A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to notice or ask questions about money worries, or when they want to instill a sense of resilience. Set during the Great Depression, The Bread Winner tells the story of twelve-year-old Sarah, whose family faces losing their home after both her parents lose their jobs. Drawing on her one special skill, baking, Sarah secretly starts a business selling her delicious bread to save her family. The book gently explores themes of financial hardship, family pride, and the fear of poverty, while celebrating a child's resourcefulness and capacity to make a profound difference. It’s an empowering historical novel that shows how love, hard work, and a good idea can help a family overcome even the most difficult times.
A bully character creates conflict, and the family faces the constant threat of the poorhouse.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the sensitive topic of poverty and financial hardship. The fear of the poorhouse is a constant, tangible threat, and the family experiences food scarcity and the shame associated with unemployment in that era. The approach is direct and realistic for the time period, but not graphic or overwhelming. The resolution is hopeful and earned through the protagonist's actions, presenting a secular, problem-solving approach to adversity.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a sensitive 9-to-11-year-old who is beginning to grasp the concepts of money and poverty. It’s for the child who might be worried after overhearing adult conversations about finances, or for one who enjoys stories about resourceful, competent children who take charge and solve problems.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to provide historical context about the Great Depression. Specifically, explaining what the "poorhouse" was can soften a concept that sounds very scary to a modern child. A conversation about the gender roles and family pride of the 1930s would also be helpful to explain the father's reluctance to accept Sarah's help. The book can otherwise be read cold. A parent has just heard their child ask, "Are we poor?" or express anxiety about the family's financial situation. Alternatively, the parent is looking for a way to introduce historical concepts like the Great Depression and the importance of resilience in a gentle, child-centric way.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the adventure of Sarah's secret business, her rivalry with a bully, and the satisfaction of her success. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the emotional depth: her father's wounded pride, the weight of the family's fear, and the complexities of a child taking on an adult's role.
What Makes It Special
While many books about the Great Depression focus on larger themes of migration or social upheaval, this story is uniquely small-scale and personal. Its power lies in its focus on a child's entrepreneurial spirit and the tangible success of a single, marketable skill. It's less about enduring hardship and more about actively conquering it, which is highly empowering for a young reader.
Read plot summary
Set in 1932 during the Great Depression, the story follows 12-year-old Sarah Ann Puckett after both her parents lose their jobs. Faced with the terrifying prospect of the county poorhouse, Sarah decides to take matters into her own hands. A talented baker, she secretly starts a business selling her homemade bread. She navigates the challenges of sourcing ingredients, finding customers, and fending off a town bully, all while hiding her venture from her proud, unemployed father who would be ashamed to rely on his daughter. Sarah's ingenuity and hard work eventually provide the income her family desperately needs, restoring their hope.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sarah kept her bread business a secret from her father at first. Why do you think she did that? Do you think it was the right decision?
2
Mrs. Wallace helps Sarah by letting her use the bakery oven, even when it could have gotten her in trouble. Why is community help so important, especially during hard times?
3
Sarah’s father felt a lot of pride and had a hard time accepting help, especially from his daughter. Why do you think he felt this way? How did his feelings change by the end of the story?
4
Sarah used her special talent, baking, to help her family. If you had to use one of your talents to help your family, which one would you choose and why?
