American Born Chinese

Yang, G.L. (2008). American Born Chinese. New York, NY: Square Fish

Appropriate grade levels:

6-12. This book would be appropriate for some 6th graders, most middle schoolers and definitely high school students. The romance theme would be a bit much for some 6th and 7th graders but many kids could relate to a lot of the other themes in the book such as feeling outcast or wanting to be someone else.

Summary:

This book is actually three stories in one but the stories come together in a surprise ending. First, there is a monkey king who wants to go to a party but is told no monkeys allowed. Second, there is a boy Jin who is born in America but his parents are Chinese. He is treated as an immigrant and constantly feels like he does not fit in. He likes a white girl but is not confident she will like him back. Thirdly, there is a another boy, Danny, who is constantly embarrassed by his crazy cousin from China. Interestingly enough, Danny is white. Three stories intertwine in this fun, entertaining, heartfelt coming of age story.

Classroom Use:

- Use with Literature Circles or for independent reading

- Writing connection: students could create playing cards for the unique characters in this novel. For an example, click here.

- Writing connection: students could create their own comic strips about other issues students have in school or bullying troubles that students experience.

- Reading strategies: Making connections (especially with bullying issues, romance), making predictions (trying to figure out how all three stories connect)

- Literature analysis: study use of pictures and how they impact the novel. Look at subtleties in pictures and compare to subtleties in language make a point.

Reader’s Response: (spoiler alert! Do not read if you have not finished this book.)

This book is an amazing story. It proves that graphic novels are not easy, can promote higher level thinking, and certainly have a place in the high school classroom. I have had struggling readers who have had trouble reading this book. The reading level is not low but the pictures are motivating. I've found that resistant higher level readers (also known as non-readers- those who can read well but do not like it) LOVE this book. It challenges them intellectually and it's motivating.

The themes in this book are easy for teens to connect to, even if they are not of Asian decent. The theme of bullying is clear throughout this book. When a boy asks Jin not to ask out Amelia again and insinuates it is because of his race, that is bullying. This would be an interesting book to talk about how teens treat each other and what is appropriate. It would help kids talk about where the line falls between simply being mean and bullying someone.

This book has some interesting themes about accepting who you are. Jin was so embarrassed by his heritage he had a created a white version of himself, Danny. He was incredibly embarrassed by his "cousin" (the monkey king) who would visit each year. He even went so far as to try to change his hair and appearance to make himself seem more "white." Great discussions points about accepting who you are and liking all parts of yourself.

This book is a must read for all high school students and teachers!

Something Extra:

Check out my blog about using graphic novels in the classroom:

http://lupoknowswhattoread.blogspot.com/2011/07/graphic-novel-use-in-middle-and-high.html

Browse through the author Gene Luen Yang's website for more information. Don't miss the link to his information for educators about using graphic novels in the classroom.