Dapier, Jarrett. Wake Now in the Fire. AJ Dungo, Illus. Ten Speed Graphic, 02/2026. 463pp. Graphic. Trade $38.00. 978-0-5938-3804-4. Paper $24.99. 978-0-5938-3803-7. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
A compelling account of high school students in Chicago who respond to an attempt by the school district to remove Marjane Sartapi’s award-winning graphic memoir Persepolis from their classrooms and libraries. This layered graphic novel blends fact and fiction to depict the mechanics of student organizing, including preparations for a school walk-out, a library read-in, and a targeted edition of the school newspaper. Interwoven fictionalized stories bring the personal motivations of the teen activists to life. Straightforward illustrations depict a diverse group of identities, relationships, and home lives in muted blue, black, and white, sharply punctuated with bright spots of red whenever Persepolis is depicted. Celebrating students as empowered advocates, this story illustrates the importance of protecting intellectual freedom in schools. Consider recommending to classroom teachers as a conversation partner with Persepolis.
Rebecca Biega—Independent