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A review by lilatov
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another book I read because I'm thinking of teaching it.
This book is a lot, and to a school population that has a high chinese american percentage I'm not sure if it's what I want?
It really plays into some damaging self internalization and self hatred / stereotypes, etc. plus a random moment of anti-semitism for no real reason (the reason is to fit in). But ultimately it's a story about being true to yourself, and understanding how in trying to be someone you're not you end up hurting yourself and the people around you. It's about the power of traditions and the hold they have over you.
There are also some really good examples of the graphic novel as a medium / form.
The question I need to answer / ask myself is whether or not the positives of the story and the take aways are worth putting something that can be really hard to read infront of students. I also need to make sure that I balance positive and negative endings / storylines.
This book is a lot, and to a school population that has a high chinese american percentage I'm not sure if it's what I want?
It really plays into some damaging self internalization and self hatred / stereotypes, etc. plus a random moment of anti-semitism for no real reason (the reason is to fit in). But ultimately it's a story about being true to yourself, and understanding how in trying to be someone you're not you end up hurting yourself and the people around you. It's about the power of traditions and the hold they have over you.
There are also some really good examples of the graphic novel as a medium / form.
The question I need to answer / ask myself is whether or not the positives of the story and the take aways are worth putting something that can be really hard to read infront of students. I also need to make sure that I balance positive and negative endings / storylines.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Minor: Antisemitism