YA Graphic Novels: AMERICAN BORN CHINESE by Gene Luen Yang

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

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

YA Poetry: MAKE LEMONADE by Virginia Euwer Wolff

Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff

Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. MAKE LEMONADE. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0805080708

LaVaughn is a driven teen who is determined to make it to college, despite her circumstances. To earn money, she takes a babysitting job for Jolly, a teen girl with two young children, who just can’t seem make things right. Jolly has lost yet another job and relies on, if not takes advantage of, LaVaughn’s generous nature. Though Jolly appears to be irresponsible, she is determined to make it on her own, refusing to accept welfare. LaVaughn learns much about life and herself through her interactions with Jolly’s family, and the guidance of her tough but caring mother, all while guiding Jolly to helping herself through education and support. 

This novel in verse provides a profound and uplifting, though rough, experience for the reader. LaVaughn tells the story through her eyes and memory, as she states in the beginning with this comparison, “It’s like a bird. One minute it’s picking up something off the sidewalk and you recognize it all together as a bird eating. The next minute it’s gone into the traffic on the street and you try to remember how that bird was, how its point feet were strutting and its neck was bulging back and forth but it’s gone and you’re the only one can tell it was there in front of you. This is like that” (Wolff 3). Though LaVaughn’s situation and problems can be fairly specific, some are more general and relatable to many. Her worries about qualifying for and affording collage, overcoming one’s situation in life, when to help and when to look out for yourself, and determination to achieve goals are things many issues many teens deal with. “This word COLLEGE is in my house, and you have to walk around it in the rooms like furniture” (Wolff 9).

 LaVaughn is a strong and interesting character whose realistic kindness, sensitivity, and integrity is refreshing in a sea of overly flawed YA literature characters. Though the circumstances and situations in the story are tough, the title rings true with the story being overall positive, making lemonade. “These girls could be from more than one ethnic group and almost any inner city--the setting is deliberately vague; but their troubles--explored in exquisite specificity--are universal. Hopeful--and powerfully moving” (Kirkus Reviews, 1993). The setting is integral to the story, though not overly described, with the exception of Jolly’s apartment. The vivid descriptions of the filthy state of the place help to emphasize Jolly’s helpless circumstances. The overall theme of overcoming obstacles is appropriate and appealing to teens, and presented in a non preachy way. “That education is the bridge to a better life is the unapologetic, unmistakable theme, symbolized by the sprouting of the lemon seeds LaVaughn plants for Jolly's children. At once disturbing and uplifting, this finely nuanced, touching portrait proudly affirms our ability to reach beyond ourselves and reach out to one another” (Stephanie Zvirin, Booklist, June 1993). The stream of thought style of writing and language used lend authenticity to the thoughts and actions of the characters.  

Classroom Connections:

-        Pair with another book, especially nonfiction, about teens in inner city life

-        Use in conjunction with a college research project, students can reflect on their own goals for college or other further education after high school

Best Books:

Best Books, 1993 ; Parents Magazine; United States
Best of the Best Revisited (100 Best Books for Teens), 2001 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, June 1993 ; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1993 ; American Library Association; United States
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Twelfth Edition, 1995 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1993 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
English Journal Honor Listing, 1994 ; English Journal; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1993 ; United States
Lasting Connections, 1993 ; American Library Association; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1994 ; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Notable Children's Books, 1994 ; Association for Library Service to Children; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 1993 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 1993 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books for Young Adults, 1993 ; Cahners; United States
Senior High Core Collection, Seventeenth Edition, 2007 ; The H. W. Wilson Co.; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Fifteenth Edition, 1997 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1994 ; International Reading Association; United States
Top of the List, 1993 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 1994 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1994 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

Golden Kite Award, 1994 Award Book Fiction United States
Reading Magic Award, 1993 Winner United States
Thumbs Up! Award, 1994 Winner Michigan

YA Poetry: CRANK by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Hopkins, Ellen. 2004. CRANK. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 0689865198

               Kristina’s life is forever changed after a visit to her addict dad. Lured by an attractive boy and her newly acquired alter ego, Bree, she begins down a slippery slope. Once a model student and trusted daughter, Kristina becomes more and more entangled in the grip of the monster: crank. Everything about her life changes as she struggles with the addiction and the consequences of her actions, and as the true Kristina fights a losing battle the persuasive and controlling duo of Bree and the monster.   

               “Powerful and unsettling (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2004).This novel in verse gives a gritty and realistic insight into the world of a meth addict and how quickly a life can be ruined by a single decision. The problems presented in the story speak clearly to many teens who face similar ones. Kristina’s thoughts and feelings are boldly expressed through her perspective and give the reader what feels to be a window into her soul. The characters are relatable and have depth, despite the lack of abundant description do to the verse form.  The settings are presented in enough detail to make them move the story along, but are not overly emphasized. The reader is left with plenty to think about as a result of the themes presented in the story, all of which are heavy and timely.  From dealing with drug addiction, rape, teen pregnancy, the parent and teen relationship, sexuality, and the obliteration of an anticipated future, there is much to ponder. The free verse form allows the author liberty in writing style to let Kristina’s changing personality and drug influenced contrast to shine through. The shape and organization of stanzas play a role in the flow and presentation. 

“The #1 Worst Thing

about those seven months:

My steady, needful, forever

relationship with the monster.

                                                                           Learning

that “addiction” is much more

than a buzz word.

                                                                           Discovering

how very much it applied

to my “me first” psyche.

                                                                           Struggling

not to give in to inner voices

much stronger than my own.

                                                                           Winning

most of the time, gritting my

teeth and “just saying no.”

                                                                           Losing

in the moments

when the world

I’d created for myself

closed in around me” (Hopkins 535)

Though not a pleasant read, this book would be good for many teens, with the portrayal of the harsh realities of drugs and addiction, and will likely serve as a warning, as the author claims to be the intention, “If this story speaks to you, I have accomplished what I set out to do. Crank is, indeed, a monster - one that is tough to leave behind once you invite it into your life. Think twice. Then think again” (Hopkins, author’s note). “Readers won't soon forget smart, sardonic Kristina; her chilling descent into addiction; or the author's note, which references her own daughter's struggle with "the monster." (Gillian Engberg, Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004).

Classroom Connections

-        conduct a Socratic circle discussion about the novel and drug addiction

-        pair with current events articles related to meth and drugs, especially in relation to teens

-        try a collaborative verse writing assignment, taking a familiar story and having groups compose different sections or chapters to be combined into a whole 

Best Books:

YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2005 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2005 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2006 ; International Reading Association; United States

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award, 2009 Winner Illinois
Delaware Diamonds, 2010 Winner High School Delaware
Gateway Readers Award, 2007 1st Place Missouri
Green Mountain Book Award, 2009 Winner Grades 9-12 Vermont
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2009 Winner Grades 7-12 Wyoming
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2005 Honor Book Language Arts-Grades 7-12 Novels United States