Who Am I, How Do I Fit?
American Born Chinese
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Publisher: First Second Books,
Roaring Book Press
Year: 2006
ISBN: 9781596432086
With a distinctive style and bright
colors Yang weaves an intricate tapestry of Chinese American life through the
eyes of several characters. Using the familiar Chinese folktale of the Monkey
King, the subtle racism of fellow classmates and the exaggerated stereotypical
behavior of a distant cousin, Yang tells the story of flawed but familiar
characters. The foibles, failings and challenges in the lives of each of the
characters tell of the journey to acceptance, friendship, and self awareness that
all people go through regardless of where they come from or who they may be. A surprise twist at the end of the book
reveals to the reader that although we may come from different places and cultures
we are also very much the same. We all need to learn who we are, what we stand
for, and how to become comfortable in our own skin. This award winning graphic
novel is a well written and thought provoking and yet often humorous examination
of the serious issues of racism, friendship and self acceptance.
Award/s:
National Book Award, 2006 Finalist
Young People’s Literature United States
Michael L. Pintz Award, 2007
Winner United States
Cybil Award, 2006 Winner
Graphic Novels Ages 13 and Up United States
As you read you see the connection
of all the characters who fight their way out of the boxes designed for them by
others. The contemporary stories and the fable come together in terms of plot
and theme as the characters enter each others’ stories, revealing and
transforming themselves as the tales merge. Children’s
Literature, 2006
Yang’s narrative builds to an
unforgettable and dazzling series of revelations as the three storylines
surprisingly converge in a book that is eye-opening and provocative, pushing
the boundaries of comfort for readers as it exposes racism from its most subtle
to most overt. Cooperative Children’s
Book Center Choices, 2007
Connections:
Have students draw their own
biographical comics
Visit Author Website: http://humblecomics.com/
Suggested Readings:
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Re-Gifters by Mike Carey
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
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