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The Breadwinner #5
One More Mountain
It's 2021, and the Taliban have regained power in Afghanistan. Parvana and Shauzia, the brave protagonists of The Breadwinner, must now flee to escape new dangers from an old enemy. It has been 20 years since Parvana and Shauzia had to disguise themselves as boys to support themselves and their families. But when the Taliban were defeated in 2001, it looked as if Afghans could finally rebuild their country. Many things have changed for Parvana since then. She has married Asif, who she met in the desert as she searched for her family when she was a child. She runs a school for girls. She has a son, Rafi, who is about to fly to New York, where he will train to become a dancer. While Asif tries to get Parvana's sister, Maryam, and Rafi on one of the last flights out of Kabul, the Taliban come to the school, and Parvana must lead the girls out of Green Valley and into the mountains. Deborah Ellis is an award-winning author, a feminist and a peace activist who has spent a lot of time in Pakistan, in Afghan refugee camps.
192 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2023
17 people are currently reading
1631 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Ellis
59 books600 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Deborah Ellis has achieved international acclaim with her courageous and dramatic books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries.
She has won the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award.
A long-time feminist and anti-war activist, she is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy, which has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, Deb was named to the Order of Ontario.
Deborah Ellis has achieved international acclaim with her courageous and dramatic books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries.
She has won the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award.
A long-time feminist and anti-war activist, she is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy, which has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, Deb was named to the Order of Ontario.
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February 24, 2024
In a Nutshell: The fifth book of the acclaimed ‘Breadwinner’ series, set in the year 2021 when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. An interesting continuation to Parvana’s story. Not a happy book. Can be read as a standalone, but better if you go through the series in order.
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Plot Preview:
I had read the first four book of this series in August 2020, and except for the third book that was just about average, I had liked the remaining three. So this new fifth book, published about 22 years after the first book of the series, had high standards to live up to. To a great extent, it met my expectations.
While this is a book aimed at older middle graders and younger teens, don’t expect it to be a happy one. For such topics, happy books are almost like an insult to those living the truth. There are many frightening scenes and tragic events, as is suitable for such a setting. This is a book for education and empathy, not for enjoyment.
As the story is set in 2021, it begins in an Afghanistan that was just about learning to stand on its own with external support from the US military and other international organisations. But when the Taliban came back to power, the hopes of millions of citizens would have shuddered in fear and despair. At the same time, many would have strengthened their souls and prepared themselves mentally to face what was to come. A few would have started making escape strategies to avoid going through the same trauma once again. The characters in this book reflect all of these emotions.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the groove because too many characters pop up at in the first chapter without enough of an introduction. Later though, the proceedings become much more comfortable. Though the story is standalone, it will work better for you if you go through the series in order, as only the earlier books tell us what made Parvana the resilient woman she is in 2021.
I don’t remember all the characters from the earlier books, but I haven’t forgotten Parvana, Asif, Mrs. Weera, and Shauzia. It was a treat to revisit them (directly or indirectly) in the pages of ‘One More Mountain.’ There are many other returning characters, some of whom I had totally forgotten. Sadly, I can’t remember Parvana’s younger sister Maryam at all, though I know she was present at least in the first book. I wish I could recollect if she was as annoying before as she is in this one. That said, her character shows us that no matter the external circumstances, some people are just unlikeable. Not everyone turns a saint during a crisis.
The portrayal covers both the pros and cons of the Afghan situation, and the writing is almost like an elegy to the country and its people. Though Deborah Ellis is a Canadian writer, she is also an activist and a philanthropist, donating almost all of her royalties on her books to such organizations as "Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan" and UNICEF. Due to this work, she has even been threatened by the Taliban. In other words, are OwnVoices writers better for such stories? Yes. But should we read ONLY OwnVoices works for such stories? No. As long as the rep is genuine and well-intended, and avoids that annoying white-saviour trope, all authors are welcome to write about humanitarian issues that are beyond race and culture and geographic boundaries.
The writing is quick-paced, but it is also too simplistic. It skims over the tragic scenes, possibly to safeguard the little hearts that will be reading this book from extra hurt. The adult in me sometimes felt like the book was racking up every tragedy possible, and the pessimist in me even wondered if this was going the way of misery lit. Then again, what appears as misery lit to us is actually the reality to many…
A part of me hated this book because it killed all the hope created by Book Four. But I accept that the story HAD to go this way. Who knew in the early 2000s that the Taliban would come back to power two decades later with greater viciousness than before? Is this just ‘one more mountain’ in Afghan history as the title suggests, or will this be a struggle of Hindu Kush proportions? Time will tell.
