American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Title: American Born Chinese

Author: Gene Luen Yang

Publication Date: 2006

ISBN #: 1596431520

Number of Pages: 235

Trend: Diversity

Publisher: First Second 

Yang, G.L. (2006). American Born Chinese. New York, NY: First Second

Summary: Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel about growing up as part of a minority in high school is not just for teens in that demographic. Any teen that feels a sense of isolation and longing to be accepted will be able to relate to this wonderfully crafted story that takes three seemingly unrelated tales and weaves them together to tell a universal message about finding an individual’s place in American while still appreciating their heritage and culture.  Yang introduces the readers to the three main characters of each story—the Monkey King, Cousin Chin-Kee, and Danny—and tells them in separate chapters bringing them together completely at the end.  The books begins with a story of the most famous of all Chinese legends, The Monkey King, then goes on to an almost biographical look at Yang’s own childhood in the story of Yin Wang, and the third story is a horrific look at the worst of Chinese/Asian stereotypes imaginable as Chin-Kee. Gene Luen Yang is setting an exciting stage for future literature to emerge and be embraced in the format of the graphic novel. Themes explore racial stereotyping, as well as identity, and coming to terms with one's self. 

Curricular connections: This book is certainly one that can be taught in the classroom. It has many aspects of it that can be explored in the classroom including race, identity, and multicultural diversity.  Because of its format (graphic novel) it would be an easier read for reluctant readers in a class to connect with it and still take away the same lessons and meaning. I would put this book on a graphic novel display in my library for either graphic novels or for multicultural diversity. This would be an easy book to booktalk in from of teens because of the visuals. 

Review Sources: Jesse Karp of  Booklist praises American Born Chinese for allowing humor to shine through the book even though the topics of shame, racism, and friendship can be quite heavy. George Galuschak of Kliatt finds this book to be an exceptional read, making note of the three storylines that converge on the same theme of accepting who you are. Galuschak also warns against the strong feeling that may be provoked by reading the satirical racist stereotype of the Chin-kee character. Both critics say that it is a must have in any graphic novel collection.

Personal response: This book left me with a feeling of complete contemplation. I felt as though I needed time to digest everything that happened in the book, it was moving to me. I went back and read it again now that I saw the whole picture of what Yang was trying to convey regarding Danny. I can not recommend this book enough, and I often do so.