Home
Children’s Stories
about History
and
Culture of Persia
Susa is on a mission to create children’s books that celebrate the history and culture of Iran. Our goal is to help young people develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their heritage, and to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange. We believe that stories are one of the best ways to teach values and inspire change, and we hope to use our books as a tool to open up new conversations about Iran – both in the United States and beyond.
Books
Cyrus was the founder of the Persian Empire, the largest kingdom of the ancient world nearly 2,500 years ago. In a voice from the past, Cyrus explains who he was and why he is still called Cyrus the Great.
For Ages 4+
Ebook, paperback and hardcover available here
The young Avicenna survives a devastating fire that burns down his most beloved place, the library where he studied for three years. But the incident sets him on a course that will change the world of medicine.
For Ages 4+
Ebook, paperback and hardcover available here
One day in 875, Mohammad Zakariya Razi discovered how to make alcohol in his lab while he was trying to turn copper into gold. He, then, went to Baghdad to become one of the most prominent scholars, physicians, and philosophers of his time.
For ages 4+
Ebook and paperback
The Persian Empire is under attack. Apranik, a folklore warrior, is a military commander and must meet with Queen Pourandokht of the Sassanian Dynasty. Can she tell the truth?
For Ages 4+
Ebook and Paperback
About the Author
Nazila Fathi is a former New York Times journalist, an award-winning reporter, and the author of The Lonely War, One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran. Her book was named the best nonfiction in 2014 by Vogue, The Guardian, and Foreign Policy Association. She is a mother and believes stories raise more confident children.
Why Susa?
Some of the oldest civilizations emerged in this city. Located in southern Iran, Susa has been continuously inhabited since 4000 BC. The Elamites set up the earliest administrative bureaucracy here and the Achaemenian king Darius I ruled the vast Persian Empire from Susa. His son Ahasuerus married Esther, who saved the Jews from genocide, from this ancient city.
Praise
“Nazila Fathi opens a door for children of all nationalities to step into the delights of ancient Persian history and culture. It was a joy to watch my eight-year-old daughter immerse herself in the remarkable stories of Cyrus and Avicenna. At a time when Iran is so negatively portrayed in the western media, these beautifully written books provide a unique glimpse into a country and culture rich with lyrical poetry, storied history, and geographical beauty. These accessible, timely books are not just a riveting and important contribution to a family library, but a treasure for young readers.” —Caitriona Palmer, best-selling author of An Affair with my Mother and Climate Justice, co-written with former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
“These children’s books embrace Iranian heritage” —PRI, The World (Listen Here)
“Exiles, they say, are custodians of dead treasures. Nazila Fathi, herself a treasure of a journalist, with a knack for narrative and an eye for the grandeur of Persian civilization, has embarked on a noble effort to make the next generation of Iranian exiles conscious and proud custodians of the Iranian part of their cultural heritage.” –Abbass Milani, historian, professor, director of the Iranian Studies program at Stanford University, author of The Shah, among others
“This wonderful book seems to be about a visionary scientist who lived long ago and helped invent modern medicine. It is also more than that: an inspirational story about the thrill of learning, the challenge of discovery, and the way people can make a difference in our world. Highly recommended for children of all ages.”–-Steven Kinzer, Author of All The Shah’s Men
“Hailing from ancient Persia, the tales and triumphs of the king of Babylon and the father of modern medicine are written in an easy to grasp language that appeals to both children and their carers. They make for instant immersion in adventures that took place centuries ago.”–Persian Educational Foundation
“Nazila Fathi makes Persian history accessible and fun. Her books bring these colorful characters to life and are a pure delight. Early readers will adore these stories, and their parents might learn something too!” –-Eric Weiner, best-selling author of The Geography of Bliss, among other titles