American Born Chinese

Bibliography:
Yang, Gene Luen and Lark Pien, ill. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. ISBN-13 9781596432086

Plot Summary:
Three stories are interwoven into one in American Born Chinese. The first story presented is the story of the Monkey King and his desire to become better than the other gods. The second is the story of Jin Wang, a first generation Chinese-American trying to fit in at his new school. The final story is of Danny, a white jock, and his very stereotypical Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee, who’s first words are “Harro Amellica!” By the end of the book, the three stories come together into one.

Critical Analysis:
This graphic novel is definitely written for those who find themselves trying to be true to their heritage while feeling as if they belong in a different culture. It does, however, cater to those who are Chinese-American as some of the comments said by the characters are in Chinese. Not understanding these remarks does not detract from the overall impact of the story; the comments simply enhance the story for any reader who does come from the Chinese-American tradition.
The illustrations of the novel are appropriately done in a manner which combines the traditional comic strip style with distinctly Asian touches. This also helps to emphasize the main theme of the book, namely maintaining cultural heritage while adjusting to your surroundings, or do not try to be something that you are not because what you are is what you were meant to be.

Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal – “Graphic novels that focus on nonwhite characters are exceedingly rare in American comics. Enter American Born Chinese, a well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance. In a series of three linked tales, the central characters are introduced: Jin Wang, a teen who meets with ridicule and social isolation when his family moves from San Franciscos Chinatown to an exclusively white suburb; Danny, a popular blond, blue-eyed high school jock whose social status is jeopardized when his goofy, embarrassing Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee, enrolls at his high school; and the Monkey King who, unsatisfied with his current sovereign, desperately longs to be elevated to the status of a god. Their stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics. Yangs crisp line drawings, linear panel arrangement, and muted colors provide a strong visual complement to the textual narrative. Like Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye and Laurence Yeps 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.”
Booklist – “With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life. Jin is a boy faced with the casual racism of fellow students and the pressure of his crush on a Caucasian girl; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has attained great power but feels he is being held back because of what the gods perceive as his lowly status; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through an annual visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, a walking, talking compendium of exaggerated Chinese stereotypes. Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination.”

Connections:
For other books dealing with living between two cultures see:
Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. ISBN 9780316013697
Canales, Viola. The Tequila Worm. ISBN 9780375840890