Genre 6- American Born Chinese

Yang, Gene Luch. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006.

ISBN 13:978-159643-152-2

Story Plot
American Born Chinese is a story based on three smaller stories. One story is about a Monkey King and his want to be ‘all powerful’. The second story is about a Chinese boy, Jin Wang, who moves to a new school and tries to fit in by changing who he is. The third story is about a young man and his Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee and their attempts to get along at school. The three stories eventually meet and the reader discovers some very interesting twists!

Critical Analysis
American Born Chinese is a graphic novel which takes a while to get used to reading because each box has a picture and dialog. The illustrations in this novel are very exact and clear. I could easily follow the ‘flow’ of the pictures. My students love graphic novels and their ‘comic book’ feel. American Born Chinese would be a big hit with students. I love the meaning behind this novel- that just because you don’t look or act like everyone else, you still fit in. Differences can and should be embraced and this story is a good example of that. This novel is definitely intended for an older reader with a few inappropriate jokes throughout. Overall, Yang created a novel that reflects of situations that students find themselves in everyday. It is a creative novel that has a really great message about topics that are intense and hard to cover.

Reviews
School Library Journal- Their stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics.

Booklist- The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination

Connections
Community Circle- Students could have a group discussion on whether or not they’ve ever felt different from their peers. Also, the group could discuss and create idea’s about to better accept friends who are different. In my experience, teaching students how to accept differences is a very valuable lesson!!