About the Author

Deborah Ellis says her books reflect "the heroism of people around the world who are struggling for decent lives, and how they try to remain kind in spite of it." She is best known for her Breadwinner Trilogy set in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- a series that has been published in 25 languages, with more than 1 million dollars in royalties donated to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan and Street Kids International. She has won the Governor General's Award, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and the Vicky Metcalf Award for a Body of Work. She recently received the Ontario Library Association's President's Award for Exceptional Achievement, and she has been named to the Order of Ontario. She lives in Simcoe, Ontario.

Reviews

"A powerful and outstanding book..."-- "Waking Brain Cells"

...compelling and accessible...--Kay Weisman "Booklist, STARRED REVIEW"

...solid and worthy of attention by both its intended audience and adults alike...Ellis continues to write what needs to be read...Recommended.--Rob Bittner "CM Magazine"

A true-to-life portrait of a young girl's cheerful selfishness in this surprisingly optimistic novel of unrelenting poverty.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Deborah Ellis does not back down from world issues that need addressing.-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

Ellis is a passionate and respectful teacher...--Chelsea Donaldson "Quill and Quire"

Ellis writes with great skill...--Joanna Rudge Long "Horn Book Magazine, STARRED REVIEW"

Ellis...creates a remarkable narrative voice, both detached and immediate...-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Ellis's straightforward language and uncompromising depictions of Valli's unimaginably harsh and gritty world combine with believable character development to create a strong and accessible novel.-- "Publishers Weekly"

I would recommend this book to middle grade readers as a way to learn more about the world - and about supporting important causes.-- "Amy Reads"

Once again, Ellis writes a poignant, penetrating story about the difficult challenges of being a girl in the developing world.-- "BookDragon"

The story highlights not only the overcoming of adversity, but also the importance of education and literacy. It also brings to light the issue of leprosy, which is misunderstood. An important, inspiring tale.-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"

Gr 3-6-Valli, about 10, lives in the poverty-stricken town of Jharia, India, where she is a coal picker. When she makes a shocking discovery about her family, she runs away and, after a series of harrowing events, reaches the bustling city of Kolkata. Valli survives on the street by stealing and begging. With no plan, no support system, and failing health, she begins to lose hope. While begging for change one day, she is befriended by a kind doctor who recognizes Valli's symptoms of leprosy. The child is terrified with this diagnosis as back home the village children had thrown stones at people with this disease, calling them "monsters." With the help of the doctor and other leprosy patients, Valli gets treatment and education, learns tolerance for people different from herself, and simultaneously realizes her own self-worth. Although many important lessons are presented in this even-paced, clearly written story, it is never heavy-handed or didactic. Valli is a well-developed, realistic, and engaging narrator. While American readers may not all relate to her ordeals, they will recognize common emotions for people their age. The story highlights not only the overcoming of adversity, but also the importance of education and literacy. It also brings to light the issue of leprosy, which is misunderstood. An important, inspiring tale.-Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"A powerful and outstanding book..."-- "Waking Brain Cells"
...compelling and accessible...--Kay Weisman "Booklist, STARRED REVIEW"
...solid and worthy of attention by both its intended audience and adults alike...Ellis continues to write what needs to be read...Recommended.--Rob Bittner "CM Magazine"
A true-to-life portrait of a young girl's cheerful selfishness in this surprisingly optimistic novel of unrelenting poverty.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
Deborah Ellis does not back down from world issues that need addressing.-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"
Ellis is a passionate and respectful teacher...--Chelsea Donaldson "Quill and Quire"
Ellis writes with great skill...--Joanna Rudge Long "Horn Book Magazine, STARRED REVIEW"
Ellis...creates a remarkable narrative voice, both detached and immediate...-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"
Ellis's straightforward language and uncompromising depictions of Valli's unimaginably harsh and gritty world combine with believable character development to create a strong and accessible novel.-- "Publishers Weekly"
I would recommend this book to middle grade readers as a way to learn more about the world - and about supporting important causes.-- "Amy Reads"
Once again, Ellis writes a poignant, penetrating story about the difficult challenges of being a girl in the developing world.-- "BookDragon"
The story highlights not only the overcoming of adversity, but also the importance of education and literacy. It also brings to light the issue of leprosy, which is misunderstood. An important, inspiring tale.-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"