Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
This is the second graphic novel I’ve read from Gene Luen Yang. The first, American Born Chinese, explored growing up as a first-generation American. Level Up explores some similar topics, such as diversity, familial obligations, and the passage of family trauma, and stands out for the intertwining of the fantastical and real world to explore one’s place in the universe. Well told story, does not disappoint. I especially would like to point out the use of color and variety of panel designs to help designate time, space, and mood.
I just finished reading this with one of my small reading groups. The boys liked it. I would say it is definitely for more middle school age, my group was a little younger, but they liked it.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
I often find that familial obligation feels completely foreign to most Caucasians, but the most normal thing to those who grew up in cultures that follow it as a fundamental truth. This may be a big part of why I really connected with Dennis’ struggle to find a middle ground between what he likes and what’s expected of him and the person who recommended the book was skeptical about the story.
Dennis goes thru a lot in the short space of the book, but he grows from his experiences and learns from his parents and those around him. Gene Luen Yang does a great job of presenting how several people may look at the forces pushing Dennis into medicine. All the side characters are in there for a reason; even the sometimes annoying “angels” have a solid reason for being there.
I particularly loved the way that gaming (PacMan in particular) gets integrated into the story, not just as something that Dennis loves to do but as little details that a gamer/reader can discover a get extra enjoyment from.
The artwork is nice and simple, washed out watercolors that get more intense or muted in key moments. The play and use of color a subtle but effective tool that really helps tell the story.
I would totally recommend it to high school age readers who aren’t sure what path to follow in life. It won’t give them an answer, but it can help them see that they aren’t alone in their quandary.
Dennis goes thru a lot in the short space of the book, but he grows from his experiences and learns from his parents and those around him. Gene Luen Yang does a great job of presenting how several people may look at the forces pushing Dennis into medicine. All the side characters are in there for a reason; even the sometimes annoying “angels” have a solid reason for being there.
I particularly loved the way that gaming (PacMan in particular) gets integrated into the story, not just as something that Dennis loves to do but as little details that a gamer/reader can discover a get extra enjoyment from.
The artwork is nice and simple, washed out watercolors that get more intense or muted in key moments. The play and use of color a subtle but effective tool that really helps tell the story.
I would totally recommend it to high school age readers who aren’t sure what path to follow in life. It won’t give them an answer, but it can help them see that they aren’t alone in their quandary.
The second graphic novel I've read by Yang. I really enjoyed the storyline and gastroenterology humor! It's a story about one family's culture and expectations from generation to generation. Plus, it has an interesting tie-in to video games.
I was excited to finally acquire this one. And in less than a week, it is in a bag, ready to find a new home.
Art was okay at best. Generic and and bit vague. The story started off with potential but then is starts doing weird jumps. I don't know whom many of the characters are at first due to time jumps. This guy is so indecisive it drove me a bit crazy. Like he supposedly has a passion for gaming, but can smoothly and suddenly give up every game and console and become a super-serious student? Too drastic. And then he does the same thing AGAIN, dropping out and going back to gaming. It is all or nothing for him. Then we get a but of hope at the end but it just stops abruptly.
I also wanted more Nerdy game moments based on the cover. Nope. Blah.
Art was okay at best. Generic and and bit vague. The story started off with potential but then is starts doing weird jumps. I don't know whom many of the characters are at first due to time jumps. This guy is so indecisive it drove me a bit crazy. Like he supposedly has a passion for gaming, but can smoothly and suddenly give up every game and console and become a super-serious student? Too drastic. And then he does the same thing AGAIN, dropping out and going back to gaming. It is all or nothing for him. Then we get a but of hope at the end but it just stops abruptly.
I also wanted more Nerdy game moments based on the cover. Nope. Blah.
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dennis loves video games but struggles with his parents' expectations of him. They want him to go to medical school and specialize in proctology. When his dad dies angels appear to him and try to guide him on that path.
This was a bit of a miss for me. I liked Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese but this one was weird and didn't work.
This was a bit of a miss for me. I liked Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese but this one was weird and didn't work.
Meh. It was okay. A little boring and some of it doesn't really add up. It's good enough to stick with and see through to the end, but I've read a lot better graphic novels in the past year.