Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there is some sexual innuendo, some fighting, and a fairly graphic scene in which a monk is impaled on a spear and put on a spit over a fire, though he is rescued.
Families who read this book could discuss the theme of self-acceptance. Why are all the characters trying to be something they're not? Why especially would a Chinese boy want to be a blond American? Even before the ending, how are the three main characters related? Why does Jin turn on his only friends?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
This is the first graphic novel to win the Michael L. Printz Award for Young Adult Literature, as well as to be a finalist for the National Book Award -- truly marking the coming of age and acceptance of the graphic novel as a branch of children's literature. Though visually similar to a comic book, a long (and some would say unfairly) discounted and excluded blending of art and story, this is in every sense a novel -- and, with its three-story parallel structure, a rather complex one at that.
It's easy to see why AMERICAN BORN CHINESE was chosen to break the barrier. In addition to its literary complexity, it rather didactically promulgates solid values of tolerance and self-acceptance, and it has little of the troublesome content consistent with other teen graphic novels (though it does have some out-of-place third grade-level potty humor).
The best storyline is the one with the Monkey King. With its cultural epic-hero structure, this part is funny, exciting, and fascinating. The main story, about Jin, has the feel of a typical young adult novel about a teen's search for acceptance, both from his peers and himself.
But the third part, about Chin-Kee, is squirm-inducing and desperately unfunny. Even though the effect is probably intentional, it's still painful. The characters are redeemed somewhat by the ending, but readers will probably long for this story to end so they can get back to the good parts.
Overall, though, this is a good introduction to the world of graphic novels, and those who are already fans will rejoice at the mainstream acceptance they have won.
From The Book
Since a graphic novel is so dependent on the interaction of text and graphics, see here for an excerpt.
Plot Summary:
Three parallel stories interlock in this graphic novel. In the first, the American-born Chinese boy of the title, Jin, moves with his family from San Francisco's Chinatown to a mostly white suburb. There he is exposed to racism (from children and adults), bullying, and taunts, and is isolated until a Taiwanese boy, Wei-Chen Sun, moves in and they become friends. But Jin develops a crush on a white girl, and longs to fit in.
The second story is a retelling of the story of the Monkey King who develops extraordinary powers in his quest to be accepted as a god. The third concerns Danny, a popular Anglo boy, who is visited by his cousin, Chin-Kee, a walking, talking example of the most pernicious Asian stereotypes.
Related Books:
Other Books by Gene Luen Yang:
Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks
Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order
The Rosary Comic Book
The Motherless One
YALSA Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2006:
Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. by Ellis Warren
Sloth by Gilbert Hernandez
Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer
Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba
True Believers: Runaways by Brian K. Vaughan
Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan
Death, Jr. by Gary Whitta
Demo: The Collection by Brian Wood
Related Web Sites:
Excerpt
Author Page
Author Site
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Sexual ContentSome innuendo and nonspecific fantasies. |
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ViolenceSeveral fights and punchings, a monk is impaled by a spear and prepared for roasting (he is saved). |
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LanguageEthnic slurs. |
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Social BehaviorEthnic stereotypes and slurs, prejudice, and bullying behavior. |
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CommercialismFast food outlet mentioned. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA character smokes. |
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