The final book in Deborah Ellis’s Breadwinner trilogy is about young teenager Shauzia, whose best friend, Parvana, was featured in the two previous novels, The Breadwinner (2001) and Parvana’s Journey (2002), both published by Groundwood. Shauzia is in a refugee camp in Pakistan, still dreaming of the lavendar field in France that she and Parvana once talked about. Bristling at the restrictions in the camp, she longs to get out and does manage to get to the nearby city—the first stop on her journey to France, she is certain. Barely supporting herself during the day, sleeping on the streets at night, Shauzia gets a brief respite—and what seems like a chance at a brighter future—when she is taken in by a well-meaning Western family. But the family’s good intentions go only so far, and when Shauzia innocently shares what they have with other refugees, she’s out on the street again. Several situations in the novel seem somewhat contrived, but with purpose—the contrast of the materialism of the West with the meager existence of Shauzia and other refugees is one example. As with the other books in this trilogy, Mud City sheds light on the deplorable and tragic situation of the Afghan people. (Ages 10–14)

The third book in the internationally bestselling series that includes The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journey and My Name Is Parvana.

Parvana’s best friend, Shauzia, has escaped the misery of her life in Kabul, only to end up in a refugee camp in Pakistan. But she still dreams of seeing the ocean and eventually making a new life in France.This is the dream that has sustained her through the terrible years in Kabul. It is the dream for which she has forsaken family and friends.

But it is hard to imagine herself in a field of purple lavender when she is living in the Widows’ Compound of a muddy, crowded refugee camp outside Peshawar. Even worse, the compound is run by Mrs. Weera, Shauzia’s bossy phys ed teacher from Kabul, who insists that Shauzia be useful and make the best of a dismal situation.

Shauzia finally decides to leave the camp and try her luck on the streets. She is determined to earn money to buy her passage out of the country. Peshawar is dangerous and full of desperately poor and wandering children like herself, but she has Jasper, the dog who followed her down from a shepherds’ camp in the mountains. And she knows how to masquerade as a boy and comb the streets for jobs. She figures she knows how to survive.

But life as a street kid is dangerous and terrifying, and even with the advantages of a strong will, brave spirit and good luck, Shauzia soon discovers that the old choices are not so easy any more. This is a powerful and very human story of a feisty, driven girl who tries to take control of her own life.

The reissue includes a new cover and map, and an updated author’s note and glossary to provide young readers with background and context. Royalties from the sale of this book will go to Street Kids International.