Book Review: American Born Chinese

Module 6

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yang, Gene. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. ISBN 1-59643-152-0

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this graphic novel, Yang tells the story of three characters whose lives are woven together. The Monkey King learns Kung Fu in an attempt to become the Great Sage, but ultimately is humbled and changes his path. Jin Wang struggles with being the minority, and wants nothing more than to fit in. Danny struggles with the embarrassment of his strange cousin, Chin-Kee.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Three different stories take place in this graphic novel. The Monkey King’s story takes place in a land far away, and long ago, while the stories of Jin Wang and Danny take place in modern day US cities. The Monkey King is one of China’s oldest fables. He was a monkey, who wanted to learn Kung Fu in order to become a god. Jin Wang lives in San Francisco as one of the few minorities. Although he finds a friend in Wei-Chen, he betrays that trust in his desire to become like the majority. Danny wants nothing to do with his embarrassing Chinese cousin Chin-Kee. However, Chin-Kee’s visits are purposeful and intended to set Danny on the right track. When Danny confronts Chin-Kee about his embarrassing behavior, Chin-Kee reveals that he is the Monkey King, that Danny is really Jin Wang who denied his heritage, and Wei-Chen is the Monkey King’s son who decided that he wanted to remain human. Although appearing to be simplistic, this is a complex story that has underlying messages. Throughout the three stories, Yang shows how your individual actions not only affect you, but those around you. You have the power to decide whether your actions will either benefit or harm those you interact with. Yang also expresses that individuals should have self-confidence in themselves and take pride in their heritage. Although others may be prejudice against those that are different, it is important to remain true to yourself. Because of the simplistic nature of the written text in a graphic novel, the illustrations are essential in supporting the story line. The illustrations convey humor, action, confusion, despair, anger, love, friendship, and forgiveness. The action packed illustrations are necessary to tell the story. Inserted texts into the illustrations such as “SMACK” and “SLAM” give further clarification to the drama and action of the story.

4. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

*Michael L. Printz Award

*Eisner Award

*Booklist: “The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects—shame, racism, and friendship—receive thoughtful, powerful examination.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Other graphic novels by Gene Yang:

Yang, Gene. LEVEL UP. ISBN 9781596432352

Yang, Gene. PRIME BABY. ISBN 9781596436121

*Read some Chinese traditional tales. Discuss how they are similar and different than tales told in the United States.

*Have students create their own graphic novel. Write a short story about an event in their lives and then illustrate it. Students can read each other’s stories.