Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi, Marjane, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, Pantheon Books, 2003, 153 pgs.

Summary: The realness of the voice in this novel about a young girl living in Iran does an exceptional job of bring history to life. The author herself is the main character in this novel about the Islamic Revolution. The seemingly innocent account of the events leading up to the Islamic taking over Iran is strong and vibrant allowing the reader to learn about the complex concepts of this time in history. The confusion that must have been felt by many Iranians is clear as this thirteen year old depicts different history changing events. The illustrations are simple black and white comic frames which are also done by the author. The viewpoint and the simplistic illustrations all provide a powerful backdrop for the foundation of a revolution.

Evaluation: I fell in love with the thirteen year old main character and couldn’t help from wanting to stand up with here. I was surprised at how much more I learned from simple black and white pictures on the page and by the end of the novel I felt far more educated by this defining event in history that has come to affect so many American’s today. I can see why this young adult novel is loved by teens and adults alike as it is such a human look at how we all are affected.

Annotation: Marjane lives in Iran just as the Islamic Revolution begins. What does her future hold as a female under Islam?

Significance of Book: This is a frank look at the Islamic Revolution through a child’s eye. The Islamic Revolution is not very well understood and this book helps to provide a better understanding.

Genre/subject: Iranian Revolution, biography, women

Awards:

National:

• · Alex award: 2004
• · Best Fiction for Young Adults: 2004
• · Capitol Choices: 2004
• · SLJ Best Adult Books for High School Students: 2003

State:

• · Arizona: Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominees: 2008
• · Georgia: Georgia Peach Award Nominees: 2004
• · Indiana: Eliot Rosewater Award Nominees: 2006
• · New Jersey: Garden State Teen Book Award Nominees: 2006

Why I selected the book: I was interested in the appeal of this book. I knew it was about Iran, but had no idea it was from a child’s point of view.

Price: $13.95