11-year-old girl named Parvana, who becomes the "breadwinner" for her family after her father is arrested by the Taliban and her older brother is unable to work due to a leg injury sustained during the civil war. Under the Taliban's strict laws that forbid women from leaving their homes without a male escort, Parvana disguises herself as a boy and takes on the identity of "Kaseem" to provide for her family.

"The Breadwinner" explores themes of gender equality, the resilience of the human spirit, and the impact of war on ordinary people, especially women and children. Parvana's journey is both a coming-of-age story and a powerful commentary on the hardships faced by Afghan families during a tumultuous period in their country's history.

The novel was well-received for its portrayal of a young girl's courage and determination in the face of adversity and for shedding light on the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls under the Taliban regime. It has been used in educational settings to foster discussions about gender roles, human rights, and the impact of conflict on children.

"The Breadwinner" was adapted into an animated film of the same name in 2017, directed by Nora Twomey and produced by Cartoon Saloon. The film received critical acclaim and further brought attention to the story and its themes.