The Bread Winner

by Arvella Whitmore

When Sarah's family lose their farm and are forced to move to Shantytown at the height of the Great Depression, Sarah saves them from starvation and complete despair by selling her prize-winning bread.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, Historical

138 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 1990

About the author

Arvella Doris Whitmore (née Embry) was born on March 14, 1922. She earned her B.A. in 1944 from Christian College University and her M.A. in 1947 from the University of Iowa. Arvella Whitmore has been Head of Speech and Drama Department of Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. She is the author of three young adult novels.

Reviews

[Joy Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading HOMELESS BIRD, my local librarian recommended reading The Bread Winner. When I went to check it out she told me she meant THE BREADWINNER. I decided to read both. This particular one was also an easy read. I love the fact that despite hardship within a family, the young girl finds a way to push above her poverty and help her family survive. It brings home the message that hard times bring forth better days.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Bread Winner" (1990) by Arvella Whitmore is a good choice to bring your students some history into the Language Arts classroom. The story takes place in 1932 depression era United States. Protagonist Sarah Ann Puckett moves with her family to a small town after selling the failed family farm. Her parents quickly become despondent as money begins to run short, but Sarah resourcefully begins selling her award-winning bread to neighbors and eventually acquires a store front, all the while dealing with bullies and hobos as well as other setbacks such as a tornado. The main character Sara is such a lovely girl who's attitude throughout the story is a real example for us all. She doesn't let the world let her down, despite it trying. The Bread Winner was selected as a "Notable 1990 Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies" by the National Council for the Social Studies and Children's Book Council. Good choice to teach!

[Laura Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 30 years ago when I was in the fourth grade. It is the book that made me fall in love with reading. I purchased it to put into my classroom library and decided to read it again. It is a quick and easy read about a 12yo living during the Great Depression. Easy history exposure for students and some relatable experiences for students living in poverty.

[La Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refugees could relate to some similarities in this story. I could see myself reading this to my Refugee friends; then loanothem the book to read by themselves. We do want them to become successful, productive citizens who benefit the community. I would also read this to my grandchildren.

[sun haze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was searching through the library and my eyes and hands chose this book and now I am really proud of them 😂.
Literally it's a great read.

[Mayra Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who lives during the period of the Great Depression and struggles along with her parents to make a good living. They move from their farm to a not so good looking town and start off fresh there. Sarah learns to make a new friend at her new school and learns to fight off the bullies who tower over her and her new best friend. They struggle to get good and pay their rent. In order to save her family from living on the streets, Sarah's father starts to travel in order to find a steady job and Sarah starts to bake her prize winning bread and soon her family is back together with proper food on the table.

I really enjoyed this book because it shows that you should never give up and always strive for the best because things are possible if you try.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-6 138 pgs


1932. Sarah is heartbroken when her family loses their farm and is forced to move into a shack in town. As hard as they try, her parents just can't seem to find work. Sarah wants to help, but isn't sure how. Then she has an idea. At the county fair, her bread came in first place. Sarah wonders can she bake and sell enough of her own bread to help her parents?

Great story with a happy ending. I would recommend this book to readers who like a good story about overcoming adversity.

[CaitlinTobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the depression, a 12-year old girl helps her family earn a living by selling bread. I love that the title has two meanings-- Sarah won a bread baking contest at the 4-H fair, and she helps the family make money. Not only is the main character independent and spunky, the reader is given vivid details about the time period. Another fabulous recommendation from Julie W.!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in middle school and have rad it countless times since. It is a fantastic story about a girl growing up during the depression. After her family loses their farm, she eventually finds a way for her family to make a living.

[Ciera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about extra miles that a family goes to get bread on their table. During the great Depression things are hard and food is scare...until one girl takes her love of baking to new heights.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look at Midwest life during the Great Depression. A girl moves from the farm to small town, endures hardship and creates work for her whole family. Part of my son's history curriculum.

[Kimberlea]

Excellent book to read out loud. Great discussion of the great depression and what a family went through.

[Sarah Beauchamp]

Loved this book way better than the one about the girl in india, but i read this in 3rd grade and i'm in middle school now...

[Brandy clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 th grade book for tutoring student. Excellent!:)

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parvanna lives in Afghanastan after the Talaban takes over. When her father is arrested she disguises herself as a boy to earn money for her family. Good

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Realistic story of girl in war torn environment. A refreshing change from girl fluff...

[April Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was simply inspiring. I hope I could be as brave and cheerful like the heroine. :) Good books deserves 5 star. :)

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book from childhood.

[Emma T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book love love loved it almost as much as i loved the hungrer games

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This's was an excellent book to read to Parker. We loved it and I'm so grateful for an honest yet innocent book about such a heart wrenching time in history.

[Jocelyn]

It is wonderful I is a really good book

[D Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this children's book!

have read it a few times

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great way to show kids what the Depression was like. It also is a good testament to hard work and entrepreneurship.

[Morgan F · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. I didn't mind it at all and actually enjoyed it which was nice.