Parvana, an 11-year-old Afghan girl, is a dynamic character who matures through the story. When the novel begins, Parvana helps her father reach the market. The Talibs they encounter reluctantly allow this; Parvana is not yet old enough to be expected to wear a burqa and remain behind a blacked-out window due to being female. She resentfully carts water upstairs for the family; her mother and sister are not allowed out unaccompanied.

When her father is arrested, Parvana must become the family’s breadwinner. Her father urges her to “take care of the others, my Malali” (31). Parvana’s mother cuts her hair, and she dons the clothing of her deceased older brother to disguise herself as a young boy so she can work and shop for her family. Parvana learns more of the horrors of the Taliban regime as she spends time outside the confines of her home and family. She also encounters kindness and friendship. At the close of the story, Parvana travels with her father to Mazar in hope of being reunited with the rest of their family.