American Born Chinese Discussion Questions and American Born Review written by the Hobbit on 11/2020 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
This week in 1942, order 9066 was signed. This order authorized the round up of any US citizens deemed a threat to national security, much like what was going on in Europe. Over 100,000 Asian Americans were forcibly moved into internment camps. Japanese, and other Asian Americans, would feel the impact of this state sanctioned racist movement for decades.
This week in 2020, we’re seeing a lot of racially motivated attacks on the Asian American community. Not only because of a heightened level of xenophobia but also because of months of racial slander. And as a teacher I’m hearing heartbreaking classroom stories of children being bullied because of the language used around the pandemic. Calling this the China virus is racial slander that has done irreparable damage. Books that help us peek into experiencing racism and examples of other cultures, like American Born Chinese, are always important. But especially this week we wanted to highlight this book. There are so many amazing stories and books about Chinese legends and culture, and we encourage you to add some to your library. This is an award winning book for teens that we would suggest for 13+.
Know Before You Read American Born Chinese Discussion and Review
Book: American Born Chinese
Authors and illustrator: Gene Luen Yang
Genre: Coming of Age; Graphic novel; Magical realism
Pages: 233
Published: 2006
Age Suggestion: 13+
Themes: Family origin, racial identity, self-identity
Warnings: some bullying, some high school level inappropriate humor
Awards:
-Winner Michael L. Printz Award
-Finalist National Book Award
-Booklist Top Ten Graphic Novels for Youth
American Born Chinese Quick Summary:
Jin Wang is starting at a new school, where there are few Asian American students. Danny is popular, but his incredibly annoying relative Chin-Kee visits annually and disrupts his life. And the Monkey King is trying to become divine and join the ranks of the gods. How do these seemingly unconnected stories tie together? And what can they teach us about who we are?
American Born Chinese Parent Review: (Contains spoilers):
If you want your kids to begin to understand the damaging effects of at prejudice and why it is so wrong this is another good starting place.
Before continuing, American Born Chinese uses magical realism. This is a type of literature that blends supernatural elements in as natural, thus it has “magic” (the supernatural) as real, which is the “realism” part. It is more complex than that, but knowing this will help you understand the story.
Check out our Disney Plus American Born Chinese Review Here
**BIG SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH**
Jin is on the receiving end of a lot of racial prejudice. He understandably struggles with this. In the concurrent story, Danny is an all-American kid with an annoying Asian cousin who visits once a year. However, Danny IS Jin and is several years older and has chosen to assimilate into white culture. His annoying cousin? None other than the monkey king, who earlier in the book was taught a lesson by about identity by Tze-Yo-Tzuh (I was, I am, and I shall forever be. Might sound familiar…). The monkey king is going to help Danny/Jin see that his assimilation is costing him his soul.
There is a lot of meat for discussion. Your identity comes from many places. Middle school, where the center of the story occurs, places tremendous pressures on kids to fit in. This is something that needs a lot of parental reinforcement. But this is also a good opportunity to evaluate what other adult (and older kid) voices are speaking into your kids life. We all need that.
If you are Christian, you will pick up on some references. They are fairly subtle.
–Why Read American Born Chinese–
A great way to discuss important issues with your kids. I wish I had resources like this when mine were growing up. As the multiple awards testify, a highly recommended read for kids who are in middle and high school. As an adult, it made me stop and think about how I treat other people, I hope that it does the same for the kids who read it.
-Plot and Characters-
The three separate stories keep you guessing until the end as to how they relate (and unless you know you will not guess). They all three work. Really good character development for the two leads. You understand and sympathize with both.
American Born Chinese Discussion Questions:
- What things about who you are do you have the most trouble accepting?
- Why did Jin have trouble accepting who he was? Are their ways you van relate?
- Have you seen examples of assimilation in your school or other places?
- What can you do for others to help them accept what they were created to be?
- Who do you relate to the most: Piper or Sloane? How do you relate to them?
Final Thoughts: Most of us have trouble being who we were created to be. We also have problems helping others with this. A good dose of reality helps. How can we encourage this in ourselves?
Thanks for checking out our American Born Chinese Discussion Questions and Review. Before you go, check out these other posts:
–Look Both Ways By Jason Reynolds Review
-Our New Kid and Class Act Book reviews and discussion questions
–Talking your Teens through Just Mercy
-Our Inquisitor’s Tale Book Review
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