Don’t miss out on the author’s note at the end of the book. There is also a glossary detailing the meanings of the Afghan-specific words.
A shoutout to that beautiful cover that presents some key scenes from the book. (If you think you can see Talibs in a teacup in one of the panels, you are right! 😁)
All in all, a worthy conclusion to the Breadwinner series. Is it really a conclusion? Who knows! Just as Afghanistan has failed to move forwards, Parvana and her friends are also stuck in the series, just waiting for better days to come.
Definitely recommended, but preferable to those who have already read the earlier books in the series.
4 stars.
My thanks to House of Anansi Press Inc. and NetGalley for the DRC of “One More Mountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
2021. Parvana is married to Atif and the mother of eleven-year-old Rafi. She runs a small safe house for girls, women and orphans who need help.
Parvana’s sister Maryan and Rafi are preparing to emigrate from Afghanistan to the US to further their musical ambitions, and the book begins with them setting off for the airport.
Unknown to them, that is the very day the Taliban will grab power once again, and their world will soon erupt in chaos.
Will Maryam and Rafi make it safely to the USA? What will happen to Parvana’s home when the Talibs return? Will Atif be able to take care of his family?
The story comes to us from the third person perspectives of various characters.
I had read the first four book of this series in August 2020, and except for the third book that was just about average, I had liked the remaining three. So this new fifth book, published about 22 years after the first book of the series, had high standards to live up to. To a great extent, it met my expectations.
While this is a book aimed at older middle graders and younger teens, don’t expect it to be a happy one. For such topics, happy books are almost like an insult to those living the truth. There are many frightening scenes and tragic events, as is suitable for such a setting. This is a book for education and empathy, not for enjoyment.
As the story is set in 2021, it begins in an Afghanistan that was just about learning to stand on its own with external support from the US military and other international organisations. But when the Taliban came back to power, the hopes of millions of citizens would have shuddered in fear and despair. At the same time, many would have strengthened their souls and prepared themselves mentally to face what was to come. A few would have started making escape strategies to avoid going through the same trauma once again. The characters in this book reflect all of these emotions.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the groove because too many characters pop up at in the first chapter without enough of an introduction. Later though, the proceedings become much more comfortable. Though the story is standalone, it will work better for you if you go through the series in order, as only the earlier books tell us what made Parvana the resilient woman she is in 2021.
I don’t remember all the characters from the earlier books, but I haven’t forgotten Parvana, Asif, Mrs. Weera, and Shauzia. It was a treat to revisit them (directly or indirectly) in the pages of ‘One More Mountain.’ There are many other returning characters, some of whom I had totally forgotten. Sadly, I can’t remember Parvana’s younger sister Maryam at all, though I know she was present at least in the first book. I wish I could recollect if she was as annoying before as she is in this one. That said, her character shows us that no matter the external circumstances, some people are just unlikeable. Not everyone turns a saint during a crisis.
The portrayal covers both the pros and cons of the Afghan situation, and the writing is almost like an elegy to the country and its people. Though Deborah Ellis is a Canadian writer, she is also an activist and a philanthropist, donating almost all of her royalties on her books to such organizations as "Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan" and UNICEF. Due to this work, she has even been threatened by the Taliban. In other words, are OwnVoices writers better for such stories? Yes. But should we read ONLY OwnVoices works for such stories? No. As long as the rep is genuine and well-intended, and avoids that annoying white-saviour trope, all authors are welcome to write about humanitarian issues that are beyond race and culture and geographic boundaries.
The writing is quick-paced, but it is also too simplistic. It skims over the tragic scenes, possibly to safeguard the little hearts that will be reading this book from extra hurt. The adult in me sometimes felt like the book was racking up every tragedy possible, and the pessimist in me even wondered if this was going the way of misery lit. Then again, what appears as misery lit to us is actually the reality to many…
A part of me hated this book because it killed all the hope created by Book Four. But I accept that the story HAD to go this way. Who knew in the early 2000s that the Taliban would come back to power two decades later with greater viciousness than before? Is this just ‘one more mountain’ in Afghan history as the title suggests, or will this be a struggle of Hindu Kush proportions? Time will tell.
