Graphic Novels
American Born Chinese- Gene Luen YangSynopsis (from Amazon)
Jin Wang starts at a new school where he’s the only Chinese-American student. When a boy from Taiwan joins his class, Jin doesn’t want to be associated with an FOB like him. Jin just wants to be an all-American boy, because he’s in love with an all-American girl. Danny is an all-American boy: great at basketball, popular with the girls. But his obnoxious Chinese cousin Chin-Kee’s annual visit is such a disaster that it ruins Danny’s reputation at school, leaving him with no choice but to transfer somewhere he can start all over again. The Monkey King has lived for thousands of years and mastered the arts of kung fu and the heavenly disciplines. He’s ready to join the ranks of the immortal gods in heaven. But there’s no place in heaven for a monkey. Why Teach This Some students can understand what it is like to be caught between two different cultures, and there is struggle to be accepted in both groups. This graphic novel is beautifully coloured and explores issues of race and stereotypes. |
Appropriate Grade Level/Reading Level
Gr 7-10 Themes -Asian racial stereotypes -friendship Notes -2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature, -winner of the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New -Eisner Award nominee for Best Coloring -2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year Links Synopsis with Activity Ideas Study Guide Web English Teacher Questions and Plans |
The Arrival- Shawn Tan
Synopsis (from Amazon)
Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel. It depicts the journey of one man, threatened by dark shapes that cast shadows on his family's life, to a new country. The only writing is in an invented alphabet, which creates the sensation immigrants must feel when they encounter a strange new language and way of life. Why Teach This The pictures are amazingly detailed and surreal, and this piece would make an excellent starting point for discussion of how images can create meaning without ever using words. It could also be a great resource for helping students with creative writing by giving them a picture from the book and then asking them to write a story based on what they see. |
Appropriate Grade Level/Reading Level
Any Themes -immigration/emigration -surrealism -family -separation Links Shawn Tan Interview Video |