The YA Book Log

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE by Gene Luen Yang

I have posted entries on Printz Award winners and honor books in the past, so it would be appropriate to mention those titles the Young Adult Librarians of Nassau and Suffolk Counties consider possible 2007 Printz contenders.
My first read is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang called AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. The book includes three tales which appear to be unrelated while reading. They include the story of a young boy who discovers he is the only Chinese American student in his school, the Chinese fable, the Monkey King, and the All-American boy who must submit to the shame inflicted on him by a visiting Chinese cousin with stereotypes once attached to Chinese-Americans.
At the conclusion all the tales come together, but I must admit the last story made me feel uncomfortable with the stereotypes. Do you think stereotypes belong in today’s literature for young people?
This graphic novel is truly a unique choice for a Printz nominee and WILL BE BEST UNDERSTOOD BY TEENS IN GRADE 9 AND UP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services