By Deborah Ellis
Summary by Wikipedia:
The Breadwinner is a children's novel by Deborah Ellis, first published in 2001. As of April 2001, the English-language edition of the book has had a run of 20 editions. The title of the book refers to the role of the protagonist, 11-year-old Parvana, who is forced by circumstances to be the breadwinner for her family in a war-torn Taliban-era in Afghanistan.
For her research, the author (who is by profession a psychologist) spent several months interviewing women and girls in refugee camps in Pakistan, and used these interviews as the basis of her depiction of life in Afghanistan.[4] The book has received several literary awards, including the Peter Pan Prize and the Middle East Book Award in 2002.[5] |
Text from the Novel
|
Study Guides
|
Links To Related Non-Fiction Resources
Setting: Afghanistan
About the author and Interviews with the Author
Quest Essay Prompt
In the last chapters of the novel, The Breadwinner, Parvana says she doesn’t know who is “more right”: Shauzia or Mrs. Weera, when it comes to what Shauzia should do with her future. In an essay, explain their disagreement, and who you think is “more right” (with evidence from the novel and outside research about the region). Make sure you cite your sources (websites, and page numbers for evidence you get from the novel).
Write this as an ARGUMENTATIVE essay--cover both sides fully, and explain why one of the sides is “more right.” You will be graded on how completely you explain both sides of the argument, and how you use evidence and analysis to demonstrate which side is stronger . Consider what has gone on in Afghanistan since the time period of the book (around 1999) and how her life would be different depending which choice she made. Also, discuss how her family would be affected by each option. Remember to take some time to organize your thoughts and ideas before beginning the actual writing. When you are done, please make sure to edit and revise your work before submitting. Include whatever brainstorming notes you have, when you submit your final draft. |
Thematically Related: Human Rights
|