| As in the first two books in the Breadwinner trilogy, The Breadwinner (Groundwood, 2000/VOYA June 2001) and Parvana's Journey (2002/VOYA February 2003), this coming-of-age novel explores the survival challenges and moral choices that Afghan refugees present to themselves and the world. The story can easily stand alone. With meticulous attention to historical details, Ellis tells the compelling personal journey of Shauzia who, like her friend Parvana, masquerades as a boy to feed herself and her family. Leaving home to build an independent life, she arrives in a Pakistani displacement camp run by the dominating and socially conscious Mrs. Weera, who assigns her helping jobs. But Shauzia dreams about living in France and needs money. She opts for street life in Peshawar, Pakistan, with her dog as her companion. She lives in near starvation doing odd jobs, picking junk, and begging. Eventually she is arrested and robbed by the police. Americans who saw her begging rescue her. They welcome her into their home where she in turn admits beggars. The horrified family returns her to the refugee camp. She realizes her own people's dire needs in relation to the rest of the world's, begins to initiate needed services in the camp, and returns to Afghanistan with Mrs. Weera Young female readers will identify with the strong spirit that produces Shauzia's independence and her eventual resolve to help the devastated. Social studies teachers have an invaluable tool here for discussing world issues, including the inevitable conflict between haves and have-nots.-Lucy Schall 4Q 3P M J Copyright 2004 Voya Reviews. |
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