Don’t miss out on the author’s note at the end of the book. There is also a glossary detailing the meanings of the Afghan-specific words.
A shoutout to that beautiful cover that presents some key scenes from the book. (If you think you can see Talibs in a teacup in one of the panels, you are right! 😁)
All in all, a worthy conclusion to the Breadwinner series. Is it really a conclusion? Who knows! Just as Afghanistan has failed to move forwards, Parvana and her friends are also stuck in the series, just waiting for better days to come.
Definitely recommended, but preferable to those who have already read the earlier books in the series.
4 stars.
My thanks to House of Anansi Press Inc. and NetGalley for the DRC of “One More Mountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
September 3, 2022
Parvana oversees a safe house in Afghanistan when the Taliban once again take over the country. Parvana is supported by her husband, Asif, and her best friend, policewoman Shauzia. The three of them met as children 20 years ago when the Taliban triumphed the first time, and they scramble to fly Parvana’s sister and her 11-year-old son Rafi out of the country and to relocate the young girls from the safe house to a safer part of the country. Nothing goes as planned, and the shocking twists will keep you turning pages.
This is Canadian author Deborah Ellis’ fifth book to feature Parvana and Shauzia; even though this is my first encounter with the courageous duo (now in their 30s), I never felt lost. I loved this middle-grade book enough to stay up much too late to finish it in one sitting — high praise, indeed — and to decide to read the series from the beginning with The Breadwinner. In addition, all royalties are going to the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan — very important at this time when history is, sadly, repeating itself for the benighted Afghan women.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, House of Anansi Press Inc. and Groundwood Books in exchange for an honest review.
This is Canadian author Deborah Ellis’ fifth book to feature Parvana and Shauzia; even though this is my first encounter with the courageous duo (now in their 30s), I never felt lost. I loved this middle-grade book enough to stay up much too late to finish it in one sitting — high praise, indeed — and to decide to read the series from the beginning with The Breadwinner. In addition, all royalties are going to the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan — very important at this time when history is, sadly, repeating itself for the benighted Afghan women.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, House of Anansi Press Inc. and Groundwood Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
One More Mountain is the fifth book in the Breadwinner series of cultural fiction suitable for middle grade or older pre-teen readers. The series is set in Afghanistan and this particular story happens around 2021 when the Taliban have re-taken the country.
In the story, characters from previous books continue their lives, but this book can be read without knowledge of the story so far. It begins with Maryam, a female singer, and her nephew Rafi trying to leave the country for a better life in America; alas, the airport has been shut as thousands try to flee the country.
Rafi’s mother is staying in Afghanistan, where she runs a refuge for women and young girls. With news of the rebels' advance, the refuge must close for the safety of all. They then set out on a long journey to find a better place to live.
I have not read any other books in this series, however, I think these books are important as they highlight the plight of people in different parts of the world.
There is a map showing where Afghanistan is at the front of the book and a glossary of native words at the back with a short history of the country which is suitable for young readers to understand. There are no illustrations, but the descriptive passages drew their own pictures in my mind.
In the story, characters from previous books continue their lives, but this book can be read without knowledge of the story so far. It begins with Maryam, a female singer, and her nephew Rafi trying to leave the country for a better life in America; alas, the airport has been shut as thousands try to flee the country.
Rafi’s mother is staying in Afghanistan, where she runs a refuge for women and young girls. With news of the rebels' advance, the refuge must close for the safety of all. They then set out on a long journey to find a better place to live.
I have not read any other books in this series, however, I think these books are important as they highlight the plight of people in different parts of the world.
There is a map showing where Afghanistan is at the front of the book and a glossary of native words at the back with a short history of the country which is suitable for young readers to understand. There are no illustrations, but the descriptive passages drew their own pictures in my mind.
March 18, 2023
One More Mountain by Deborah Ellis is a book of strength, of hope and of freedom. It’s the fifth book in The Breadwinner series, although it could be read on its own and impact the reader just as much as the series does. In it, we meet Parvana and Asif, a couple who has dedicated their lives to helping others in war-torn Afghanistan. Thy run Green Valley, a shelter and school for women and girls and take in Damsa, a 15-year old girl who ran away from an arranged marriage. But when things go terribly wrong, Asif attempts to take their son, Rafi, out of the country and Parvana works to save the girls from the Taliban. Their journeys are hard and readers cannot help but feel every difficult step they take. For those familiar with the series, readers will enjoy getting reacquainted with Parvana and Shauzia and for those new to The Breadwinners, readers will turn the last page filled with a new sense of empathy and appreciation for the people of Afghanistan. I highly recommend this book. I’m reminded to appreciate all I take for granted and to support others doing incredibly important work to protect their own rights and safety.
