The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel adapted from a story by Deborah Ellis

Pages: 78

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Contemporary / War

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature scenes.

The Back Cover

Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city. Parvana’s father—a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed—works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for having forbidden books, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food.

As conditions for the family grow desperate, only one solution emerges. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a graphic novelization of the 2000 novel of the same name written by Deborah Ellis, and its graphics are based on the animated feature film released in 2017.

What’s good?

It’s a simple, yet powerful story of an Afghan family trying to survive in their war-torn community under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Parvana is a formidable girl, brave, and determined to keep her family together. The artwork, adapted from the animated film, is beautiful and the color palette sets a haunting tone. The story has good structure, is filled with tension and danger, and touches on topics like politics, religion, corruption, inequality, fear, and injustice.

Best Part: Parvana is an amazing character.

  

What isn’t good?

The story is a very abridged version of the book and the animated film. It’s obvious that a lot of scenes are missing from the graphic novel that lend itself to story development. Some facts are also changed from the original.

Worst part: Nothing is terrible.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

It was an excellent graphic novel, but I gave it only three out of five because the book and movie are better. This makes a great companion, but doesn’t capture enough of the story to be a proper stand alone. Regardless, it’s beautifully done and I recommend it (along with the book and movie).

Ellis, Deborah. The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2018. Adapted from the feature film directed by Nora Twomey, produced by Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon, and Melusine Productions. Text adapted by Shelley Tanaka from a screenplay by Anita Doron.