Genre 6--Book Review 2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. Ill. by Gene Luen Yang. New York: First Second.
ISBN-13: 978-159643-152-2

PLOT SUMMARY

In Gene Leun Yang’s graphic novel, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, three stories twine together under the mysterious old herbalist clicking away at her abacus.

The first story is a fable about a Monkey King who wants to be a God. He struggles against his true identify and attempts to reinvent himself. The God of all, Tze-Yo-Tzuh, urges the “little monkey” to accept himself as he was created. The God declares, “I do not make mistakes, little monkey. A monkey I intended you to be. A monkey you are. Please accept this and stop your foolishness.” But the little monkey refuses and is buried beneath a mountain of rocks.

The second story is about a young boy, Jin Wang, who is American born Chinese—his parents are from Taiwan and his life bridges American culture and the culture of his parents. Like many young people who straddle this divide, Jin is often isolated. He finally makes a friend in Wei Chin who is “F.O.B.” (fresh off the boat). Jin soon finds that he has fallen in love with an American girl, Amelia Harris. He curls his hair to appear more like one of the popular boys. Although Amelia clearly likes him, he stops seeing her when a boy asks him to stop asking her out because, “She has to start paying attention who she hangs out with.” Jin agrees but he takes out his anger and frustration on his true friend, Wei Chin.

The third story is about Danny, a popular teenage boy who life is interrupted by his cousin, Chin-Kee. Chin-Kee , an fusion of every Asian stereotype, brings a dead cat for lunch, sings “She Bangs,” and answers all the questions in every classroom. Mortified by his cousin’s behavior, Danny changes schools after every visit.

Then, the stories merge. Chin-Kee is revealed as the Monkey King and Danny is revealed as Jin. The resolution shows Jin reuniting with Wei Chin and learning an important lesson—accepting your true self is the only way to happiness.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Gene Leun Yang’s graphic novel, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE has its origins as a web comic. The story is developed through narration and illustrations. Characterizations are seen most clearly, not in the dialogue, but in facial expressions and exaggerated images.

The vibrant colors and bold ink drawings give life to a coming-of-age story that addresses complex issues such as self-acceptance and racial stereotypes. Yang has given voice to the feelings that many Chinese born Americans must experience—a desire to be accepted into a dominant culture while maintaining a cultural identity.

The clever, twisting plot embeds an ancient past in a modern context. The book is a triumph and deserves a place in all young adult collections.

REVIEW EXCERPTS AND HONORS

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ 2007

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST

Review from VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES, October 1, 2006This graphic novel could be especially cathartic for teens and adults of Asian descent, but people of any ethnicity would find themselves reflected in the universal themes of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and racial tensions. This book is recommended for libraries serving teens and adults, particularly those enjoying graphic novels.-Sherrie Williams.

Review from LIBRARY JOURNAL, March 15, 2007
The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective. Some potty humor; recommended for teen and adult collections.-M.C.

Review from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, June 12, 2006
This much-anticipated, affecting story about growing up different is more than just the story of a Chinese-American childhood; it's a fable for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape.

Review from BOOKLIST, September 1, 2006
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

CONNECTIONS
The novel began as a web comic. Visit the website and view other web comics in serial form.
http://www.moderntales.com/

Interview with author:
http://tcj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=666&Itemid=48

Great lesson plan addressing racial stereotypes:
http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/teachers/abcLesson.html