American Born Chinese

Title- American Born Chinese

Author- Gene Luen Yang

ISBN-1596421520

Publication Information- First Second, 2006

 

Plot Summary- This story covers two tales that eventually converge. The main story is Jin's attempts to assimilate in a nearly all white school; interlaced throughout is the story of the Monkey King. The Monkey King desires to be more than he is because he is denied entrance to a party of the gods. As he learns more and more, he changes both physically and spiritually until he is nearly human physically, but rude and arrogant. He tries to usurp the gods themselves. He is trapped for 500 years under a pile of rocks to learn patience and when he is finally allowed to escape, it is only by transforming back to his natural form and letting go of his power. Jin is starting at a new school where he has no friends. As time goes by, he eventually meets Wei- Chen and they quickly become friends. Both find they are interested in girls and attempt to make different relationships work, but when Jin kisses Wei-Chen's girlfriend, their friendship is ruined. That night Jin dreams of becoming someone different and wakes up as Danny, a white boy. Every year, Danny's life is ruined by the arrival of his cousin who forces him to consider who is really is and what he really wants.

Critical Evaluation- Although initially confusing, this graphic novels comes together nicely at the end with a good moral for all of us- be who we are born to be and life will be easier. Jim's life is doubled in the parable of the monkey king and the two stories come together at the end and we realize the monkey king is a real entity. What is best about this book is that also addresses issues of stereotyping, of relationships, and family obligations. It packs a heavy punch in a small amount of space. The artwork of the novel is simple but emphasized the issues of assimilation and stereotyping quite well. This was the first graphic novel nominated for a National Book Award and to win the Michael L. Printz award.

Reader's Annotation- When Jin is forced to start at a new school with no other Chinese students, he is scared and out of place. Wei-Chen arrives and his life changes in ways he could never imagine.

Author Information- Yang is a teacher at a Roman Catholic school in San Francisco and has written and published several comics in the last few years. He began writing them when he was in elementary school. The book does have some autobiographical elements. Yang was forced to befriend a recent immigrant who spoke little English. The experience forced him to confront issues of social identity early in life.

Curricular Ties- none

Genre- graphic novel, coming of age

Book talking ideas- How does race affect our identity? What is the message of these two stories?

Challenge issues- Racism, crude humor.

1. Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
   
2. Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
   
3. Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
   
4. Review approaches from ALA
   

Interest Age-13-16

Why I selected this piece- Librarian recommended