February 21, 2025
I~ knew it, I knew it, I KNEW IT!!!!! PARVANA X ASIF WAS AN AMAZING DUO! I DONT LIKE LOVE BOOKS BUT OMG I LOVE THIS COUPLE! AND RAFI IS AMAZING! AND MARYAM??? SHE TURNED OUT TO PERSUE HER DREAMS IN MUSIC BUT TURNED OUT VERY BRATTY IN THE END 😅 ALSO THEM TURING GREEN VALLY INTO A HELP CENTER AND SCHOOL WAS GREAT AND HAVING A PLAYGROUND MADE FOR THAT ONE GIRL AT THE MINE PLACE WAS SO SWEET! (I forgot her name😅) DEBORAH HAS DONE SOMETHING HARD! SHE MAKES BOOKS BETTER OVER THE SERIES! ❤️😍THANK YOU QUEEN FOR THESE BOOKS!!!❤️❤️❤️OVER ALL 100000000000000000000000/10 WOULD RECOMMEND SO GO READ NOW!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2024
At the end of My Name Is Parvana, it seemed like things were going really well for Parvana, Shauzia, as well as their family and friends. But then, in 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan again. Now Parvana and Shauzia are adults living their own lives. Parvana runs a school for girls, and has spent her time saving women and girls from those around them who would harm them. Shauzia is a police officer, also working for the good of the Afghan people. Things come to a head when the Taliban show up at the school and thus they have 3 days to get everyone out of the school and on their way to safety.
It’s heartbreaking that after so many struggles Parvana and the real people of Afghanistan find themselves back under the control of the Taliban. Parvana and the women around her show real strength and resilience among all their difficulties, and I loved the hope and beauty of the human spirit in this book.
It’s heartbreaking that after so many struggles Parvana and the real people of Afghanistan find themselves back under the control of the Taliban. Parvana and the women around her show real strength and resilience among all their difficulties, and I loved the hope and beauty of the human spirit in this book.
September 6, 2023
Deborah Ellis could write the telephone book and I would read it
Another Afghanistan book, documenting the 2021 Kabul airport closure when the taliban gained control. As usual the author brings this news to life with characters we can relate to rather than news stories on tv from a land we can't relate to
Another Afghanistan book, documenting the 2021 Kabul airport closure when the taliban gained control. As usual the author brings this news to life with characters we can relate to rather than news stories on tv from a land we can't relate to
November 12, 2025
Although this is meant for a younger audience than me, I grew up reading the original triology and was intrigued at the new addition to the series. It’s a very realistic look at the current struggles of women and girls in Afghanistan and does not shy away from the more heartbreaking details.
October 20, 2025
Extremely engaging!!
Small chapters which shifts between multiple stories giving a closer look into the war torn land of Afghanistan.
Can very well be adapted into a feature film:)
Small chapters which shifts between multiple stories giving a closer look into the war torn land of Afghanistan.
Can very well be adapted into a feature film:)
November 20, 2022
Damsa looks around a strange gated compound, not sure what to think. She has been on the streets for the last few days, alone and afraid after running away from home. She would still be frightened and hungry if it wasn't for a police woman named Shauzia.
Shauzia herself is in danger, as the Taliban are rounding up any women in authority, education or of influence. The Taliban have swept back into power in Afghanistan, now that foreign military forces are leaving the country. The Taliban regime forbids women to go to school and they have imposed many other strict restrictions on women and girls.
The compound is a haven for girls and women who were to be forced into marriages, beaten by their husbands, or even disfigured by their own family for not marrying old men who had negotiated to marry them. The leader is Parvana who has lived through her own desperate struggles from very young. Now decades after cutting her hair and dressing like a boy in order to support her family, Parvana has saved hundreds from forced marriage, misery and starvation.
Damsa meets others in the compound as Parvana says goodbye to her sister Maryam, son Rafi and husband Asif. They are going to flee the country to New York where a family member is waiting for them.
Travel to the airport is dangerous and slow, with multiple checkpoints and trucks full of Taliban soldiers roaming the streets amped up on their return to power. This difficult journey is nothing compared to what waits for them at the airport.
Rafi is suddenly alone, lost and with no idea how to find his way home.
