American Born Chinese

by Gene Luen Yang and Lark Pien, Gene Luen Yang
American Born Chinese cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Format • £12.34
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Paperback • £14.99
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  • ID: 1684
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • ISBN: 9781429969369
  • Publisher: First Second
  • Published: 2006-09-05
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

American Born Chinese is a critically acclaimed graphic novel by Gene Yang that masterfully blends humor, action, and cultural insight. The story follows three seemingly unrelated characters: Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy struggling to fit in at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, a figure from Chinese folklore; and Chin-Kee, a stereotypical character who embodies negative Chinese stereotypes and causes problems for his cousin Danny. As their stories unfold, they converge in an unexpected and thought-provoking manner, offering a unique perspective on identity, cultural assimilation, and the immigrant experience. The novel has been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Book Award Finalist and an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album.

Reviews
A Dance With Books · 2024-08-16
thoughtful 4.00

The multi-narrative graphic novel tells the story of Jin Wang, a young Chinese-American boy struggling to reconcile his identity. The reviewer finds the novel to be a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of growing up in a diverse society.

This graphic novel is a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of growing up in a diverse society. The reviewer particularly appreciates the way the novel uses the story of Jin Wang to highlight the struggles of young people trying to reconcile their cultural heritage with their American identity. The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful and relatable read, with a clean and expressive art style that enhances the emotional depth of the characters. The reviewer also appreciates the way the novel uses humor and satire to explore serious themes, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The multi-narrative graphic novel tells the story of Jin Wang, a young Chinese-American boy struggling to reconcile his identity.

    The reviewer finds the novel to be a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of growing up in a diverse society.

    The reviewer appreciates the way the novel uses humor and satire to explore serious themes, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Los Angeles Times · 2023-05-24
great 4.25

The story explores themes of cultural heritage and identity with depth and sensitivity.

This review highlights the book's exploration of a young man's struggle with his cultural heritage and identity. The reviewer notes that the story is both personal and universal, resonating with readers who have experienced similar challenges. The narrative is praised for its sensitivity and depth, making it a powerful and relatable read.

Quick quotes

    It's a story about a young man who is struggling with his own cultural heritage, with the way he looks, with the language his parents speak.

    A poignant and timely exploration of identity and belonging.

    The book's themes are universal and deeply resonant.

UU Library Blog · 2021-12-15
insightful 4.50

The graphic novel weaves together three seemingly unrelated tales, exploring themes of identity and cultural assimilation. The intertwining narratives create a compelling and thought-provoking read.

This graphic novel is a masterful blend of storytelling that seamlessly connects three distinct narratives. The first is a classic Chinese fable about the Monkey King, the second follows Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy navigating his identity in a predominantly white school, and the third revolves around a boy tormented by his embarrassing cousin, Chin-Kee. The reviewer appreciates how these stories converge to highlight the struggles of cultural identity and the stereotypes faced by Asian-Americans. The art style is clean and expressive, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys. The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful exploration of self-acceptance and the complexities of growing up in a multicultural society.

Quick quotes

    The graphic novel weaves together three seemingly unrelated tales, exploring themes of identity and cultural assimilation.

    The intertwining narratives create a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    The art style is clean and expressive, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys.

Reader Pants · 2016-01-01
insightful 4.00

The novel is interesting and easy to read, fostering serious discussions about racism and stereotypes. The reviewer finds the novel to be a valuable resource for exploring these important topics.

This graphic novel is an interesting and easy-to-read exploration of racism and stereotypes. The reviewer appreciates the way the novel uses the story of Jin Wang to highlight the struggles of young people trying to reconcile their cultural heritage with their American identity. The reviewer finds the novel to be a valuable resource for fostering serious discussions about these important topics. The reviewer also appreciates the clean and expressive art style, which enhances the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys. The reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful and thought-provoking read, with a message that is both timely and universal.

Quick quotes

    The novel is interesting and easy to read, fostering serious discussions about racism and stereotypes.

    The reviewer finds the novel to be a valuable resource for exploring these important topics.

    The reviewer appreciates the clean and expressive art style, which enhances the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys.

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