Teaching Persepolis: A Graphic Memoir That Transforms the Classroom Experience
Literature has the power to open minds, spark critical discussions, and create global citizens out of young readers. One book that does all this and more is Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi—a unique and deeply moving graphic memoir that belongs on every high school reading list.
At Teacher’s Pet Publications, we provide complete teaching units and student materials that help educators bring challenging, engaging, and diverse books into the classroom—and Persepolis is one of the most compelling titles we offer.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes Persepolis essential reading, why it’s perfect for high school students, and how you can get started teaching it with our comprehensive resources. If you're searching for a thought-provoking, visually engaging, and culturally rich text, Persepolis is the book to buy today.
? What Is Persepolis About?
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is a memoir told through the eyes of Marjane Satrapi, a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Unlike a traditional novel, Persepolis is presented as a graphic novel, using powerful black-and-white illustrations to complement the narrative.
The book explores themes of identity, freedom, family, and the effects of war and authoritarianism through Marjane’s personal experiences. Students witness her journey from a curious, outspoken child to a young woman confronting oppression and seeking truth in a repressive society.
Persepolis is more than history—it’s a deeply human story of resistance, survival, and self-discovery.
? Why Persepolis Belongs in Your Classroom
Here are several reasons why Persepolis is a top choice for educators looking to engage high school readers in deep, meaningful ways:
1. Visual Literacy Meets Traditional Analysis
As a graphic novel, Persepolis allows students to explore visual storytelling while practicing traditional literary analysis. It engages visual learners and opens up conversations about how images and text work together to convey meaning.
2. Global Perspective & Cultural Awareness
Persepolis introduces students to Iranian history, politics, and daily life through a relatable young narrator. It challenges stereotypes, fosters empathy, and provides a global lens on issues like censorship, war, and gender roles.
3. Themes That Resonate Today
Students easily connect with themes like growing up, questioning authority, and struggling for identity. These universal issues help them understand their own values in the context of someone else’s story.
4. Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Persepolis sparks essential conversations about the power of storytelling, the importance of free speech, and the role of government in shaping public discourse.
5. Perfect for Cross-Curricular Teaching
Teachers in English, Social Studies, History, Art, and even Political Science can use Persepolis to meet academic goals while encouraging real-world understanding.
? What You Get from Teacher’s Pet Publications
When you purchase Persepolis through Teacher’s Pet Publications, you receive more than a book—you get a complete literature teaching unit crafted by experienced educators. Our materials are designed to save you time and ensure student engagement from Day 1.
Your Package Includes:
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? A classroom copy of Persepolis
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? Detailed lesson plans and teaching strategies
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? Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions
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? Classroom discussion prompts
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? Critical thinking and essay assignments
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? Vocabulary exercises and reading quizzes
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✍️ Creative projects and visual analysis tasks
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? Tests, rubrics, and grading support
All materials align with Common Core ELA Standards for Grades 9–12. Editable formats are available so you can customize each resource to your students’ needs.
? Key Themes and Concepts in Persepolis
Here are just a few of the core concepts your students will explore through this graphic memoir:
? Identity & Coming of Age
As Marjane grows, she faces shifting ideals and personal transformation, making the book a strong vehicle for SEL (Social Emotional Learning) and identity-based analysis.
? Gender & Society
The book offers a compelling look at how women’s rights are shaped by religion and politics—and how girls like Marjane push back against expectations.
?️ Resistance & Activism
Marjane’s journey is one of rebellion and resilience. Students will see how ordinary people resist oppressive systems through everyday acts of defiance.
? Propaganda vs. Truth
Persepolis introduces students to media literacy as they compare state-sponsored propaganda in Iran with the character’s lived experiences.
✏️ Creative Classroom Activities for Persepolis
Looking for ways to make your Persepolis unit unforgettable? Try these teacher-approved ideas included in our unit guide:
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Graphic Memoir Project: Have students create their own 1-2 page visual memoirs inspired by the style of Persepolis.
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Panel Deconstruction: Analyze one powerful panel in the book—how do the image, text, and emotion combine to communicate meaning?
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Historical Context Research: Assign students to research events during the Iranian Revolution to provide context for the memoir.
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Identity Timeline: Let students create a timeline that shows how Marjane’s identity evolves throughout the memoir.
All activities are aligned to reading and writing standards, and adaptable for advanced and struggling learners alike.
?? Who Should Teach Persepolis?
Persepolis is ideal for:
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? High School English Classes (Grades 9–12)
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? IB & AP Literature Programs
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? Comparative Literature and World History Units
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? Homeschooling Families Seeking Global Stories
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? College-level courses in memoir, graphic novels, and international studies
Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom or from home, our resources make it easy to deliver high-quality, standards-based instruction.
? Why Buy Persepolis from Teacher’s Pet Publications?
With over 30 years of experience supporting educators, Teacher’s Pet Publications provides everything you need to teach Persepolis with confidence.
What Sets Us Apart:
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✅ Professionally written lesson plans by teachers
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? Fast, reliable shipping on classroom sets
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? Digital and printable formats available
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? Ongoing customer support
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? Affordable pricing and bulk discounts
Our goal is to take the stress out of planning and make literature come alive for your students.
? What Educators Are Saying
“Persepolis opened up discussions in my classroom that no other book has. Students were engaged from page one, and the Teacher’s Pet unit made it easy to keep them thinking critically.”
— Mrs. Delgado, 11th Grade ELA Teacher, California
“I’ve used Persepolis for four years now, and every year students tell me it’s their favorite unit. The visual format is a game changer.”
— Mr. Stevens, High School Literature, New York
? Order Persepolis Today – Engage Students Like Never Before
Ready to bring this unforgettable story into your classroom? Order Persepolis from Teacher’s Pet Publications today and get:
? The complete text of Persepolis
? A full teaching unit with ready-to-print resources
? Aligned curriculum materials that meet your goals
? Click here to buy Persepolis now
Make your next literature unit not only unforgettable—but transformational.
? Final Thoughts
In a world where critical thinking, empathy, and global understanding are more important than ever, Persepolis stands out as a literary powerhouse.
Whether your goal is to teach about global issues, challenge students’ perspectives, or simply bring a new voice into your classroom, Persepolis will leave a lasting impression. With Teacher’s Pet Publications at your side, teaching this powerful memoir has never been easier—or more impactful.