Reviews

El pan de la guerra by Deborah Ellis

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nonetheless_she_read's review against another edition

5.0

I borrowed this book when I was substituting an English class. I finished it before I went home that day. It was very good. There was this one part that really spoke to me, where one of the characters talked about how futile writing felt since the regime had prohibited her from publishing. She says she won't write until they are free again. Her husband responds by saying that the opposite should be true, that she needs to write and record for prosperity, for the fight and with pride.

miss_amzzz's review against another edition

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dark hopeful tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A little bit simplistic but obviously targeting young readers so that’s probably a me problem not a book problem!

book_lizard42's review against another edition

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4.0

I knew next to nothing about current affairs in Afghanistan, and this story was a beautiful introduction. I didn't know it was a series, and now I need to read the others.

It's very sad to me that I read the 15th anniversary edition. So the Taliban came into power, was defeated again, and are now back IN power. I am sad for the Parvanas of the world.

timna_wyckoff's review against another edition

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4.0

Read for 4th grade book club. This book impressed me. It was hard to imagine how someone could write a book for such a young audience (mid/late-elementary) about the horribleness of the Taliban. But, the author did it. At first, I thought the writing felt really clunky. But, in the end, I think the straightforwardness made the reality of life for this young girl under the Taliban bearable to read (if still appropriately disturbing). I also really liked how the story included experiences common to all (annoying older sister!) to help young readers relate.