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American Born Chinese
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
155 posts | 270 read | 115 to read
Gene Luen Yang is the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.A tour-de-force by New York Times bestselling graphic novelist Gene Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny's life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. American Born Chinese is an amazing ride, all the way up to the astonishing climax.American Born Chinese is the winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, a 2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature, the winner of the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New, an Eisner Award nominee for Best Coloring, a 2007 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, and a New York Timesbestseller.
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review
JenlovesJT47
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

By the end of the story, I understood the point this book was trying to make. Some of it was funny but overall this was just not my cup of tea. 3⭐️

#GNreadathon
#HauntedShelf
#FrightClub
#TBRread
#graphicnovel

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aw449820
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang

“But talking is more than he has ever done. Because he is a little cowardly turtle.”

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aw449820
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang

This book is good for learning about different cultures. It would also be good for students of Chinese culture to see their own culture represented in a book, and they may be able to relate to the characters in the story.

review
aw449820
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Pickpick

Graphica
Published 2006
This novel is unique as it tells three different stories that come together. One story is about a boy who moves from China to America and feels different from everyone else. Another story is centered around a Chinese fable. The third story is about a boy whose cousin is ruining his life. There are large margins on the top and bottom of each page, and the gutters are rigid and narrow. Some pages have just one panel.

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JackHowley5
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang

This is a great book to understand stereotyping and other culture

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JackHowley5
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang

“You know, Jin, I would have saved myself from five hundred years‘ imprisonment beneath a mountain kg rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey”

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JackHowley5
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Pickpick

This piece of graphica contains many different types of representations of chinese culture with several racial stereotypes and cultural norms from the perspective of an author born in China. I enjoyed reading this book to understand more about other cultures

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haleyperkins1
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang

"Here we are! Inside the closet of supplies!"

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wanderinglynn
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

Soft pick. Combines myth, history, & modern culture to discuss cultural identity & highlights racist micro-aggressions & flat out racism.

The issue I had was how he depicts women. There are 2—a white girl & a Japanese-American girl. Both only serve as objects of the boys & to further the story-lines.

I can see why this is was an award winner. While I appreciated the story, still disappointed it didn't acknowledge the struggle of minority women.

wanderinglynn Book 11 #summerreadingchallenge (YA or MG GN) 6mo
Texreader So a little bit of micro aggression for women. 😕 6mo
60 likes2 comments
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AvidReader25
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

This graphic novel gives us a glimpse into someone who may look different from his classmates on the outside, but longs to just fit in. It‘s a painful place to be, especially as a kid. Anyone who has felt like they had to hide some part of themselves in order to avoid bullying, will find a kindred spirit here. It‘s a chance to step into someone else‘s shoes for a moment and hopefully gain some empathy for someone who might be different from you.

Lindy It‘s a classic. 💛 8mo
AvidReader25 @Lindy I should have read it earlier! 8mo
25 likes2 comments
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booklover3258
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/Q5sRG_19RCc

Enjoy!

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Morr_Books
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Tagged book was my favorite read of September - another book club read. #2023ReadingBracket #bookclubread

AmyG I can‘t imagine anything beating Lonesome Dove. 14mo
Leftcoastzen ❤️❤️❤️for Lonesome Dove! 8mo
37 likes2 comments
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Morr_Books
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

Finished my 4th read for #SummerEndReadathon just in time for tonight's book club meeting (International Journey Through Pages Book Club: https://meetu.ps/e/Mnp5d/zxXbQ/i). This is a graphic novel, which is not my typical reading format, but I absolutely loved this. It was funny but also had an amazing message.
@TheSpineView

47 likes1 stack add
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Morr_Books
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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The online book club that I lead is discussing the tagged book in one week (Asian American author), so it is probably time for me to start reading the book 😀. #SummerEndReadathon @TheSpineView
International Journey Through Pages Book Club: https://meetu.ps/e/Mnp5d/zxXbQ/i

TheSpineView 👍🌞😊 1y
43 likes1 comment
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Smarkies
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

Enjoyed the general story but found the ending a little abrupt.

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peanutnine
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

While I appreciated the themes it was trying to put forth, this graphic novel was hard to follow at times. The three story lines seemed disjointed, although it did all make sense in the end. It reveals the discrimination and alienation sometimes felt by Chinese Americans. I'm curious as to how they are handling the adaptation, as the previews seem to show more of a superhero premise.
#ALSpine @shortsarahrose @monalyisha

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Bookish_Gal
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

I think I hyped myself up too much from the Podcast I heard raising it so much. Yes, it‘s an incredible book about a Chinese-American boy trying to fit in and the nasty stereotypes he faces. Yes, his cousin is uncomfortable to read. This book is made to make you uncomfortable. And it did so. Yet by the end, I didn‘t feel any different. Felt like a tag along story - which isn‘t bad. monkey king was good story, but still do not understand the ending

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lilpumpkin2.0
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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May 12, 2023 In honor of AAPI month, another book (graphic novel) that I decided to purchase was this one by Gene Yang. I read about it in the Datebook which was part of the newspaper. I was like, "I gotta get that graphic novel". Perfect for this month and also brings awareness to ABCs and how we have been disciminated; just trying to fit into society

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sakeriver
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Pickpick

I‘d been hearing about this graphic novel for years and I think it lived up to the hype. I was particularly struck by the way the different parallel threads utilized very different emotional and tonal registers, and how well Yang pulled off bringing those threads together in the end.

