MADreads

More than meets the eye

May 29th, 2007 Molly - Central

The number of graphic novels I have read can be counted on one hand and are primarily about elves on quests and clockwork fairies. That is not to say that I am not open to reading graphic novels - I just don’t read a lot of them because it takes me a long time to figure out where the story is going on the page.  As graphic novels become more mainstream, though, I will inevitably find myself reading more and more of them.  I’m hopeful I will train my eyes and brain to read them as fast as a regular book, because it is currently quite a chore for me.  But totally worth it.

This year, the same graphic novel was a finalist for the Young People’s National Book Award and won the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association), a division of the American Library Association.  The Printz Award is for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature and this year’s winner, American Born Chinese is an exceptional book of any variety.

Gene Luen Yang, the author and artist, creates a story in three parallel arcs that addresses the issues of Chinese American kids fitting in with their peers and finding their role in society while respecting their heritage.  Yang weaves together stories from Chinese mythology, elements of traditional Chinese culture, stereotypes and adolescent angst with expert artistry and storytelling skill. 

The characters range from little boys playing with Transformers to high school basketball stars and the Monkey King, a Chinese folk hero.  Like the Transformer toys, there is “more than meets the eye” with all three stories.  The illustrations are captivating and bright and a surprise twist ends the novel in a very satisfying way.  Highly recommended.

Entry Filed under: Graphic Novel