Exploring the Impact of a Book Ban Through a Graphic Novel Lens
In the world of literature, the power of a book to inspire change and provoke thought is undeniable. This is vividly captured in Jarrett Dapier’s debut young adult graphic novel, Wake Now in the Fire, which delves into the real-life controversy surrounding the restriction of Marjane Satrapi’s memoir, Persepolis, in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2013. Illustrated by AJ Dungo, the novel breathes life into the events, drawing parallels with the struggles of fictional characters who embody the spirit of resistance and learning.
The narrative of Wake Now in the Fire brings to mind Betty Smith’s classic character Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Much like Francie’s insatiable thirst for knowledge, Dapier’s characters are driven by a similar passion for literature, despite facing restrictions. In 2013, CPS suddenly limited access to Persepolis, a graphic memoir depicting the Islamic Revolution in Iran. This decision left many students, including Dapier’s fictional high schooler Aditi, questioning and challenging the censorship.
Aditi’s story resonates with many students who found themselves deeply moved by the ban. Her journey from Mumbai to Chicago highlights her awe at the freedom to borrow more books than she ever imagined, echoing the sentiments of Francie Nolan’s library adventures. Her experience mirrors the challenges and triumphs of young readers in both Smith’s and Dapier’s narratives.
In Dapier’s novel, set against the backdrop of a fictional high school, characters like Aditi and her peers are galvanized by the removal of Persepolis. They organize protests and engage in investigative journalism to uncover the rationale behind CPS’s decision. These students, much like the seniors at Lane Technical College Preparatory High School—the real-life inspiration for the story—take bold steps to have their voices heard. As Katie McDermott, a senior at Lane Tech, stated in a 2013 episode of Chicago Tonight, “It’s time for us to have our voices heard.”
Throughout Wake Now in the Fire, Dapier intricately weaves the personal struggles and collective resilience of students who refuse to be silenced. The book ultimately shows that while Persepolis was restored to CPS libraries, its classroom presence remains limited to higher grades due to concerns over its violent content. Dapier notes in his author’s commentary that this incident “foreshadows our current moment,” where censorship persists, as highlighted by the American Library Association.
The graphic novel serves as a poignant reminder of the power of literature and the importance of young voices in the face of censorship. Like Francie Nolan, who found freedom and imagination in books, today’s youth continue to stand up for their right to read and learn, embodying the spirit of “beautiful disappearances” into larger movements for change.
