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Module 13: American Born Chinese


Summary: Second and third generation minorities are often caught in a dilemma, especially if they are far from their parents' native country. It's a dilemma because they have no connection to their parents' country, but at the same time because of the way they look, they're often considered to be a hyphenated Americans, second class citizens. American Born Chinese tells three different story lines that all wrap up into one. A young boy, Jin, dreams of being a Transformer so that he can become a pale-skinned American, teenager Danny transfers to other schools to hide his true ethnicity, and the Monkey King learns what it takes to be a god. All three tell of individuals just want to fit in, but they all must first learn where acceptance truly begins.

Reference: Yang, G. L. (2006). American born Chinese. New York, NY. :01 First Second.

Impressions: I was completely mesmerized by this book. I could easily identify with the characters in the book and I'm Mexican-American. Plus, I've always had an interest in the Monkey King ever since I read about Chinese astrology. Yang's story telling is clear and straight to the point, he doesn't get lost in his description, and lets the panels do the talking, just as a graphic novel should.  The illustrations are expressive, easily comprehended, and compliment the tales.  Then at the end when the three story lines come together, it's an eye opener; all three stories were of the same people. Danny is Jin as an older kid who changed his name to fit in and the Monkey King is disguised as Danny's cousin who haunts him but does it so that the Monkey King can teach Jin that acceptance comes from within, a lesson that he the Monkey King had to learn himself.  A classic graphic novel this is.

Professional Review: A National Book Award finalist and ALA's Printz Award winner, this fable stars the mythological Monkey King, realistic youngster Jin Wang of Taiwanese parentage, and TV sitcom teen Danny. All three are dogged by an unwanted identity and humiliated by others' prejudice. The Monkey King trains to be a god but is unceremoniously bounced out of heaven and urged by "he who is" (the great god) to be what he is: a monkey. Jin tries to be accepted and romance a fellow student but gets picked on by classmates. Danny does well with friends until Chinese cousin Chin-Kee, a bitingly funny bundle of racist stereotypes, makes his annual visit and behaves so offensively that Danny must change schools. Finally, the three stories suddenly merge, to center on Jin coming to terms with his minority experience and moving beyond his own fear and hostility. Coalescence comes almost too quickly, but the trivision approach and treatment are unique and moving. The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective. Some potty humor; recommended for teen and adult collections.

 Cornog, M. (2014). [review of American born Chinese]. Library Journal.  Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-born-chinese-gene-luen-yang/1100351546?ean=9780312384487.

Library Use: I eagerly read excerpts of this book to my Graphic Novels Talks, because I felt it sent a strong message that I think teenagers would understand: self-acceptance. To have it in graphic novel format is essential in attracting teenagers and reluctant readers.  This novel has a good deal of life lessons to share and I think many young kids would benefit from it.

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