Module 13: American-Born Chinese

Citation
Yang, G.  (2006).  American-Born Chinese.  New York: First Second.

Summary
In this graphic novel, Yang weaves together three different stories: tales about the Chinese folk hero Monkey King, a boy named Jin Wang, and the adventures of "average" American Danny and his (deliberately) stereotyped Chinese cousin.  Monkey King aspires to be a god.  Jin Wang wants the attention of a pretty girl in his seventh-grade class.  Danny finds himself constantly embarrassed by his cousin, Chin-Kee.   Yang leads readers to reconsider whether these are three distinct stories or really all the same -- just like the Transformer Jin holds on the cover..."more than meets the eye."

Impressions
First of all, I was hard-pressed to decide between this book and Pyongang for my blog selection this week.  Pyongang's account of North Korea pains, disturbs, and fascinates me.  However, American-Born Chinese stole my heart and mind with its depiction of Jin (and other characters), its thoughtful illustration, and the twist of its conclusion.  The narrative and graphics work seamlessly in depicting the stories of Monkey, Jin, and Danny.  The son of Taiwanese immigrants, American-born Jin wishes to fit in with mainstream American culture, but he finds himself isolated and teased.  Suffice it to say that Jin uncovers the importance of embracing his own American-born Chinese life, and Yang's understated eloquence and humor in telling this compelling tale prompts readers to examine themselves, in turn.


Review
Karp, J.  (2006).  American-born Chinese [book review].  Booklist, 103(1), 114.  Retrieved from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life. Jin is a boy faced with the casual racism of fellow students and the pressure of his crush on a Caucasian girl; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has attained great power but feels he is being held back because of what the gods perceive as his lowly status; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through an annual visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, a walking, talking compendium of exaggerated Chinese stereotypes. Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. 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. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2006, Roaring Brook/First Second, $16.95.

Suggestions for Use
This book deserves an honored spot in middle and high school libraries.  It could begin a thought-provoking discussion in an English or social studies class regarding stereotyping.  As secondary students are often struggling with their own identities, this book would provide insight into human motives for behavior.  For more advanced students, this book and Huckleberry Finn compared side by could provide an interesting discussion regarding stereotypes and humor in social commentary.