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!

Share your favorite stories (or tahdig recipe) from Iran with us in the comments!