Read Globally: Books to Introduce Kids and Teens to the History and Culture of Iran
by Devon A. Corneal
My first exposure to Iranian culture was the delicious tahdig my friend’s mother would make when I was lucky enough to be invited to dinner. As I savored the crunchy top layer of rice and the extraordinary flavor of a dish the rest of my family had never eaten, I had no idea I was experiencing a tiny connection to ancient Persia and its rich artistic, culinary, and literary history. For this installment of our Read Globally series, we’ve gathered a few stories that we hope spark your interest in the people, history, fables, and food of Iran, as well as some contemporary narratives from Iranian authors. If you’re feeling adventurous, we encourage you to make some tahdig of your own, then sit down and enjoy it while reading!
-
This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World
Follow children from seven different countries, including Iran, to see how they live their daily lives. Young Kian from Gorgan, Iran, introduces readers to his home, family, daily meals, and activities in an intimate and approachable way and shows readers that we’re all far more alike than we are different.
(Ages 6 – 10) -
Saffron Ice Cream
Compare what a day at the beach is like in America and Iran in this brightly illustrated story about a young girl’s first visit to the ocean in Brooklyn.
(Ages 4 – 8) -
When I Coloured in the World
When things seem dark, sometimes all you need is a new perspective, a set of crayons, and your imagination to make the world seem better. Poetic and lovely, this book by Iranian author Ahmadreza Ahmadi is not to be missed.
(Ages 5 – 8) -
The Secret Message
This modern take on Persian poet Rumi’s classic story about a privileged parrot not only entertains, it asks readers to consider what is truly important: the trappings of wealth, or freedom. For another reshaping of a Rumi poem, check out Javaherbin’s Elephant in the Dark.
(Ages 4 – 7) -
The Green Musician
The story of Barbad the musician is an ancient one, originally found in the Persian Book of Kings (Shahnameh). This adaptation combines vivid illustrations from Claire Ewart with an accessible retelling of Barbad’s dream to play for the king and his clever plan to outwit his rival in order to make his dream come true.
(Ages 4 – 8) -
It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel
Based on her own experience emigrating from Iran to Newport Beach, California, in the 1970s, bestselling author Firoozeh Dumas has written a funny, touching, and insightful middle grade novel about the challenges of fitting in and finding yourself in a new country.
(Ages 8 – 12) -
The Little Black Fish
Little Black Fish has the soul of an adventurer and determination to match. Even though it means leaving all he’s ever known, this curious fish sets out to see what the world holds, in all its beauty and even in its disappointments. Don’t miss the award-winning illustrations and timeless story.
(Ages 7 – 11) -
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Available from:Darius isn’t sure what to expect when he travels to Iran to visit his extended family on his mom’s side, including his terminally ill grandfather. He’s not sure how he’ll fit in — until he meets Sohrab, a next door neighbor. As the two teen boys get to know each other, Darius finally discovers the joys that self-discovery and friendship can offer.
(Young adult)Also available from: -
Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
Available from:Sara Saedi was a teenager when she found out that she’d been living in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant since her family left Iran when she was two. In this memoir, she deftly weaves together the everyday angst of adolescence (would she find a date for prom?) with her terrifying experience of applying for a green card (would she be able to stay in the country that was her home?). At turns laugh-out-loud and moving.
(Young adult)Also available from: -
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Available from:This powerful graphic novel for adults tells the story of the author’s childhood in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. A coming-of age-story that shows the horrors of war and the hope for a better future, this is a must-read for teens in your life. If you want to know what happens to Satrapi after Persepolis, pick up Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, which details Satrapi’s flight from, and ultimate return to, Iran.
(Ages 16+)Also available from:
Share your favorite stories (or tahdig recipe) from Iran with us in the comments!