Deborah Ellis

"You have to see the human being in the enemy. If there is potential for change, there is still hope."

Deborah Ellis has achieved international acclaim with her courageous and dramatic books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries.

She has won the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award.

A long-time feminist and anti-war activist, she is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy, which has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, Deb was named to the Order of Ontario.

What genres and themes does Deborah Ellis write about?

Ellis writes primarily children's and young adult fiction that focuses on social justice issues, the experiences of children in developing countries, feminism, and anti-war themes, told in a courageous and dramatic style.

What is she best known for and where should I start?

She is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy. A good place to start is the first book in that trilogy, which introduces the series' central characters and themes.

Are her books part of series or standalone works?

She has both series and standalone books. The Breadwinner Trilogy is her most famous series; many other titles such as The Heaven Shop, A Company of Fools, and No Safe Place are standalone works.

What age group are her books appropriate for?

Her books are aimed mainly at children and young adult readers, though they are also read by adults interested in contemporary social issues and global youth experiences.

What major awards and honors has Deborah Ellis received?

Her awards include the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and the Vicky Metcalf Award. She was also named to the Order of Ontario.