American Born Chinese By Gene Luen Yang

1.  Bibliography
Yang, Gene Luen.  2006.  AMERICAN BORN CHINESE.  New York:  First Second.  ISBN 9781596432086


2.  Plot Summary
This graphic novel is told from three different points of view.  The first point of view is the monkey king who want to recognized has a god.  He does not want to be only a king of the monkeys.  He desires to be a god.  The second point of view is Jin Wang.  He only wants to be like every one else.  He wants to be part of the cool crowd and not be different because he is Asian.  The third point of view is Danny a white teenager who is constantly being embarrassed by his Chinese cousin who has come to visit him.   The story interweaves the three different characters and twists the story into an exciting ending with an important message.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author creates the three different characters of the novel to share the variety of  points of view of the characters.  The reader is able to relate to the characters and the struggles they are going through.  The plot takes the characters through the trials of being accepted and fitting in.   The clear and consistent point of view of each character makes the story believable. 
The illustrations in the graphic novel are colorful and bright bringing to life the world of the three characters.  The expressions are portrayed plainly on the characters faces to communicate their emotions.  The images on the pages bring to life many stero types that are debated in the book.

4.  Review Excerpts
National Book Award Finalist
Michael Printz Award
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults, Top Ten List
Publisher Weekly Best Book of the Year
BOOKLIST Editor's Choice Book
San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
NPR Holiday Pick
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW:  "Enter American Born Chinese, a well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance."
BOOKLIST:  "With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life."

5.  Connections
This graphic novel would be a good book to read and compare with other books that contain the problems of wanting to fit in.
Other graphic novels about Asian stero types:
Toyoshima, Tak.  SECRET ASIAN MAN:  THE DAILY DAYS.  ISBN 978161582807
Yang, Jeff.  SECRET IDENTITIES:  THE ASIAN AMERICAN SUPERHERO ANTHOLOGY.  ISBN 9781595583987