It is Afghanistan. Parvana's father is arrested and taken away by the Taliban soldiers.

Under Taliban law, women and girls are not allowed to leave the house on their own.

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 to save her family.

It is a dangerous plan, but their only chance. In fear she goes out - and witnesses the horror of land mines, and the brutality of the Taliban.

She suffers beatings and the desperation of trying to survive.

But even in despair lies hope.