American Born Chinese

Author(s): Gene Luen Yang

Graphic Novels

A stirring, sometimes humorous graphic novel, Gene LuenâÂÂs three seemingly disparate tales involve a fabled monkey king, an awkward Chinese American boy, and the worst Chinese stereotype imaginable personified in a visiting cousin. The difficulties of being Asian American in a racist culture, conflicting senses of self, and a desire to fit in are all craftily handled without any of the usual triteness. Accompanied by stunning illustrations in striking colors, this is the 2007 Printz-winner, the first time a graphic novel has received one. Also, it was a 2006 National Book Award nominee in the Young PeopleâÂÂs Literature category.


Product Information

Winner of Michael L. Printz Award (Young Adult) 2007 and Cybils (Graphic Novel/YA) 2006. Commended for Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens (Fourteen and Up) 2007. Short-listed for Quill Awards (Young Adult/Teen) 2007 and Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award 2008 and Grand Canyon Reader Award (Teen) 2009 and Green Mountain Book Award 2008.

Gene Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade. In 1997, he received the Xeric Grant, a prestigious comics industry grant, for Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks, his first comic work as an adult. He has since written and drawn a number of titles, including Duncan's Kingdom (with art by Derek Kirk Kim) and The Rosary Comic Book. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his lovely wife, Theresa, and son, Kolbe, and teaches computer science at a Roman Catholic high school.

General Fields

  • : 9781596431522
  • : Roaring Brook Press
  • : First Second
  • : September 2006
  • : December 2006
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Gene Luen Yang
  • : Paperback