Back at the compound, Damsa who is used to servants doing everything for her, must learn all the skills needed to survive, care for others, and help rebuild lives.
Parvana waits for news of her family with the threat of the Taliban hanging over her and all those she shelters.
One More Mountain is the 5th book in the Breadwinner series, but can be read on its own.
Parvana is now married with a son, and has spent the past two decades saving women and children from arranged marriages, abuse and hunger. Set in 2021, after the Taliban have returned to power, Parvana must face the same fears as when she was young, trying to keep herself and loved ones safe.
Over the years she has helped many people, young and old, men and woman. This network of kindness is part of this new story as her son is soon alone, scared and far from home, and just the mention of his mother's name brings instant support and friendship from people he meets.
Told in three viewpoints - Parvana herself, her son Rafi trying to get home and Damsa, a fifteen year old wealthy girl escaping an arranged marriage.
As I read, I was quickly drawn into the setting of Afghanistan streets, feeling the desperation and terror of the Afghan people as they flee a brutal regime. After watching this happen live on News channels last year, this story was alive in my mind.
A multi award winning author with her Breadwinner series published around the world, in graphic novel format and in animation on Netflix, Deborah Ellis has shown children and young adults around the world the plight and the courage of the Afghan people.
11+ Readers
Shauzia herself is in danger, as the Taliban are rounding up any women in authority, education or of influence. The Taliban have swept back into power in Afghanistan, now that foreign military forces are leaving the country. The Taliban regime forbids women to go to school and they have imposed many other strict restrictions on women and girls.
The compound is a haven for girls and women who were to be forced into marriages, beaten by their husbands, or even disfigured by their own family for not marrying old men who had negotiated to marry them. The leader is Parvana who has lived through her own desperate struggles from very young. Now decades after cutting her hair and dressing like a boy in order to support her family, Parvana has saved hundreds from forced marriage, misery and starvation.
Damsa meets others in the compound as Parvana says goodbye to her sister Maryam, son Rafi and husband Asif. They are going to flee the country to New York where a family member is waiting for them.
Travel to the airport is dangerous and slow, with multiple checkpoints and trucks full of Taliban soldiers roaming the streets amped up on their return to power. This difficult journey is nothing compared to what waits for them at the airport.
Rafi is suddenly alone, lost and with no idea how to find his way home.
Back at the compound, Damsa who is used to servants doing everything for her, must learn all the skills needed to survive, care for others, and help rebuild lives.
Parvana waits for news of her family with the threat of the Taliban hanging over her and all those she shelters.
One More Mountain is the 5th book in the Breadwinner series, but can be read on its own.
Parvana is now married with a son, and has spent the past two decades saving women and children from arranged marriages, abuse and hunger. Set in 2021, after the Taliban have returned to power, Parvana must face the same fears as when she was young, trying to keep herself and loved ones safe.
Over the years she has helped many people, young and old, men and woman. This network of kindness is part of this new story as her son is soon alone, scared and far from home, and just the mention of his mother's name brings instant support and friendship from people he meets.
Told in three viewpoints - Parvana herself, her son Rafi trying to get home and Damsa, a fifteen year old wealthy girl escaping an arranged marriage.
As I read, I was quickly drawn into the setting of Afghanistan streets, feeling the desperation and terror of the Afghan people as they flee a brutal regime. After watching this happen live on News channels last year, this story was alive in my mind.
A multi award winning author with her Breadwinner series published around the world, in graphic novel format and in animation on Netflix, Deborah Ellis has shown children and young adults around the world the plight and the courage of the Afghan people.
11+ Readers
February 27, 2023
I think this is a great book. It's a good book to bring awareness to what is going on in Afghanistan, but now including more characters and their plight.
February 25, 2023
Heart-wrenching, enlightening, inspiring.
November 12, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Parvana, who as a tween had to take care of her family under the Taliban rule in the 1990s (in The Breadwinner), is now a mother of a college aged boy, Rafi. Her husband is Asif, whom she met in Parvana's Journey, and who repairs machinery. She has been running a shelter for abused girls and women called Green Valley, along with Shauzia, her best friend from Mud City, who is now a policewoman. When the Taliban start to take over Afghanistan again, Parvana is determined to get Rafi out of the country along with her sister and send him to New York City where he can live with an aunt (who ended up there in college in My Name is Parvana) and study ballet. Around this time, a fifteen year old girl, Damsa, is brought to Green Valley after she ran away from home rather than be married to a man of her father's choosing. As Asif and Rafi are waiting at the airport, they find out that commercial flights have ceased, and they try to get on a military one. After a tragedy, Rafi decides to stay in the country, and tries to get back to his mother. In the meantime, the Taliban come to Green Valley wanting to talk to Asif. They threaten to come back, so all of the residents leave in order to try to stay safe. This is all too familiar to Parvana, who has been through this all before, although this time there is a little more communication thanks to cell phone technology. Will things ever get better in Afghanistan?
