Tuesday, July 29, 2008

American Born Chinese

Bibliographic Information: Yang, Gene Luen (2006) American Born Chinese. First Second, 240 pp.

Genre: Graphic Novel.

Awards. Michael L. Printz Award and National Book Award Finalist

Synopsis: Three seemingly unrelated stories blend into a memorable tale. First, the book begins with the ancient fable of the Monkey King, the proud leader of the monkeys. He tried to attend a god’s dinner party, at which he is considered unworthy because of his status as a “just a monkey”. Second in the book is the story of Jin Wang, the son of Taiwan immigrants, who is struggling to retain his Chinese identity while longing to be more American. The final story is that of Chin-Kee, a largely exaggerated depiction of the worst Chinese stereotype. Chin-Kee visits his American cousin, Danny, on an annual basis and embarrasses Danny so much that Danny constantly has to change schools. The final chapter brings the three stories into one tale that destroys the stereotype of Chin-Kee, while leaving both Jin Wang and the Monkey King satisfied and happy to be who they are.

Evaluative statement: This book presents many issues that would appeal to teenagers. All three characters struggle with identity, self-acceptance and friendship. There is also the issue of culture and race. All adolescents can relate to the wish to be someone other than who they are. This book comes together in the end to show us that there is no better feeling than being comfortable in your own skin---accept who you are and you will be more satisfied and happy.
Possible classroom uses for the book: I think this would be a great Real Aloud to your entire class. It’s a good way to introduce the graphic novel, and it’s an excellent story that everyone needs to hear.

Appropriate age range: Age 12-16.

My Personal Reaction: I am now a graphic novel fan. I absolutely loved this book! It’s a great story for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape. It’s would be a great attention to your classroom library, especially those of us who will have a diverse classroom.

2 comments:

G said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
G said...

Great book choice!

I have this sitting on my to read pile and don't need to have read it to know how powerful it is. Enough people have shared their thoughts about ABC before this summer I considered it for one of our class selections and made it a class selection for a Masters/PhD class I am co-teaching in the fall.

You have a nice review here and I applaud you have found your first graphic novel to be such an engaging, rewarding experience.

I also really appreciated what you said about Mango today in class. It is so not a boy book; so there, Deanna! (I hope she doesn't see this...)

cg