Persepolis

Persepolis
Marjane Satrapi

This one looks good!

Quick Stats:

Page Count: 160
Age Range: 13 and up
Year: 2003
Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical

Series: 1st of 2

Persepolis is the true story of a girl in Iran who grew up during the Islamic Revolution. It is a story about childhood, family, and learning lessons, but in the context of a dangerous time for people who would try to think for themselves. Through the eyes of a young girl–now grown up and writing books about her experience–the book also explains the history of Iran’s Islamic Revolution and the invasion of Iran by neighboring Iraq. Witty, funny, sometimes heartwarming but just as often heartbreaking, this book is rich with experiences and a history worth being shared.

This book can be intense, but it is well worth it; Persepolis is being used in Chicago Public Schools with 7th graders, but with some controversy due to the graphic content relating to torture and abuse. Students who read this may have questions that don’t necessarily have answers, but if they have an interest in history, human rights or graphic novels they will find this book both exciting and emotionally engaging.

-Mr. Jordan