Writing Professor Tahneer Oksman Publishes Graphic Novel Review in NPR

This graphic novel is the latest in a series of reviews by Associate Professor of Writing, Literature, and Language and Communication and Media Arts Tahneer Oksman, Ph.D., that have been published in NPR. Dr. Oksman teaches several classes at MMC, including Women’s Literary Traditions and Graphic Storytelling: Exploring Contemporary Comics.

From her review:

The plot of Wake Now in the Fire moves seamlessly between different characters, students affected in all sorts of ways by the pulling of the book. The student journalists investigate CPS’ actions, focusing, too, on gathering impact statements from as many students and teachers as they can find, and disseminating that information to the wider public. Meanwhile, members of the banned book club at school, among others, plan actions, like a walk out, to demonstrate their objection to the CPS order. Others, like Aditi, find themselves newly invested in taking on leadership roles in their communities. But these are high schoolers, too, who are dealing with all the issues and conflicts that unfold in day-to-day life. They worry about their grades and getting into college; they struggle with family matters; they bicker with one another even as they are learning together how to turn frustration and anger into peaceful, and meaningful, action.

You can read the rest of the review by clicking here.

Additionally, Dr. Oksman published a retrospective of Persepolis for its 20th anniversary in 2023. Click here to read it!

Published: March 16, 2026