GREAT READS

American Born Chinese

Gene Luen Yang ; coloring by Lark Pien.

Award-winning graphic novel American Born Chinese made me laugh out loud. I had not read many graphic novels when I picked up this book and was absolutely thrilled with how funny it was. American Born Chinese alternates between three different story lines. It begins with an old Chinese fable of the Monkey King mastering the arts of Kung-Fu who has plans to take over the Earthly realm and then the Heavens in search for ultimate domination and immortality. Then we have American-born Jin Wang who just moved to a new school and is one of the only Chinese Americans, which makes for some hilarious situations for Jin trying to fit in. We are then greeted by Danny's hilarious cousin Chin-Kee who seems set on mortifying Danny in front of his classmates. Following each storyline is fun and don't be confused, they all come together in the end. One of my favorite parts was when Jin Wang has his first date with a girl at the movies, which goes embarrassingly awry. Gene Luen Yang has other graphic novels to offer which are just as funny and interesting and while you're looking, check out some other graphic novels you've never read one - you might be happily surprised!

Recommended by Allison Holbrook

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