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MeganLindell
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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sakeriver
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Next

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Rachel.Rencher
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

I thrive as a teacher when I have an anchor text. My seniors are learning how to create professional blogs in my business English course, and I decided to have them write a blog about understanding graphic novels. We read a few chapters from Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics, and I just decided this is the graphic novel they'll start reading next week. It was an incredible story about identity, culture, and coming of age.

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vjay
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Pickpick

American born chinese is a very interesting because it has different story lines in one book.

b3ck4 What story lines might those be?
2y
1 like1 comment
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vjay
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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This is a important part of the book because this shows that Jing Jang is getting out of his comfort zone.

Lorea I agree with the fact that it is a key moment for the character to develop. Would you relate or apply this in any aspect of your life? 2y
vjay @Lorea I would relate this to my life because I do get shy and don't speak out when I'm meeting new people. 2y
Lorea A similar thing happens to me actually, I feel like a lot of people struggle with it. 2y
See All 6 Comments
AveryD I like your interpretation of that. Do you think that this decision/display of confidence will affect his character in the future? 2y
b3ck4 This shows great character development are there any other forms of getting out of his comfort zone he does in the future. 2y
vjay @b3ck4 Yes, he has shown other forms of getting out of his comfort zone by changing his style and how he looks. 2y
1 like6 comments
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vjay
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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This part of the book stood out to me because the main character was opening up and making new friends.

Lorea Would you say this part of the book represents the difficulties someone has to face while making new friends? 2y
vjay @Lorea I do feel like this is a part of making new friends because not everyone is as talkative and open. 2y
Lorea What about the people that are open? Would you say this is only directed to shy people or that everyone should understand how difficult it is for some people? 2y
Cortez16 It is interesting to see the characters growth throughout the book! What made him open up? 2y
b3ck4 Why do you think opening up is so difficult especially in modern times? 2y
1 like5 comments
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vjay
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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This part of the book really highlights how quick people are to judge other‘s for their culture, while also bringing up a negative stereotype about Chinese people. And while the stereotype presented may not be necessarily true, it demonstrates how people are so quick to judge others for anything that they are not used to or they deem gross.

tanyapfende so inspiring, what is your favorite thing about this book. 2y
vjay @tanyapfende My favorite thing about this book is when he starts accepting who he is and he starts making new friends. 2y
5 likes2 comments
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CohenReads
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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While I'm uncomfortable with the harmful stereotypes presented in the text, I can relate to feeling embarrassed by my family's culture. My husband's family comes from the North East; my family comes from the South. I had to overcome my feelings of shame regarding Southern American Dialect when the two families collided during my wedding. I'm excited to continue reading because I hope to discover the author's intent in his portrayal of Chin-kee.

AveryD I have a similar experience. Sometimes at lunch people make fun of the way my food smells. Food is a large part of my family's culture, and the judgement I receive from others makes me embarrassed, but I love the food. 2y
Lorea What's your prediction for the author's intention in using this harmful depiction of a Chinese individual? I wonder if the benefits of the portrayal outweigh the harm it can do. 2y
CohenReads I think the author is using the character as a form of satire. I think that w/o discussion these portrayals can do harm. The benefit comes from having open discussions about them. What do you think? Do you think it's more harmful or more beneficial? 2y
2 likes3 comments
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Smrloomis
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

Just finished this and wondering if the Disney+ adaptation will be any good…

Blueberry @NataliePatalie check this out! 2y
47 likes1 comment
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Robotswithpersonality
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
This post contains spoilers
show me
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Pickpick

Visceral childhood and young adult moments from the outsider's perspective, the author is a child of immigrants who experienced racism just like the main characters (read the Afterword!). Reminds me of Interior Chinatown, but for a younger audience. Intriguing to see the legends/myths of Ancient China woven into the story, an area I know very little about. Entertaining and enlightening! Great art.

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shortsarahrose
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Pickpick

Smart, funny, satirical, and touching - this graphic novel accomplishes a lot in its relatively short length.

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shortsarahrose
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“‘He comes for a week or two and follows me to school, talking his stupid talk and eating his stupid food. Embarrassing the crap out of me. By the time he leave, no one thinks of me as Danny anymore. I‘m Chin-Kee‘s cousin. It gets so bad by the end of the year that I have to switch schools.‘
‘Come on, kid. It ain‘t gonna go down like that here.‘
‘How do you know?‘”

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Addison_Reads
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

This graphic novel packs a lot into its story. What appears to be three separate stories becomes something more when they all converge.

Although this book talks about immigrants and the issues that come with that, it also just deals with learning to be happy with who you and comfortable in your own skin.

