American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
First Second, New York, 2006
This is a beautifully rendered and well written book that braids together three story lines. The book open with a tale about the Monkey King, a famous Chinese trickster character, who crashes a party in heaven and wrecks havoc. Then we are introduced to Jin Wang, who has moved from San Fransisco to suburbia and entered a very white elementary school. Finally we meet Danny and his cousin Chin-Kee, a perfect representative of the stereotypical Chinese “coolie”. Gene Yang does a wonderful job leading the reader in different directions until the final surprising resolution. This may be a bit confusing for some but it pays off in the end.
These stories are funny, poignant and combine to create a tale of race, identity, exclusion and self acceptance . This book has been awarded several prizes including the Printz Prize in 2007 and a National Book Award nomination. Like Laika, American Born Chinese would be a great introduction to the graphic novel genre.
Gene Yang has a great web site here.
Yang’s publisher First Second also has a great site here.
Other reviews:
I keep saying I need to do something with this genre! I’ll put this one down as a possibility!
I read this and I liked it, but I was also keenly aware of the male perspective. That’s not a bad thing but it is different. Am I making sense?
I wonder, too, if students really get Chen is making fun of stereotypes.
This is one of my first graphic novels and I’ve since read others. I do enjoy this genre and look forward to reading more. Persepolis is very good.
susan – I am aware of the male perspective and it does make a difference. I’ve read Persepolis (and also seen the movie which is stunning)as well as Skim and Fun Home. Can you suggest other graphic novels by women?
I loved this book. I’m glad you did too!
I so loved this book! Loved the honesty and spunk.
This was my first experience with a graphic novel and I did enjoy it, but I didn’t love it.
Have you tried any other graphic novels? Persepolis is a great one.