The Breadwinner Trilogy (Breadwinner Series, 1 - 3) Paperback – August 1, 2009

Good book.

The series of the breadwinner are absolutely phenomenal. My 12 year-old daughter had to read the first book for school, and I read it too. By the end of the book neither of us could wait to get our hands on the second and third book. It's a great story, and gives an awesome history of Afghanistan. PS: Book 4 is also great!

The trilogy describes the stark reality and struggles faced by women and girls in Afghanistan and refugees camp in Pakistan. Despite all the suffering, it is a story about courage and perseverance in the face of adversity and how the power to dream provides a glimmer of hope. As I read their stories, I felt their helplessness and sadness but am inspired by their strengths and determination. The trilogy also reminded me of affluence and wastefulness we have here in America and among those who have versus those who do not. It has opened my eyes more for the need to the need to be thankful as well as appreciate every thing (no matter how trivial) that we have in our lives. While we complain about the mundaneness of our lives, there are those who continue to struggle daily to survive that even unclean water, old moldy rice and dried out nan are blessings and the difference between life and death.

The Breadwinner Trilogy tells the story of two young girls who lived in Afghanistan during the time of Taliban rule in the 1990's. During this time of war, the two girls are forced to dress as boys in order to provide for their families. Later, the girls are separated from their families and each other, and have to fend for themselves;.Overall, these were great books. I read them aloud to my children, ages 9 and 11. Whenever we reached the end of a chapter, they would beg me to read more. The story line had enough action to keep the kids' interest, while at the same time providing a wealth of information about Afghanistan, the Taliban, war, and human rights issues.My only negative comment is that the middle part of the second book (Parvana's Journey) was a little slow.I will also mention that some of the content was more serious in nature: the results of war; refugee camps; children who are maimed and missing limbs due to land mines; starvation; etc. If your children read the book, you should just be prepared to talk to them and discuss some of these issues. My kids and I had some very good discussions about the effects of war, women's rights, etc. after we read some of the chapters. The books were very thought-provoking and educational, while at the same time holding the kids' interest. I would definitely recommend it.

There is no point in this book that doesn't abolutely amaze me that humans are so resilient, so determined to live and can endure such pain and destitution. The writer writes simply but that gives the book so much more power since the story is about children. A reader who lives in North America with such opportunity and wealth it is hard to imagine such horror happening to children elsewhere in the world. We have come so far and yet allow this to continue. A powerful story and message that makes one weep.

I saw the movie two and half years ago The Breadwinner an animation and it sadden yet they remained strong and hopeful despite the destruction that happened in their homeland. I read the book and gosh so good yet make you feel sad for these kids even they are fictional. But they felt real. I read it in a day and half. I couldn't stop reading it. I had to know. I give this five stars.

Both our kids (boy &girl, 9 & 12) loved these books. They do have some difficult scenes but these & the overall story prompted some really great conversations about different cultures, human rights, female/women's rights and the blessings & opportunities they have in their lives. It's a good family read together.

My 11-year-old daughter and I read this together. It was engaging and interesting. We read it pretty quickly. We both enjoyed it.