Persepolis
Sartrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon. In this graphic novel, we learn about Marjane's childhood as she grew up in Iran during the 1970's and 80's. I felt a connection to Marj as I read her memoir since we were the same age and I had a friend in middle school who had left Iran and had come to Texas in the 1980's. I was amazed at Marj's bravery as she tells the story of her friends and family having to go through imprisonment, the loss of their homes, and the fear of being bombed. She was so eager to learn more about the history of her country and understand her parent's political involvement that she read and read. Her family refused to let the government change their lifestyle, so they hung dark curtains and continued to have parties. I was so scared when Marj was alone buying tapes and got stopped. It is hard to think that normal teenage activities like buying tapes, wearing tennis shoes and jeans, expressing your opinion, could get you imprisoned or killed. The end, when her parents send her to Vienna by herself, was sad but the best thing that could have happened to her. This is a great multicultural book to add to a reading list!
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