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Bibliographic data:
Yang, Gene Luen (2006). American Born Chinese.
New York: Square Fish.
Summary:
Three stories are told, each focusing on a character
searching to be accepted. An
ancient Monkey King wishes to be accepted as a God, but heaven doesn’t have a
place for monkeys. A young
first-generation Chinese American boy doesn’t want to have anything to do with
his new straight-off-the-boat Taiwanese classmate. All-American Danny is embarrassed by his Chinese cousin
Chin-Kee…again. Will any of them
find their place in the world?
Analysis:
The three unique stories in American Born Chinese take turns being told, keeping the reader
questioning how they are related and wondering what will happen to each of the
characters. At first, it is
unsettling and awkward to change between the different story lines, however the
graphics tie the stories together and provide a sense of continuality.
The individual stories are interesting in their
variety. The story of Jin is very
realistic. Danny’s story is
realistic, except that his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee exaggerates every Chinese
stereotype, from foot binding to mispronunciation of the L and R sounds in
words. The Monkey King is a
mythological story, with immortal gods and talking animals. These different story types provide
something to interest any reader.
Young readers who are from multiple backgrounds will easily
relate to the stories in American Born
Chinese, however most young readers would appreciate the struggles of the
characters to fit in. The
ultra-stereotypical portrayal of Chin-Kee will likely be uncomfortable for many
readers, however is beneficial for examining stereotypes and helping to show
the reader the importance of kindness and acceptance.
Activity:
The focus of American
Born Chinese is accepting and appreciating one’s cultural heritage. In this case, the book speaks to those
with Chinese heritage. To add to
this understanding, readers could research famous Chinese people or Chinese-Americans. This list from biography.com could be
used as a starting point for research.
Biography. (2016) Famous
Chinese Americans. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/groups/chinese-americans
(accessed July 31, 2016)
Related Resources:
Many teachers are reluctant to
utilize graphic novels in the classroom, despite the high interest that many
student show. After reading a
graphic novel and addressing curriculum topics, such as reading pictures,
making inferences and dialog, students can then use these skills and strategies
to create their own graphic novel.
The following teacher’s guide would assist in preparing lessons for older
students to create unique novels.
Slate, Barbra. (2010) YOU
Can Do a Graphic Novel. Retrieved
from http://www.penguin.com/static/pdf/teachersguides/you_can_do_a_graphic_novel_TG.pdf
(accessed July 31, 2016)
For younger readers or students
who need more structure when preparing their writing, Scholastic has a comic
builder based off some of their graphic novel series. If students are at a loss for what to create, they can
utilize the pre-drawn scenery and characters to create their own story.
Scholastic Inc. (2012) Graphix:
Comic Builder. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/graphix/createcomic.htm
(accessed July 31, 2016)
Published Review:
“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.”
Karp, Jesse. (2006).
American Born Chinese. n.p.: Booklist,
2006. Book Index with Reviews, EBSCOhost (accessed July 31, 2016).
