American Born Chinese, a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, is an excellent book for even the most reluctant students to find a love of reading. But this isn’t just some ordinary comic book—it’s a story full of relevant themes, clever symbolism, and interesting allusions that any teacher would be eager to unpack with the class.
Before diving into American Born Chinese, it might benefit students to conduct a class discussion about what they know or think they know about China. It’s possible that some stereotypes will come up, which are explored in the book—what is thought to be “common knowledge” that isn’t true or accurate. Giving an overview of Chinese and other Asian cultures (like Taiwan, where Wei-Chen-Sun is from) will help aid students in a deeper understanding of complex Chinese culture. Focusing on major topics like government, population size, cuisine, and fashion will help students bridge the gaps in their knowledge. It’s important to dispel common misconceptions while exploring the similarities between different eastern countries.
How does Jin Wang become disconnected from his culture and why? Is it because of previous prejudices from others? Judgment? Or just because he doesn’t like to stand out? It could be all the above. How do others treat Jin or relate to him? In the novel, even the teacher’s introduction of Jin to the rest of the class is telling—it’s also echoed by Wei-Chen Sun’s introduction.
In a class discussion, students can explore the quote “It’s easy to become anything you wish…so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul,” stated by the Chinese Herbalist’s Wife. In a writing prompt, students can think of a time when they felt they didn’t fit in or that they were misunderstood. Is there a specific incident where their heritage made them stand out?
It’s also a good idea to talk about the Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, a fixture in Chinese culture. The Monkey King’s story parallels Jin’s—both are made fun of for their race. Students could fill out a Venn diagram comparing the similarities and differences of the Monkey King with Jin. The Monkey King’s transformation is an allegory of Jin’s own transformation, so having a visual of these similarities will foster the student’s understanding of allegory and its relationship to the characters. Exploring the symbols like the transformers toy, the Monkey King’s shoes, and Danny bring more depth to the allegory.
Students may find that they were born to read with the help of American Born Chinese! Learn more about teaching it below!
American Born Chinese
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Summary of American Born Chinese
Key Facts
- Publication Date: 2006
- Length: 233 pages
- Lexile Measure: GN530L
- Recommended Grade Band: 7–10
- Awards: 2007 winner of the American Library Association’s Printz Award; 2006 finalist for the National Book Foundation’s Award. American Born Chinese was the first graphic novel to be honored by these organizations.
American Born Chinese focuses on three separate narratives that weave into one cohesive story in a fascinating twist. The first story centers around the Monkey King, who is criticized by others for being a monkey. He sets off on a journey of transformation to become “The Great Sage, Equal of Heaven” through training and meditating.
The heart of American Born Chinese revolves around Jin, a Chinese American teen who attempts to deal with bullies, speaking to his crush, and finding friends. He has trouble fitting in because his peers don’t understand his cultural differences. Jin becomes fast friends with Wei-Chen, but causes a deep rift in their friendship when he impulsively kisses Wei’s girlfriend.
The third storyline is about Danny, a popular all-American boy who must tolerate another visit from his stereotype-plagued Chinese cousin Chin-Kee (yes, it’s a pun on a racial slur). In the end, it’s revealed that Chin-Kee is the Monkey King in disguise, Danny is Jin, and Wei is the Monkey King’s son!
The story’s humor and easy-to-read format make American Born Chinese so fun that your students will be upset when it’s over, but most likely inspired to read another book just like it!
Content Warning: American Born Chinese contains stereotypes, racial slurs, some violence, and mild sexual innuendo.
What Your Students Will Love About American Born Chinese
- Both mythical and relatable modern characters who appeal to various readers
- A humorous tone that engages the reader
- Colorful comic book format
- Relatable coming-of-age themes
Potential Student Struggles With American Born Chinese
- Recognizing the destructive nature of stereotypes
- Discussing Chin-kee, a flat character representative of prejudices toward Chinese people
- Explaining how to read a graphic novel for those unfamiliar; it must be read from top to bottom, left to right.
Learning Objectives for American Born Chinese
- Obtain more information about Chinese and other Asian cultures.
- Explore different narrative perspectives and how the three stories become one cohesive story.
- Analyze the allegory of The Monkey King and its connection to Jin’s story.
- Discuss important themes of identity and its connection to culture.
- Follow the transformation of Jin into Danny and his relationship with The Monkey King and his friend Wei-Chen Sun.
Literary Elements in American Born Chinese
- Allegory
- Allusion
- Figurative Language
- Motif
- Point of View
- Symbolism
- Theme
- And more!
Major Themes in American Born Chinese
Race and Racism — Because of Jin’s cultural background, his peers bully him. Jin becomes isolated because of his differences.
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Identity and Fitting In — Jin is a Chinese American who wants to fit in with his classmates. He struggles with accepting his Chinese heritage while navigating the difficult world of crushes, finding friends, and bullies.
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Coming of Age — Jin is able to go from feeling like an outsider to learning self-acceptance. He takes responsibility for past mistakes as he forms his identity, including the parts that previously made him different.
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Other Resources for American Born Chinese
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