Afghanistan: Parvana's father is arrested and taken away by the Taliban solders. Under Taliban law, women and girls are not allowed to leave home. Parvana, her mother and sisters must stay inside. Four days later, the food runs out. They face starvation. So Parvana must pretend to be a boy. It is a dangerous plan, but their only chance. In fear she goes out - and witnesses the horror of avoiding landmines, and the brutality of the Taliban. She suffers beatings and the desperation of trying to survive. But even in despair lies hope. The media is bombarding children with images. How are they to understand the reality of a girl's life under Taliban rule? This book tells about real life in Afghanistan. By an award-winning author, this novel tells the story of Parvana, who must disguise herself as a boy to save her mother and sisters from starvation. Based on impeccable research in an Aghan refugee camp. An honest, heart-breaking and positive story of an act of enormous courage and creative survival in an intolerable environment.