Vocabulary
A militant group that took control of Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1996 and was forced from power in 2001
What is the Taliban.
This country is the setting for The Breadwinner, where Parvana and her family live under Taliban rule.
What is Afghanistan?
Parvana’s family decides to cut her hair and dress her like this in order to allow her to work outside.
What is a boy?
Parvana learns that the Taliban destroyed this important part of Afghan culture, which her father loved to share.
What are books and schools?
This family member, who used to teach at a university, is arrested by the Taliban early in the story.
Who is Parvana's father?
To peddle or offer for sale by calling aloud in public
What is hawked?
Parvana’s father tells stories from this ancient history to educate and inspire his children.
What is Afghanistan’s rich historical past?
Parvana starts selling items in this busy public location, where she meets many people.
What is the market?
This is the reason Shauzia tells Parvana she also dresses as a boy to work.
What is to provide for her family and gain freedom?
Parvana’s mother was once this type of professional before the Taliban restricted women’s rights.
What is a writer/journalist?
A flammable liquid which is used in homes around the world as a fuel for light, heat and power.
What is kerosene?
This job is how Parvana's father provides for their family before being arrested by the Taliban.
What is reading and writing letters?
In Chapter 5, Parvana discovers this sad reality of the Taliban’s strict control and violence?
What is when she witnesses a woman being punished in public.
Parvana hears rumors in the market about this group preparing to resist the Taliban.
What is the Northern Alliance?
Parvana's older sister, Nooria, dreams of escaping Kabul to pursue this goal.
What is getting married and continuing her education?
A gray or brown woolen blanket shawl worn by Afghan men and boys
What is a Pakul/pattu?
In Chapter 1, Parvana helps her father because of this physical condition that makes walking difficult for him.
What is having only one leg?
While working in the market, Parvana encounters this person, who becomes a source of hope and a connection to her past.
Who is Shauzia?
Parvana brings home this treat for her family after earning extra money from her hard work.
What are naan (bread) and tea?
Mrs. Weera moves in with Parvana’s family and helps them by taking charge and creating this type of plan for survival.
What is organizing their secret school?
A cart on wheels pushed by hand used to sell things in the market
What is a Karachi?
The Taliban arrest Parvana’s father, accusing him of having this item that they consider dangerous.
What is an education?
Parvana sells items and performs this task, which her father used to do, to help support her family.
What is reading and writing letters for illiterate people?
Parvana and Shauzia take on this grim job to earn more money for their families.
What is digging up bones in the graveyard?
Mrs. Weera has a history of being involved in this physical activity, which reflects her strong and determined personality.
What is being a field hockey coach?