Persepolis

 

Sartrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon

I enjoyed this graphic memoir about life in Persia/Iran during a political shift. It was enlightening to read the stories of political prisoners told through the lens of a child’s experience during those events. It was not always an easy read as I imagined what it would be like to be her. The illustrations supported the storyline without distracting from it. Although it is told from the perspective of a child during that time she witnessed and learned things well beyond her years. Things that children should be sheltered from knowing until they are older. Most people are familiar with the instability in the region, especially considering the American military presence there for several decades but this story brings to light why the fight for democracy is so important. This would be a good supplement to a high school world history class.

You may also like: Persepolis 2 by Marjane Sartrapi or Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji

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