The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

One day, Parvana's father is arrested by the Taliban - the extreme religious faction that controls Afghanistan - and the family is left without anyone to earn money and shop for food. Forbidden to work as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy to save her family.

The Breadwinner is a novel about loyalty, survival, families and friendship under extraordinary circumstances. A map, glossary and author's note provide young readers with background and context.

Awards and Nominations:

• Nominee, Red Maple Award (2001)
• Winner, Middle East Book Award (2002)
• Nominee, Golden Oak Selection (2003)
• Nominee, Hackmatack Award (2003)
• Selected, Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Award (2003)
• Shortlisted, Rocky Mountain Book Award (2003)
• Winner, Swedish Peter Pan Prize (2003)
• Nominee, SYRCA Diamond Willow Award (2003)
• Selected, YALSA PPYA (2003)
• Nominee, Young Jury Awards (Netherlands) (2004)

From the catalogue. Read more about The Breadwinner at the Groundwood Books website.