What inspired Deborah Ellis to write The Breadwinner?

Deborah Ellis was inspired to write *The Breadwinner* by a trip she took to Afghanistan in 1988. During her time there, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the Soviet-Afghan War and the subsequent civil war. She saw the poverty, the displacement, and the hardship endured by many Afghan people, particularly women and children.

Ellis was particularly struck by the stories of young girls who had to take on the role of breadwinners for their families because their fathers had been killed or were missing. These girls were often forced to disguise themselves as boys in order to find work and avoid social stigma.

This experience sparked Ellis's desire to write a story that would give a voice to these resilient girls. She wanted to highlight the strength and courage of Afghan women in the face of adversity, and to challenge Western perceptions of Afghan culture and the role of women in Afghan society.

In addition to her own experiences, Ellis drew inspiration from real-life stories of Afghan girls that she collected from her research and interviews. She wanted to create a fictional story that would be both engaging and informative for readers, while remaining true to the realities of Afghan life.

Ultimately, *The Breadwinner* is a testament to Ellis's commitment to raising awareness about the struggles faced by Afghan women and children, and to challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround them.