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neglet's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Fascinating three-part structure, each part featuring a character struggling with acceptance. The Monkey King wants to become a god; second-generation Chinese American Jin is trying to fit in at his school; and in a sitcom filled with the worst, horribly racist stereotypes, Danny struggles with a visit from his cousin "Chin-kee." The way these three threads are finally brought together is brilliant, providing strong commentary on the struggle many Asian Americans have when pursuing acceptance in America. It's also much darker and the language and imagery much stronger than the Disney adaptation, fair warning!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
tinytrashqueen's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, and Bullying
that_glitter_chick_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is a great read about coming to terms with who you are and accepting yourself. The combination of stories that flow into one make it a very enjoyable read. The illustration is lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Violence
afrp's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've been meaning to read this since it came out based on the great reviews. For most of the way through it's really good, I love the art style and I'm always a fan of any story that incorporates the Monkey King. Then something happens and I was like "this is amazing!" A wonderful and important story about growing up as an imigrant, but also a very universal message to accept who you are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
julalbert56's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A powerful representation of racism in the US. I enjoyed how the storylines came together in the end, though I wish Wei-Chen’s role was a bit more expanded upon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
axelreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I read this for class, but I enjoyed it a lot. I think that the author was very good at displaying his and other immigrants experiences, especially through the three different perspectives.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Xenophobia
starklinqs's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.5
This was an interesting book! I saw a lot of people turned off by the stereotypes in the book, but after reading it, I found them to be very obviously intentional - did I cringe at it? Sure, but it's a very obvious thing put in for a purpose. My issue lies more in how abrupt the book is. I think it could have fleshed out the characters a lot more; it felt like it just introduced a paranormal/fantastical element and then ended midway through the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
dmartin1157's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This was a really fast paced book it went over what the life of a middle schooler was like and what made it hard especially if you moved from "San Francisco" and are getting bullied because you are Chinese doesn't that sound like one of the worst lives to be living. If you read this book you will see what I am talking about.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
sorenzs's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism