Parvana's Journey (Library Binding)

by Deborah Ellis (Author) "A man Parvana didn't know gave one final pat to the dirt mounded up over her father's grave..." (more)
Key Phrases: shalwar kameez, mine field, Alexander the Great, Eiffel Tower

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Sequel to The Breadwinner, Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis follows the eponymous 12-year-old girl who, disguised as a boy, sets off from Kabul in search of her missing mother and siblings in Taliban-era Afghanistan. When war breaks out, she bands together with other displaced children. Royalties from the sale of the book go to Women for Women, a relief organization benefiting women in Afghanistan. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10-This sequel to The Breadwinner (Groundwood, 2001) easily stands alone. After her father's death, 13-year-old Parvana, disguised as a boy, wanders alone through war-torn Afghanistan looking for her mother and siblings who had disappeared in the tumult of the Taliban takeover of Mazar-e-Sharif. Early in her journey, Parvana comes across a baby, the only survivor in a bombed village. She takes him along, as both a burden and comforting company. Taking shelter in a small cave, she discovers an angry one-legged boy who is starved for both food and human companionship. Imagining treasure in their cave, they dig, only to find a cache of bullets-a scene that epitomizes what childhood has become for these young people. The three continue Parvana's search, stopping for a time in an apparent safe haven on the edge of a minefield where an eight-year-old lives with a near-comatose grandmother. When their refuge is destroyed, the four children join a long line of refugees, arriving finally at a camp. A bittersweet ending offers some hope for Parvana and her family, but readers are left with a horrifyingly realistic picture of the effect of war on children. While the reading is not difficult, the grim content cries out for discussion. An unforgettable read.
Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DC
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Library Binding: 176 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1435274873
• ISBN-13: 978-1435274877
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A portrait of a desperate life., December 2, 2002

By	Traci D. Haley (Prineville, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Parvana's Journey (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) (Hardcover)

I read "Parvana's Journey" over Thanksgiving break. This book, the sequel to Ellis' "The Breadwinner", continues the story of Parvana, a young Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy in order to help her family survive. In this one, Parvana's been separated from her mom and siblings, and her father has just died. She travels across Afghanistan, picking up refugees as she goes along (including an infant boy, a boy missing a leg, and a girl who believes she is magically protected against mine fields). This installment was even more heartwrenching than the last and it is truly the perfect novel to read at Thanksgiving time - it makes you remember what you should be thankful for.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Hope, November 4, 2002

By	kristen (Simcoe, ON Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parvana's Journey (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) (Hardcover)

I am a fan of Deborah Ellis' work, especially since I read Parvana's Journey, and The Breadwinner. Parvana is a young girl who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan (The Breadwinner), and then must try to find them again (Parvana's Journey).
Parvana is a wonderful character: she is smart, brave and resourceful. She lives in a terrible place and time, but she never admits defeat. ALthough the things that Parvana goes through are horrible, her story is really one of hope. And gives real insight into the situation in Afghanistan, and what people have to face there. Very readable, very relevant -- I highly reccomend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Endless sorrow....well written, November 13, 2002

By	Karissa (margate, florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parvana's Journey (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) (Hardcover)

This book is an emotional loopty-loop. It really brought to life the poverty and hunger that "we" feel is so far away...death,,,killing,,,mourning,,,sorrow and graves were plentyful in this book. It shows the world the social issues from a resident's perspective. Although there were many sad times in the book, it was well written and deserves to be a bestseller. (hopefully this book will push ppl to join peace corps. to Afganistan)