The Breadwinner

Introduce the Topic:
Currently in class we are reading The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. The realistic fiction book takes place in Afghanistan, and features Parvana (protagonist) and her family. They're very poor, and constantly struggling to survive with the Taliban rule. With the mother depressed, and the father arrested, Parvana must take charge and care for her family. We’ve also taken a look at the non-fiction Kids of Kabul, also by Deborah Ellis, which interviews real kids in Kabul, and their real life experiences. I read about Karima, a 14 year old girl who lives in a very poor family. She must wash clothes with her mother almost all day, and lives with her mean, strict uncle. Parvana and Karima both share very similar stories. (1)
This changed the family entirely, because he was the only man in the family, and the Taliban restrict women from going in public without men. Parvana and her siblings were dreadful, and her mother fell into a state of depression. In addition, Karima had lost her father as well. Her father wasn't lost to the Taliban, but to a brain attack. Just like for Parvana, this was a huge impact on her family. She misses him dearly, even though he passed 10 years ago. (2) Second, Parvana’s family must live in a run down, half destroyed, one room apartment. They have no clean/running water or electricity. Their toilet is tiny and doesn't work, and they cook on a one pot stove. On the other hand, Karima’s family lives in a one room apartment, again without water or electricity. They both have to travel to a well, and boil the water to make it clean. (3) Finally, Parvana takes care of Maryam and Ali. She comforts them, and helps them with things they aren't capable of yet. Similarly, Karima’s mother is always working, and has no time to care for her children. Karima, being one of the older siblings, cares for her younger brother and