Book Cover
Book Summary
This book contains three story lines that seem to be have nothing to do with each other. Until the end when they all come together. The first is the story of a boy who moves into a new school district where is the only Chinese-American child in the school. He has no friends at first and never truly fits in. The second story is about the Monkey King and his struggles to be accepted as one of the gods and to change his true nature. The third is the story of Danny; a popular and athletic boy who ends up changing schools constantly because his embarrassingly stereotypical Chinese cousin comes to visit and alienates him from the rest of the school. The stories come together in the end in a very surprising way.
APA Reference of Book
Yang, G. L. (2006). American born Chinese. New York, NY: First Second.
Impressions
I really enjoyed this book. The story of the Monkey King was particularly interesting to me because I enjoy legends and fairy tales and this was a new story to me. I feel like Jin Wang's story is something to which any kid who has had to move to a new school can relate. That feeling of isolation is more complete in his case because of his ethnicity, but many feel the same way at first. Danny's story is also relatable for many teens. Teens often are embarrassed by family and other teens are quick to ostracize those who are different or are connected to someone different. I really enjoyed the ending of the book, but it did feel very sudden and a bit rushed.
Professional Review
"A National Book Award finalist and ALA's Printz Award winner, this fable stars the mythological Monkey King, realistic youngster Jin Wang of Taiwanese parentage, and TV sitcom teen Danny. All three are dogged by an unwanted identity and humiliated by others' prejudice. The Monkey King trains to be a god but is unceremoniously bounced out of heaven and urged by "he who is" (the great god) to be what he is: a monkey. Jin tries to be accepted and romance a fellow student but gets picked on by classmates. Danny does well with friends until Chinese cousin Chin-Kee, a bitingly funny bundle of racist stereotypes, makes his annual visit and behaves so offensively that Danny must change schools. Finally, the three stories suddenly merge, to center on Jin coming to terms with his minority experience and moving beyond his own fear and hostility. Coalescence comes almost too quickly, but the trivision approach and treatment are unique and moving. The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective. Some potty humor; recommended for teen and adult collections."
Cornog, M. (2007). [Review of American born Chinese by G. L. Yang]. Library Journal, 132(5), 54. Available from: http://lj.libraryjournal.com/
Library Uses
This book is a good addition to any examination of Chinese or Asian cultures. The book is a quick read which will appeal to many teens. The book covers both the struggles of Asian students to fit in and be accepted and some Chinese legend. The book also provides talking points about the danger of stereotypes and ethnic slurs.
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