Module 13/SLIS 5420 Series and Graphic Novels

American Born Chinese

Written and Illustrated by Gene Luen Yang

2007 Michael Printz Award
2007 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2007 Eisner Award
2006 Cybil's Award
2006 National Book Award Finalist
2007 Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2006/07 Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book

Summary

Yang offers three seemingly unrelated stories that cleverly converge at the end of the tale to form a strong lesson about the importance of self-acceptance. Jin has just moved from Chinatown to a school in the white suburbs where he must deal with racism and isolation. The Monkey King is unhappy with his sovereignty and wishes to become a god, while Danny must deal with his negatively stereotyped cousin, Chin-Kee.

My Impressions

The powerful story offered in this graphic novel was very well presented and kept my interest piqued throughout. The illustrations are delightful, and even though it deals with very serious topics, the story also had a lot of humorous moments. The conclusion was completely unexpected and very clever-- I read the entire book twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. Teens will be able to empathize with the characters and enjoy the book as well.

Reviews

With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life... Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. 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 for Booklist

Graphic novels that focus on nonwhite characters are exceedingly rare in American comics. Enter American Born Chinese, a well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance.... this novel explores the impact of the American dream on those outside the dominant culture in a finely wrought story that is an effective combination of humor and drama.–Philip Charles Crawford for School Library Journal

Activities

American Born Chinese would be a wonderful springboard into exploring racial stereotypes.

Here is a great discussion of ideas and activities about comic book heroes and racial stereotypes using American Born Chinese: http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/teachers/abcLesson.html

Bibliography

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second Books, 2006. ISBN: 1596431520