American Born Chinese
Original Series Now Available on Disney+
A tour-de-force by New York Times bestselling graphic novelist Gene Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny's life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. American Born Chinese is an amazing ride, all the way up to the astonishing climax.
American Born Chinese is the winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, a 2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature, the winner of the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New, an Eisner Award nominee for Best Coloring, a 2007 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, and a New York Times bestseller.
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Community Reviews
But it wasn't quite as basic as it sounds.
There are three separate stories that eventually intersect in a way I would not have predicted. There are lessons in friendships and in first time love and tough lessons regarding acceptance, both self-acceptance and acceptance from others. There are some cringe-worthy stereotypes (100% intentional) that were really important to note.
I thought this was great. I liked the art, the story, the characters, and most of all, the lessons.
4 Stars
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