American Born Chinese
From bestselling author Gene Luen Yang comes the award-winning graphic novel that redefined the medium. Original Series Now Available on Disney+
Jin Wang just wants to fit in.
But fitting in isn’t simple when you feel caught between worlds.
Told through three interwoven stories, this groundbreaking graphic novel follows Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student; 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.
Jin is ultimately forced to confront questions about culture, belonging, and self-acceptance in a way that’s both funny, painful, and deeply human.
Why readers love American Born Chinese:
- One of the most important modern graphic novels in schools
- Blends humor, myth, and realism seamlessly
- Deeply relatable exploration of identity
- Engaging for teens and adults alike
- Frequently taught in classrooms and literature courses
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Community Reviews
An interesting study on identity, but didn’t have the depth to rate it higher. I enjoyed the art, even the depictions that could be a bit more on the racist side since it served a point in the greater context of the graphic novel. The converging stories were well done.
Interesting. I found it a tad confusing. I enjoyed the TV show subplot. I don't ultimately think I'll be recommending this book to any of my kids, though. Some of the romantic references were a bit too old for my 10-year-olds.
This was cute and colorful and funny.
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
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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