American Born Chinese

Yang, Gene Luen, American Born Chinese, First Second, 2006, 233 pgs.

Summary: The weaving of three tales into one in this graphic novel brings together folklore, reality, and exaggerated fiction. The first story introduced is that of a mythical monkey who has a big ego and disregards cultural rules. Next we learn of Jin, an American born Chinese who is embarrassed by his culture and spends a large amount of time not understanding why traditions are followed. Finally we learn of Danny and his annoying cousin Chin Kee whom Danny despises and tries to disown. The struggle of being a foreigner in his own country is a strong thread throughout the whole novel as Jin tries to “transform” from a Chinese to an American. Throughout the novel, the reader transitions from one story to the next, always moving forward, but never feeling the connection. At the climax of the novel, the reader is finally given the tools to join all three stories into one and see the true lesson of embracing who you are and where you came from with where you are now.

Evaluation: I can see how for many of mixed race, this book is a way to understanding the struggles they feel every day. I am always amazed by the power of graphics and how such simple words can ignite and create such a complex story. I can see how young adults and adults alike can appreciate what this story has to provide for mixing together cultures and still remaining you.

Annotation: A mythical monkey, Danny, Jin, and Chin Kee all different yet all the same person.

Significance of Book: This graphic novel was one of the first graphic novels to win a Printz award. Also a graphic novel with a minority cultural focus is rare and thus makes this novel all that more powerful.

Genre/subject: fiction, Chinese American, identity

Awards:

National:

• · Best Fiction for Young Adults: 2007
• · Booklist Editor's Choice: 2006
• · Michael L. Printz Award: 2007
• · SLJ Best Books for Children: 2006
• · Will Eisner Best Graphic Album: New: 2007

State:

• · Arizona: Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominees: 2009
• · Kentucky: Bluegrass Award Nominees: 2008
• · New Jersey: Garden State Teen Book Award Nominees: 2009
• · Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Award Nominees: 2009

Why I selected the book: I am just beginning to get my feet wet with graphic novels and this novel intrigued me. I was interested because of the subject matter as well as the style of graphics.

Price: $16.95