The Breadwinner is a children's novel written by Deborah Ellis, first published in 2001. The story follows the life of a young Afghan girl named Parvana, who is forced to dress as a boy and work in the market to support her family after her father is arrested by the Taliban.
The novel is set in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime, when women were not allowed to leave their homes or work outside the home. Parvana's father, who is a teacher, is arrested for speaking out against the government and the family is left without a breadwinner. In order to support her family, Parvana cuts off her hair and disguises herself as a boy, taking on the name "Parvan" in order to work and provide for her family.
As Parvana struggles to provide for her family, she also faces the challenges of living under the strict and oppressive rules of the Taliban. She witnesses firsthand the cruelty of the regime, as well as the bravery and resilience of the Afghan people.
Throughout the novel, Parvana grows and learns about the importance of courage, family, and friendship. She discovers the strength within herself to stand up for what she believes in and fight for a better future for her family and her country.
The Breadwinner is a poignant and powerful story about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by people living under oppressive regimes, and serves as a call to action for readers to work towards a more just and equal world.