Scan barcode
A review by amethystarchild
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
4.0
“American Born Chinese” is a graphic novel that was awarded the Printz award in 2007. It’s the story of a boy named Jin and some of his experiences growing up and having a crush while people isolate and mistreat him for his ethnicity. The scenes are also interspersed with stories about the monkey king from Chinese mythology. In the end Jin accepts his ethnicity and chooses not to let the society around him change who he is.
Content Warnings:
• Cruel stereotyping of Asian cultures
• Potty jokes
• Some minor violence, fist fight, and spear stabbing.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, it was interesting and easy to read. I’m glad this book exists to address racism towards Asian cultures. Other ethnicities are given a lot of air time, but often Asian cultures and the stereotypes and prejudice that can exist isn’t addressed. Even if you take away the racial angle, it’s still a good story about being yourself, and not letting go of your heritage to fit in. I think the book really does deserve the Printz award it received.
Content Warnings:
• Cruel stereotyping of Asian cultures
• Potty jokes
• Some minor violence, fist fight, and spear stabbing.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, it was interesting and easy to read. I’m glad this book exists to address racism towards Asian cultures. Other ethnicities are given a lot of air time, but often Asian cultures and the stereotypes and prejudice that can exist isn’t addressed. Even if you take away the racial angle, it’s still a good story about being yourself, and not letting go of your heritage to fit in. I think the book really does deserve the Printz award it received.