Gene Luen Yang

American Born Chinese weaves together three distinct but interconnected storylines that explore themes of cultural identity and self-acceptance. The first storyline follows Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy navigating the challenges of fitting in at a predominantly white school. The second storyline features the mythical Monkey King, a legendary figure from Chinese folklore, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The third storyline introduces Danny, a popular American teenager who struggles with his Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee, and the embarrassment he brings. As these narratives converge, the characters grapple with issues of identity, stereotypes, and the complexities of belonging in a multicultural society. This book would be suitable in a middle school classroom to facilitate discussions about cultural diversity, stereotypes, and the immigrant experience.… (more)