Graphic Novel: Persepolis, Learn about living in Iran

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've started thinking about how graphic novels could be used with high school students who think of themselves as non-readers. They are perfect because the text is supported by a picture, which helps them create a movie in their head about the story.

The problem I often have with graphic novels is that the text is just not complicated enough, or themes are too needlessly violent to justify in school. This graphic novel is a work of art with meaningful text that teaches extremely important truths.

In Persepolis, the reality of living in a war-torn nation from within a modern family is highlighted. By showing it through the eyes of a child, Satrapi reclaims innocence for her people, who are so often feared and hated by Westerners. Even within a nation at war, there are good people. There are little children who are forced to mature way before their time. There are families that risk everything to support friends and loved ones. There is sacrifice and loss and devastation and pride and courage and inquiry and all sorts of other "ands" that reveal the complexity of the history of and people in Iran. I loved this book. Where's a grant application?

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