Strengths: I admire Ellis' tenacity in supporting the women of Afghanistan by donating the proceeds of the Parvana series as well as Kids of Kabul to the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan where Parvana’s Fund supports education projects for Afghan women and children. The Breadwinner is a book that we have used extensively with 6th grade classes, and I have even read aloud to a study hall. It was my first thought upon hearing that the Taliban had retaken Afghanistan, and it's beyond heartbreaking to know that there are real life women whose entire lives have been very much like Parvana's. The story is short, but packs quite a punch. It might be a bit much for elementary school students, but certainly shows older readers what is going on in Afghanistan today.
Weaknesses: I should have gone back to reread the other books; I couldn't remember as much as I needed to about some of the characters, although this could be read as a stand alone title.
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this book so that readers can continue to follow Parvana's story.
Parvana, who as a tween had to take care of her family under the Taliban rule in the 1990s (in The Breadwinner), is now a mother of a college aged boy, Rafi. Her husband is Asif, whom she met in Parvana's Journey, and who repairs machinery. She has been running a shelter for abused girls and women called Green Valley, along with Shauzia, her best friend from Mud City, who is now a policewoman. When the Taliban start to take over Afghanistan again, Parvana is determined to get Rafi out of the country along with her sister and send him to New York City where he can live with an aunt (who ended up there in college in My Name is Parvana) and study ballet. Around this time, a fifteen year old girl, Damsa, is brought to Green Valley after she ran away from home rather than be married to a man of her father's choosing. As Asif and Rafi are waiting at the airport, they find out that commercial flights have ceased, and they try to get on a military one. After a tragedy, Rafi decides to stay in the country, and tries to get back to his mother. In the meantime, the Taliban come to Green Valley wanting to talk to Asif. They threaten to come back, so all of the residents leave in order to try to stay safe. This is all too familiar to Parvana, who has been through this all before, although this time there is a little more communication thanks to cell phone technology. Will things ever get better in Afghanistan?
Strengths: I admire Ellis' tenacity in supporting the women of Afghanistan by donating the proceeds of the Parvana series as well as Kids of Kabul to the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan where Parvana’s Fund supports education projects for Afghan women and children. The Breadwinner is a book that we have used extensively with 6th grade classes, and I have even read aloud to a study hall. It was my first thought upon hearing that the Taliban had retaken Afghanistan, and it's beyond heartbreaking to know that there are real life women whose entire lives have been very much like Parvana's. The story is short, but packs quite a punch. It might be a bit much for elementary school students, but certainly shows older readers what is going on in Afghanistan today.
Weaknesses: I should have gone back to reread the other books; I couldn't remember as much as I needed to about some of the characters, although this could be read as a stand alone title.
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this book so that readers can continue to follow Parvana's story.
January 6, 2023
In this fifth book about Parvana we find her married with a son and running a shelter and school for women and girls. When Afghanistan fall under Taliban rule again, their hard life becomes even more of a struggle and a story of hiding and perserverance. A great look into the beloved Parvana and where her life has taken her. An eye-opening story that needs to be told and remembered. All royalites from the sale of this book will be donated to Islamic Relief Canada to support their work in Afghanistan.
Read
October 29, 2022I loved the Breadwinner series and so I was very excited to hear that Debra Ellis had written an additional book in the series....30 years later when the Taliban return to Afghanistan.
I should have re-read The Breadwinner series again though because I found myself grappling to remember all the characters.
I should have re-read The Breadwinner series again though because I found myself grappling to remember all the characters.
November 9, 2022
This book just made me cry.
December 3, 2022
Deborah Ellis returns to the story she first wrote about Parvana 20 years ago now the Taliban has returned to power in 2021.
Heartbreaking but compelling.
Heartbreaking but compelling.
January 16, 2025
Started the 5th (and last) book in the Breadwinner Series last night and finished this morning.