Really wonderful story with a great message.

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dimedgirl
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

I absolutely adored this graphic novel that features 3 different storylines that all talk about the Asian American experience. As an Asian myself I saw a lot of realistic feelings and pain in our character Jin Wang. Though there are many cruel slurs and racism in this book, it‘s to show a point of how life can be like and I thought it was done really well. The ending could have done more to tie in themes but overall was a great read.

5/5🌟

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sdbruening
Mehso-so

It was good; good message about being yourself. The racial prejudice the characters deal with is sad. Not something I would go back to and read again though.

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mrsmarch
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Second vaccine in my arm yesterday...today is all about staying in bed with my canine nursemaid here. I finished American Born Chinese in one day and I have to say, what a great book. Simple and linear stories, braided together, gain depth and complex meaning. May the #bookspin be with you.

Chrissyreadit Yay for second dose! Hope it doesn‘t hit too hard! 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 4y
mrsmarch @Chrissyreadit I had insomnia last night and was sooooo tired this morning but it seems to have passed? Knock on wood. 4y
Chrissyreadit Fingers crossed 🤞 4y
37 likes1 stack add4 comments
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mrsmarch
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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#bookspin and #doublespin for May.... 2 & 18....what a pair!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 4y
22 likes1 comment
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Cortg
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

Good teen graphic novel about fitting in and being yourself.

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sarahs.thoughts.on.books
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Mehso-so

I understand where Yang was trying to go with this book in mixing the myth with a contemporary story. To help the target audience feel seen, and that they don't need to blend in, however I think the execution could have been done better. I just was not into Danny and his visiting cousin. It was a distraction, and the story would have been better without it

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MaryM
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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#jubilantjuly is moving along pretty well! I completed In A Dark, Dark Wood and American Born Chinese. That's two ✔'s on my goal list. Next up: I need to pick one of the MANY ebooks I have acquired and read it. I also need to complete the audiobook I'm currently listening to and select another graphic novel to read.

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LibrarianRyan
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

3 ⭐
This book has been on my TBR for a while and it should have stayed there. It‘s a graphic novel that mixes history, myth, and modern culture, to look at the stereotypical way Americans can treat those of asian descent. It helps to illustrate how these “ABC” can be made to feel, or how they may wish they were born with different skin. By the end of the book I appreciate it more. It was all wrapped together and the story made sense.

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LibrarianRyan
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Mehso-so

First book of my #covidvacay done. It was alright. More later.

#middlegrademarch

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LibrarianRyan
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Racist much?

I wonder if this is based on the authors like. I‘m sure I‘ll find out soon.

#middlegrademarch

Reggie I read The Best American Food Writing of 2019 and there is a whole essay dedicated to this and it was just disgusting because there were people back in the day trying to push laws forbidding Asians to eat dogs and when asked for comment, the head of an Asian group just simply said how bout you guys just treat us like people and quit with the racism amongst other the other bs we have to put up with. (edited) 5y
LibrarianRyan @Reggie it‘s crazy. 5y
62 likes2 comments
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JulietReads
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

This book is about finding freedom through self acceptance. Some people wish to be like Tony Stark, Bruce Wayne, Bill Gates or Kim Kardashian. You can wear your costumes on Halloween, but eventually the mask has to come off. You are left with yourself; your TRUE self.

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twohectobooks
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

And this is why I still read comics despite how often I‘m disappointed by them. This is a really excellent exploration of the author‘s experience growing up Chinese American that makes excellent use of the format. It combines straightforward memoir with scenes of Chinese folklore and some pretty gut wrenching media stereotypes. Highly recommend.

25 likes1 stack add
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twohectobooks
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Starting off my long weekend sitting on the deck and reading.

Just bought Jacques this harness so he‘s able to join me (I can‘t trust him to stay in the yard yet).

Now off to the pool. #BFCr2 update later today.

Tamra I want to do the same for our cat while we‘re camping but I‘m afraid he‘d constantly be trying to get out then! He likes to go in & out on our deck at home innumerable times a day (no stairs out). 5y
twohectobooks @Tamra he seems to be liking it! Camping would be more challenging depending on your set up and your cat eg energetic escape artist vs timid lounger. 5y
23 likes2 comments
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juliegumdrop
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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CollapsingLibrary This looks gorgeous! 5y
14 likes1 stack add1 comment
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cwarnier
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
Panpan

Not my favorite.

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Brie
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

A re-read for my comic book group. This month‘s theme was immigration stories. This comic illustrates the desire to “fit in” with white American culture that many young immigrants or children of immigrants have. Not to mention the racist stereotypes that they deal with as well. The 3 storylines come together in an amazing way.

Caterina I read this for a college course and loved it!! 💕 6y
38 likes1 comment
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Night_Reader
American Born Chinese | Gene Luen Yang
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Pickpick

An excellent graphic novel about identity, stereotypes & self acceptance.

6 likes1 stack add
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Mandigolightly
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Gene Luen Yang at #ilaac18 !!!

pilardib 😱 6y
66 likes2 comments