http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Born_Chinese
Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. American Born Chinese. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 1596431520
Yang has created three different story lines, each with its own set of characters which convey to readers what it means to want to belong even if it means changing who you are. The story of the Monkey King is told with fantastical devices including the use magic, quests, and battles with the setting being a mythical heaven. While the story of Jin Wang, set in an American elementary then high school, is initially told as a realistic coming of age story with friendship, love, and heartbreak. In the section of Danny and Chin-Kee, the story is framed like a sitcom complete with an applause track, these characters are flat, one dimensional portrayals of an American golden boy and a appallingly tasteless stereotype of a Chinese boy. Chin-Kee racist caricature provokes readers to think about stereotypes and the negative impact stereotyping can have on one's self-image. The theme that threads all three stories together is one of acceptance. Each of the characters want to be accepted by their peers and expend a great amount of energy trying to fit in, ultimately though Yang's characters learn the value of self acceptance.
Although Yang uses these three different stories to tell his central story, the main plot is still compelling and believable. Readers will identify with young Jin's pain, and although Wei Chen is his truest friend he lashes out to hurt him because of his own suffering.Yang masterfully weaves the three stories together, and the ending leaves readers satisfied that Jin Wang realizes his betrayal of Wei Chen's friendship and begins to make amends. Regardless of their own ethnicity, readers will understand Jin's journey to accept himself and realize his own worth; the story will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Yang's artwork in his graphic novel American Born Chinese perfectly matches his storytelling. The panels have an uncluttered simplicity that allow the reader to linger and soak up the artwork on each of the pages. Exaggerations make some panels more humorous, and the characters' expressions convey to the reader their attitudes and emotions. Yang characters are drawn with enough detail to prevent them from seeming to cartoonish. The artwork has a feeling of a Manga, but with more of a Western graphic novel format or sensibility.
American Born Chinese could be used as the framework for a discussion about stereotypes and why and in what ways they are harmful. Students can discuss other examples of stereotypes they have seen on television or the media.
Readers can also discuss the meaning of identity and how it feels to be a part of a group that is marginalized.
Librarians could help readers research Chinese immigration to the United Staes to learn more about the history of Chinese Americans.
Laurence Yep has written many fictional books chronicling the Chinese American experience. Books in his Golden Mountain Chronicles series span the time periods 1835 to present day.
Books In Print. Texas Woman's University. Accessed December 01, 2013
Summary
American Born Chinese is a graphic novel told in three parts. One part, the story of the Monkey King who wants to be more than a monkey and have equal status with the deities of the heavens. Then the story of Jin Wang, a Chinese American student who wants nothing more than to fit in and be accepted at his new school. Lastly, the story of Danny, a white American boy who dreads embarrassing visits from his embodiment of every Chinese stereotype cousin, Chin-Kee, whose behavior ruins Danny reputation at school. Each character struggles with their own identity issues. The three stories converge at the end to reveal how the characters and their problems are interconnected.
Critical Analysis
Yang has created three different story lines, each with its own set of characters which convey to readers what it means to want to belong even if it means changing who you are. The story of the Monkey King is told with fantastical devices including the use magic, quests, and battles with the setting being a mythical heaven. While the story of Jin Wang, set in an American elementary then high school, is initially told as a realistic coming of age story with friendship, love, and heartbreak. In the section of Danny and Chin-Kee, the story is framed like a sitcom complete with an applause track, these characters are flat, one dimensional portrayals of an American golden boy and a appallingly tasteless stereotype of a Chinese boy. Chin-Kee racist caricature provokes readers to think about stereotypes and the negative impact stereotyping can have on one's self-image. The theme that threads all three stories together is one of acceptance. Each of the characters want to be accepted by their peers and expend a great amount of energy trying to fit in, ultimately though Yang's characters learn the value of self acceptance.
Reviews
The September 01, 2006 issue of School Library Journal says, "Like Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Laurence Yep's Dragonwings, this novel explores the impact of the American dream on those outside the dominant culture in a finely wrought story that is an effective combination of humor and drama."
Booklist, September 01, 2006, states "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".
Awards
American Born Chinese is a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Winner, 2006 National Book Award Nominee, 2007 Eisner Award Winner, 2006 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year Winner, and a 2006 Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year Winner.
Connections
Books In Print. Texas Woman's University. Accessed December 01, 2013