One More Mountain.
The year is 2021, Parvana is 32 years old,married and has one son named Rafi. Parvana manages a halfway house. She helps young women fleeing from arranged marriages and/or abuse, start a new life. They enjoyed modern technology and conveniences.
Her husband, along with Rafi and Parvana's sister, Maryam, were on their way to the airport in Kabul. Both Maryam and Rafi had their travel documents to get them to New York. This was when tradegy struck. War had begun again.
This time it was different. Taliban soldiers were able to read and write. Parvana knew exactly what to do and within a few days and even among great loss and heartbreak, she doesn't give up. She destroys all paperwork and records of the girls that she helped. The girls currently in her care got out quickly under new identities and seeked safer ground. While I have always loved Parvana, this time it was her son Rafi, that captured my heart.
The whole series will stay with me for awhile. Unforgettable.
It was just a few weeks ago I learned about this author and her books. A local school system had a few parents wanting to remove the Breadwinner from their children's reading curriculum. (School system did vote to keep it in.)
While there is violence, abuse, tragedy and evil, it shows strength, love, dedication and hope.
I'll end this with words taken directly from Parvana, "When you know beauty, it is harder to destroy."
4 🌟
One More Mountain.
The year is 2021, Parvana is 32 years old,married and has one son named Rafi. Parvana manages a halfway house. She helps young women fleeing from arranged marriages and/or abuse, start a new life. They enjoyed modern technology and conveniences.
Her husband, along with Rafi and Parvana's sister, Maryam, were on their way to the airport in Kabul. Both Maryam and Rafi had their travel documents to get them to New York. This was when tradegy struck. War had begun again.
This time it was different. Taliban soldiers were able to read and write. Parvana knew exactly what to do and within a few days and even among great loss and heartbreak, she doesn't give up. She destroys all paperwork and records of the girls that she helped. The girls currently in her care got out quickly under new identities and seeked safer ground. While I have always loved Parvana, this time it was her son Rafi, that captured my heart.
The whole series will stay with me for awhile. Unforgettable.
It was just a few weeks ago I learned about this author and her books. A local school system had a few parents wanting to remove the Breadwinner from their children's reading curriculum. (School system did vote to keep it in.)
While there is violence, abuse, tragedy and evil, it shows strength, love, dedication and hope.
I'll end this with words taken directly from Parvana, "When you know beauty, it is harder to destroy."
4 🌟
September 2, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Wow!!! What a great book but so sad that another book was written about Parvana. Don’t get me wrong…I loved it but it made me sad and angry that the people of Afghanistan are right back where they were. Like Deborah pointed out they are a different Taliban now because they can read, are more educated etc Even though I have seen the stories on the news of the people at the airport trying to leave…..that whole part in the book had me hanging on every word. Then when Asif dies….I had to take a moment because the sadness of the loss was so palpable. Reading this book was like seeing an old friend when reading about characters that we have read about before and shaking my head at some of them because they still haven’t changed….I am looking at you Maryam! I also loved meeting the new characters and their life story reads like headlines from the news
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
Siendo el año 2021 cosa que me soprende porque estabamos en plena pandemia pero la historia va en que Parvana y Shauzia dirigen una escuelas para niñas pero como todo no puede ser color de rosa hay un enemigo que las persigue constantemente y las quiere solo por su origen y para su negocio.
Me soprende que al final Parvana y Asiff se casan y se tipifico el enemies to lovers en esta parte que
afortunadamente no fue tan profundizado.
Temiendo lo peor los talibanes recuperan el poder y la bella historia que hasta el momento habian construido se ve comprometido y aun mas con niñas a cargo lo que las obliga a llevarselas a un lugar seguro.
Definitivamente este tipo de libros sagas series como se llamen son las que educan a la gente y entretienen. recomendadisima esta.
Quiero que alguien siga la historia.
Me soprende que al final Parvana y Asiff se casan y se tipifico el enemies to lovers en esta parte que
afortunadamente no fue tan profundizado.
Temiendo lo peor los talibanes recuperan el poder y la bella historia que hasta el momento habian construido se ve comprometido y aun mas con niñas a cargo lo que las obliga a llevarselas a un lugar seguro.
Definitivamente este tipo de libros sagas series como se llamen son las que educan a la gente y entretienen. recomendadisima esta.
Quiero que alguien siga la historia.
