American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

I'm going to take a small detour from the Summer Reading Game recommendations, and give a  review for the Teen Remix: Book Discussion Group title for July.  It's a graphic novel called American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang.

Summary: Three stories in one, this YA Graphic depicts the struggle to change oneself to fit in, and just how dangerous this can ultimately be.  The first story focuses on the legendary Monkey King who longs to become a Great Sage and embarks on an egotistical quest to do so.  The second story is about Jin Wang, a Chinese-American teen who desperately wants to fit in at his high school, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to assimilate into American culture.  Finally we are told the story of Danny and his cousin, Chin-Kee. Chin-Kee is the culmination of every bad Chinese stereotype melded into a single character, much to Danny's chagrin.  The further the stories go, the more they begin to intertwine with each other, weaving into a conclusion that shouts of the importance of being true to one's own self.

Recommended for:  Any fan of a great story.  The book was very funny at parts, but filled with so much honesty and heart that it can catch a reader off guard. I'm a sucker for separate stories that come together in the end, so I especially enjoyed that aspect of the book, as well.  This would also be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys graphic novels, or those looking for an introduction to the genre.  The artwork was skillful and clean, the colors bright, and the storyline crisply illustrated.  

Pick up a copy of the book from the front desk and join us to talk about it at Teen Remix on July 12.  We'll also be  having snacks and making bottle cap wristbands.