Roots in Iran by Yasmine Mahdavi

An uplifting work of non-fiction particularly geared toward young girls, Roots in Iran: Stories of Visionary Women by Yasmine Mahdavi recounts the lives of groundbreaking Iranian women and informs readers about Iran’s unfortunately undervalued culture and history.

The book focuses on fifteen influential women with ties to the country, such as the leading cancer researcher Mina Bissell, the prominent chess champion Dorsa Derakhshani, and the inspiring Florida legislator Anna Eskamani, alongside stunning illustrations by female Middle Eastern artists. The book also features sections and sidebars calling attention to related topics, such as the Iran-Iraq War, gender disparities in STEM fields, and social debates about the hijab.

Mahdavi set out to write a book for her thirteen-year-old self, and she’s succeeded in penning a work that will no doubt motivate and enlighten young girls around the world. The discussion questions and writing prompts included at the end of the text can provoke essential discussions and thoughtful conversations in educational settings. The sidebar sections tend to be more fruitful and cohesive when they focus on the topic’s impact on women, but each is informative.

Created by talented women, about talented women, and for the talented female leaders of the future – wherever they may be from – Roots in Iran is an eye-opening and inspiring combination of art and prose.

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