October 6, 2022
I’m a huge fan of this author and this series. I was a fan long before I worked with Afghan refugees post 2021. So this book hit me hard in many ways and was accurate but very toned down from the reality to make it age appropriate. It’s a good addition to the series but it felt shorter than the others. I like the mature Parvana and her spunk and wit. I hope this is a bridge for her to keep developing the next generation of the family into good books into the series.
I don’t suggest this as a standalone book for younger readers. Older readers and adults will enjoy it more as part of the series but it could be a standalone, as the author briefly reminds of of who the characters are and their journeys.
I don’t suggest this as a standalone book for younger readers. Older readers and adults will enjoy it more as part of the series but it could be a standalone, as the author briefly reminds of of who the characters are and their journeys.
October 7, 2022
How have I totally missed this series until now? Deborah Ellis is already on Book 5? Time to do something about it. Just finished this book and am certain I need to go back to Book 1 and read all four to read Parvana and Asif's story. Set in modern-day Afghanistan, this series provides a window for middle grade readers into life lived in the turmoil of international conflict. This last book takes place in 2021 when the US is pulling out. We all remember some of the images that were captured as many were left behind. Here is your chance to see the Afghan perspective. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Groundwood Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Groundwood Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2024
i think that i wanted the story to be more focused on parvana and her family rather than the other new characters mentioned in the beginning, but i still really liked this book and the ending is thoughtful and fitting. i can see this being the last book in the series or deborah ellis writing another book after this if the situation in afghanistan changes in any way. all you can do is hope for a better future and help wherever you can, and i think this book captures that really well.
this has truly been one of the most beautiful series i’ve ever read and i recommend it to everyone of all ages. i think that everyone should read this series in order and support afghani humanitarian causes
this has truly been one of the most beautiful series i’ve ever read and i recommend it to everyone of all ages. i think that everyone should read this series in order and support afghani humanitarian causes
October 2, 2022
The latest instalment in the breadwinner series, One More Mountain, by Deborah Ellis, is set closer to the present, in 2021 when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. Parvana and Shauzia are back, this time as adults, who are ready to help Damsa, a 15 year old who is trying to run away from home and prevent being forced into marrying at such a young age. At 160 pages, this chapter book is the perfect length for readers in then 9-12 age range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
April 25, 2023
As well written as Ellis' works are, I once again am constantly reminded that this is a white woman in a place of privilege writing about children in war zones, in poverty, in care... This novel tells a valuable story. But it's not a story from someone who was there or a first-hand account. It's a mishmash of interviews and fabrications and colour to get a cohesive story about a group of people that happen to connect.
All this book means to me is that we need to do better to afford those who escaped those areas the same access to tell their story in a widely-available format like this.
All this book means to me is that we need to do better to afford those who escaped those areas the same access to tell their story in a widely-available format like this.
February 15, 2024
In the fifth book of The Breadwinner series, it is 2021 and the Taliban have taken back control of Afghanistan. 20 years ago, Parvana met a boy named Asif and a girl named Shauzia. Parvana and Asif married and have an 11 year old son, Rafi. In this story, they are trying to get Rafi out of the country to America where their son will be safe and has already been accepted to the New York ballet company.
This is a story of unbreakable love, courage, loss and despair.
This is a story of unbreakable love, courage, loss and despair.
November 27, 2024
Probably the weakest book of the series but still a moving and thought-provoking read. It's a little too caught up in providing callbacks to the earlier books (although my son loved that) than actually having a real plot this time around. It jumps around between the characters but none of them, other than the strong section at the airport really go anywhere. It feels rally like this series has run it's course at this point and has covered everything that needed to be said.
June 16, 2023
I urge you to please read this insightful and phenomenal series!
I have learnt so much of the hardship and true horrors that these innocent people have gone through, and STILL go through!
I’ve grown so attached to all of the characters throughout this series, they all hold a special place in my heart.
I have learnt so much of the hardship and true horrors that these innocent people have gone through, and STILL go through!
I’ve grown so attached to all of the characters throughout this series, they all hold a special place in my heart.
April 15, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the first thing I've read by the author.
This is a well written book with relatable characters. The story has been toned done for the young age group it is meant for but it has a great message.
This is a well written book with relatable characters. The story has been toned done for the young age group it is meant for but it has a great message.
February 23, 2025
I read the first 4 in this series a while back and recently learned about this one. The book was well written, and interesting to read about an event I remember seeing on the news.....I felt like the book ended without an ending to the story.
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