by Gene Luen Yang. New York, NY: First Second, 2006
Yang brilliantly weaves three seemingly independent stories together – all about cultural and individual identity. One story is of Jin Wang a Chinese-American boy who yearns to fit into the predominantly White neighborhood he just moved into. The second is an old Chinese fable of the Monkey King, the most powerful monkey on earth who wants to be more than a monkey. The third is of Chin-Kee, the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype who visits his American cousin Danny and is an embarrassment.
This book is great for units on diversity, social studies themes (culture and diversity; and global connections), and folklore - particularly how folklore shapes cultural and individual identities.
Awards include: Eisner Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editors' Choice; Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year, YALSA Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong learners, CYBIL Award, Reuben and Printz Awards.
Grades 5+