Challenged Book

While doing some research books I found that the graphic novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is commonly challenged in schools today. I haven’t read many graphic novels, especially autobiographical ones, and was intrigued that it was on a challenged book list. In the novel, Marjane Satrapi recounts growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. She writes about the privileges she had growing up in an upper-class family and the discrimination she faced as a woman.

                Persepolis was the number two most challenged book in 2014. Many people claim it is “offensive, vulgar and promoted controversial racial and political issues.” This graphic novel has often been compared to Night by Ellie Wiesel and The Diary of Anne Frank due to their first-hand depiction of war and religious prosecution. These books have also faced challenges but are commonly taught in many schools. Some critics of Persepolis claim the images are too violent and much of the language is vulgar.   

                After reading this book I would definitely have it in my classroom library. I plan to teach high school and I think many older students would enjoy this book. Firstly, graphic novels are a great way to inspire students that may not like reading traditional books. Second, and most important, this book is a personal account of history that many students in the United States may not be familiar with. We as teachers cannot censor the history we are teaching students and banning this book because it deals with Iranian history is unacceptable. This is not a fabricated story, its real life, and for that reason alone it should be available to older students.

-Sam Goodreau