Wadjda. 98 min. w/English subtitles. Dist. by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 2012, released in 2014. DVD & Blu-ray, $40.99. ISBN unavail. Rated PG. Gr 8 Up–Tomboyish Wadjda is the antithesis to everything her Saudi Arabian culture values. Snarky and fearless, she sports sneakers under her black robes and headscarf. Despite her lack of genuine conviction, the 10-year-old enters her school’s Koran recitation competition only because the cash prize will allow her to purchase the bicycle she so yearns for, a symbol of freedom. Meanwhile, she’s all too aware of what life has in store for her, as she witnesses her long-suffering mother’s experiences with a society that smothers women: Wadjda’s loving but often-absent father is considering taking a second wife who can bear him a son. The filmmakers go light on the dialogue, letting the gorgeous, evocative visuals speak for themselves. Evidence of the repressive society around Wadjda is clear, though not heavy handed, and while the film’s tone is somber, Wadjda’s refusal to conform, as well as the tiny rebellions on the part of several other female characters, adds an authentic note of optimism, even levity at times. Writer and director Haifaa al-Mansour’s DVD commentary provides a refreshingly down-to-earth look at the film’s making, describing in particular the challenges of filming in such a closed-off society. Viewers will easily root for this utterly likable, indomitable protagonist, and though inexperienced, actress Waad Mohammed brings a real spark to her role. This nuanced, achingly poignant, and sensitive story of a rebellious girl navigating the difficult terrain of a repressive culture will invite comparisons to Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud’s Persepolis—pairing the two films should make for an interesting jumping off point for discussion.–Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal