Amir and Khalil, Zahra’s Paradise. First Second Books, 2011. Pgs. 270. Language; G, Violence: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG-13. In June 2009, Tehran, Iran became a bloody place. After an election, as many as 3 million people protested in the streets of Tehran. 73 people were killed during the protests. They were the lucky ones. Hospitals and homes alike were raided for protestors. On August 11th, the government announces that 4,000 people were arrested since the elections. 115 were executed. As many as 100 cases of rape were filed, but the Speaker of Parliament dismissed them. Some protestors were never seen again. This book follows the story after the disappearance of the fictional character, Mehdi, and his family’s attempts to find him and shed light on the government’s injustices. Although the characters are not real, they are a compilation of many protestors and their families’ stories.
A gruesome, but accurate depiction of a dark part of Iran’s history. The illustrations are detailed and add a lot to the text. The text is complex and well-written. The additional resources in the back are informative and useful. Although some of the more indigestible violence is not depicted in the illustrations and the book was eye-opening as well as enjoyable to read, I recommend this book only to those who have a strong stomach when it comes to violence. Older readers who like history, historical fiction, graphic novels, and war will like reading this book. HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.
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