Parvana - A graphic novel based on the original book by Deborah Ellis

Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760631970
Highly recommended. "This beautiful graphic-novel adaptation of the animated film, inspired by Deborah Ellis's beloved novel, tells the story of eleven-year-old Parvana.
When soldiers burst into her home and drag her father off to prison, Parvana is forced to take responsibility for her whole family, dressing as a boy to make a living in the marketplace of Kabul, risking her life in the dangerous and volatile city.
By turns exciting and touching, Parvana is a story of courage in the face of overwhelming fear and repression. Readers will want to linger over this powerful graphic novel with its striking art and inspiring story." Publisher.
I must say I was not at all excited about reading a graphic novel as these do not appeal to me at all but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. We have Parvana as a set text for our Year 6 classes so I was eager to read this version and I was not disappointed. The illustrations added so much to the story line and to the overall understanding of the plot. Concepts such as bullying, war, family, poverty, friendship and the role of women are presented. It touches on an important time in Afghanistan and the hardships that may continue to face. Parvana is an extremely strong willed lead character who takes it upon herself to help bring her father home at a time where girls were given very little freedom. A must have to add to the graphic novels' collection.
Kathryn Schumacher