Module 13: American Born Chinese

Book Summary:

This is a graphic novel about a Chinese boy who just wants to be American. He doesn't want to be different. He tries not to associate with others from his culture thinking that will make him more like everyone else.

Book Citation:

Yang, G. L. (2009). American Born Chinese. (1st ed.). New York: Macmillan.

Impressions:

I like graphic novels a lot. They are a great way of getting the non reader to read. This story is relate able to a lot of teens. Everyone wants to fit in and no one wants to be different, add a girl to the equation and BAM, self consciousness takes over.

Reviews:

Gr 7 Up-lt's hard to talk about today's most serious racial  issues(such as racial prejudice  self-aceptance, or spirituality) with out appearing sanctimonious or sappy. But graphic artist Gene Yang deftly sidesteps that quick- sand in this zippy, heartfelt tale of what it means to grow Asian Ameriean.

American Born Chinese. (2006). School Library Journal, 5266.

Library Uses:

You can use this book too introduce graphic novels to readers. This book can also be paired with a non-fiction book about the Chinese people. This book would be great to use to learn about culture and customs of other.