persepolis

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

A historic nonfiction graphic novel about a girl in the 70’s and 80’s growing up when Iraq and Iran are in war. She is raised by a Marxism father and granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors. She tells of her story when she was at the age of 6 to 14 in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is all told in a black and white illustration of the events that took place in her home town of Tehran. It is for high school audience (9-12 grades) because of its mature subject matter and language.  She is relevant to the young people of today because she deals with the same things young people deal today; youth rebellion, religion, self-worth, family, and growing up in place where is always changing. She is a head strong girl in a world where the women are made to wear a vail to cover their hair. All the suppress changes to women come hard on her and in return rebels to the point where her parents are scared she might get killed and send her away to another country to get educated. Another book that follows’ this book is by the same author called  Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, its when she starts school in Vienna and she has trouble fitting in with the people, culture, and finds it hard because she does not have her parents to guide her in school and life. What lessons a teacher can get out of her story is for students to investigate the recent history, geography, culture, and political climate of Iran. Students can research the repercussions of the Iranian revolutions of the war that are still being felt throughout the world today. 

(http://www.getgraphic.org/GG_Kits/Persepolis/Persepolis%20Lesson%20Plans.pdf)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9onZpQix_w

From Teacher pay Teachers resources.