American Born Chinese
- Subject
- Comics & Graphic Novels - Coming of Age
- Age
- 9-12 years
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- First Second
- Size
- 15.2 cm Ă 21.3 cm
- ISBN
- 9781250811899
From bestselling author Gene Luen Yang comes the award-winning graphic novel that redefined the medium. Original Series Now Available on Disney+
Jin Wang just wants to fit in.
But fitting in isnât simple when you feel caught between worlds.
Told through three interwoven stories, this groundbreaking graphic novel follows Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny's life with his yearly visits.
Jin is ultimately forced to confront questions about culture, belonging, and self-acceptance in a way thatâs both funny, painful, and deeply human.
Why readers love American Born Chinese:
- One of the most important modern graphic novels in schools
- Blends humor, myth, and realism seamlessly
- Deeply relatable exploration of identity
- Engaging for teens and adults alike
- Frequently taught in classrooms and literature courses
Data provided by BiblioShare.
What reviewers said
âThe art blends the clean lines of anime with a bold American palette. Yang is equally adept at depicting a high school cafeteria and the Monkey King's fantastical realm.â
â. . . brilliantly written and designed, sophisticated and wise.â
â. . . one of the most powerful and entertaining works of literature to be published this year . . .â
âYang's crisp line drawings, linear panel arrangement, and muted colors provide a strong visual complement to the textual narrative. 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.â
âThe stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjectsâshame, racism, and friendshipâreceive thoughtful, powerful examination.â
âThis much-anticipated, affecting store about growing up different is more than just the story of a Chinese-American childhood: it's a fable for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape.â
