Persepolis

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi. Published 2003.

This graphic novel has been on everyone's radar for a long time and for a good reason. While the material is definitely for upper tweens (think 8th grade) and YA, it should be on everyone's must read list. The perspective of the narrator, Marji, as a child in Iran during the Islamic Revolution is at both times poignant and humorous. The black and white illustrations and the form of a graphic novel make it easy to read and easy to absorb the stark illustrations while leaving room for depth of feeling. We see her witness violence at demonstrations, the death of friends and family, threat of imprisonment, as well as some childish antics and rebellion.

I enjoyed this story mostly for its history. Having been born during this time period, I didn't know anything about the revolutions in Iran. I read a little on this topic as an adult but the frame of this story makes it easier to understand and have an idea of what it was like from a child's perspective.

Interest level: Grades 8-12 Intended reading level: YA
Genre: Non-fiction, Graphic Novel
First book of a series

Comparable titles: Maus, Maus II