American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Published by First Second Books in 2006
233 pages of amusing and delightful animations
Warning: mild violent images, mild references to sex, and labels to various ethnic groups some people might find offensive.
Genre: Graphic novel, Comedy, Multicultural

This is a brilliant graphic novel. The novel tells the story of a young Chinese boy who wishes to be like the white boys at school. When students of the similar Asian background move to his school and try to be friends with him, Jin is very reluctant to talk to these students. All he can focus on his the American girl he has fallen in love with. Unfortunately, he constantly is embarrassing himself in front of her. The novel also includes the refreshing and delightful stories of a popular white boy, Danny, whose life is ruined by his obnoxious native Chinese cousin. The epic tale of the Monkey King also fills this novel with hilarious one liners and Kung-Fu fighting moments. How will the three tales intertwine? The answer to this question is the most thrilling part of the novel, but you will have to read to find out.

This book was so funny! I loved every minute. There is a dose of culture that intrigued me to find out more about the Chinese culture, and particularly think more about the Chinese culture in America, and how the Chinese may or may not have adapted their ways of life. I enjoyed reading the three different stories and seeing them magically connect and intertwine in a delightful turn of events. Yang has written another graphic novel that I anticipate reading which also involves Chinese culture. I love his work and enjoy his blend of culture and humor.