Author Jarrett Dapier will be holding a book signing tonight, 6:30 p.m., Beaverdale Books. 2629 Beaver Ave # S1, Des Moines, Iowa.
DATE: February 6, 2026TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting focused on discussing Jarrett’s graphic novel “Wake Now in the Fire,” which tells the true story of the 2013 banning of the graphic novel “Persepolis” in Chicago Public Schools. Jarrett, a librarian and author, shared his personal connection to the story and the research process that led to writing the book. They discussed the advantages of using a graphic novel format for the story, as well as the fictionalization of personal stories within the book. The conversation also touched on the current state of reading habits among teenagers and the challenges they face in today’s digital world. Julie Gammack invited Jarrett to participate in the Okoboji Writers Retreat, and they briefly discussed the history of book banning and their shared experiences with student activism.
Summary
Book Success and Radio Interview
Julie Gammack and Jarrett engaged in a conversation, discussing Jarrett’s recent radio interview and the success of his book, which had been a long process according to his publicist. Julie Gammack expressed her congratulations and mentioned that she would tag their conversation to the end of a previous discussion.
Persepolis Banning Investigation
Jarrett, a librarian with a background in defending students’ rights, became involved in the Persepolis banning incident while working at Evanston Public Library. After witnessing the censorship of the book and the subsequent teen-led protest, Jarrett conducted research for a thesis, uncovering that the Chicago Public Schools’ CEO, Barbara Byrd Bennett, was directly involved in the decision to remove the book, despite claims of miscommunication. Jarrett’s investigation led to the discovery of 43 redacted emails through a Freedom of Information Act request, which revealed the true extent of the censorship and the lack of understanding about the book’s educational value. This experience inspired Jarrett to write a graphic novel about the banning, highlighting the controversy surrounding graphic novels and the importance of defending students’ right to read.
Graphic Novel Writing Insights
Julie Gammack interviewed jarrett about his background and his decision to write a graphic novel. Jarrett explained that he grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and has a background in creative writing and theater. He discussed the popularity of graphic novels, particularly among teens, and his experience working at Evanston Library. Jarrett shared his motivation for writing a graphic novel about the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, citing the medium’s appeal and the visual elements he wanted to include.
Graphic Novel on Censorship
Jarrett discussed the creation of a graphic novel about censorship, combining fictional personal stories with real events. He explained that while all character backstories are fictional, the book’s depiction of how a graphic novel was banned and the subsequent student and teacher protests is based on true events. Jarrett shared a personal story from an interviewee about an immigrant from Mumbai who creatively worked around library restrictions to read more books, which inspired a character in the novel. Julie Gammack noted the book’s depiction of teenagers’ personal struggles alongside their activism, and asked if books might be becoming more important to young people as an escape from social media noise. Jarrett acknowledged this as a possibility, while emphasizing the importance of discussing information and visual literacy through graphic novels.
Visual Literacy and Library Trust
Jarrett discussed the importance of visual literacy and the value of graphic novels as a reading format, citing examples of successful individuals who read comics. He emphasized the collaborative effort behind his book, highlighting the contributions of various professionals during its creation. Jarrett expressed concerns about the reliability of information in the digital age, particularly with the rise of AI and misinformation, and stressed the role of libraries in curating trustworthy sources.
Urgency in Book Banning Resistance
Jarrett explained the title “Wake Now in the Fire” was inspired by Rage Against the Machine’s song “Sleep Now in the Fire,” which critiques greed, and wanted to convey urgency and resistance against book bannings.
Teen Tech Challenges and Solutions
We Jarrett discussed the challenges faced by children and teenagers today, particularly regarding technology and social media. Jarrett shared her experiences raising teenagers in the digital age, highlighting the pressures they face and the impact on their mental health. They also talked about Jarrett’s book “We Are the Change” and its potential to be read widely, including in schools. Julie Gammack invited Jarrett to the Okoboji Writers Retreat, where she would have the opportunity to connect with other writers and readers.
Welcome!
Please welcome our newest solo member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative: Richard Gilbert: Sh*t Richard Says.
