American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. New York: First Second. ISBN 1596433736
The Monkey King, with his sensitivity and temper, tries to prove his worth to the other gods. Jin Wang is misunderstood and struggles to fit in to a culture different from his, yet the same. Danny is embarrassed by his Chinese cousin and does his best to distance himself. These three characters and their stories rotate through the book, eventually converging to reveal the root of the problems, accepting oneself for who he is. Jin Wang and Danny also deal with the typical trials of teens in school, friends, girls, bullies, and finding acceptance. Embarrassing situations, hilarious antics, exaggerated stereotypes, heartfelt struggle and pain, and some wisdom all combine for a unique and interesting graphic novel.
This story is an intriguing mix of mythology, fantasy, and realism, with three distinct plots woven throughout to converge in a singular conclusion. All three protagonists share similar character flaws and problems, but manifested in different ways. Readers go back and forth between feeling pity for and then disappointment in the characters actions. “All three stories are humorously told with a bent to mock racism and prejudice. Yang’s graphic stories skip around from the disgusting to the sublime, his tongue firmly in his cheek as he illustrates first love, booger-eating, bullying, friendship, and shame” (Susie Wilde, Children's Literature). Though parts are meant to be humorous, it is an overall profound story with a wise message, and very appropriate for so many teens from different cultures trying to fit in. “You know, Jin, I would have saved myself from five hundred years’ imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey” (Yang 223). Though the story is very focused on Chinese American culture, it could easily be related to anyone who felt uncomfortable in their own skin.
The primary setting is school for most of the story, which presents many of the problems and a relatable aspect. The illustrations are bright, bold, and eye-catching, with a distinct style. The actions and emotions of the characters are largely portrayed through the illustrations, while most of the text is dialogue between the characters. The short sentences and speech bubble quotes reflect a comic strip like style, while each of the three story lines has a few subtle differences in visual portrayal. “Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination” (Jesse Karp, Booklist, Sep. 1, 2006).
Classroom Connections
- Pair with Laurence Yep’s Dragonwings which presents similar themes regarding Chinese American culture
- Have students choose a current event issue or theme from class or independent reading and present as a comic strip or mini graphic novel; can use Web 2.0 tools available online or software to create
Best Books:
Amazon Editors' Picks: Top 10 Books, 2006 ; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2007 ; Bank Street College of Education; Outstanding Merit; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2006 ; Booklist Editor's Choice; United States
Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, 2007 ; Booklist; United States
Capitol Choices, 2007 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Choices, 2007 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to Ninth Edition, 2007 ; H.W. Wilson Company; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2006 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2006 ; Cahners; United States
Senior High Core Collection, Seventeenth Edition, 2007 ; The H. W. Wilson Co.; United States
White Ravens Award, 2007 ; International Youth Library; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2007 ; Bank Street College of Education; Outstanding Merit; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2006 ; Booklist Editor's Choice; United States
Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, 2007 ; Booklist; United States
Capitol Choices, 2007 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Choices, 2007 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to Ninth Edition, 2007 ; H.W. Wilson Company; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2006 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2006 ; Cahners; United States
Senior High Core Collection, Seventeenth Edition, 2007 ; The H. W. Wilson Co.; United States
White Ravens Award, 2007 ; International Youth Library; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cybil Award, 2006 Winner Graphic Novels Ages 13 and Up United States
James Cook Book Award, 2007 Honorable Book United States
Michael L. Printz Award, 2007 Winner United States
National Book Award, 2006 Finalist Young People's Literature United States
Northern California Book Award, 2007 Finalist Children's Literature United States
Quill Awards, 2007 Nominee Young Adult/Teen United States
James Cook Book Award, 2007 Honorable Book United States
Michael L. Printz Award, 2007 Winner United States
National Book Award, 2006 Finalist Young People's Literature United States
Northern California Book Award, 2007 Finalist Children's Literature United States
Quill Awards, 2007 Nominee Young Adult/Teen United States