Book Review - AMERICAN BORN CHINESE - TWU LS 5603 assignment

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yang, Gene Luen.  2006.  AMERICAN BORN CHINESE.  Coloring by Lark Pien.  New York: First Second.  ISBN:  9781596431522

PLOT SUMMARY

This has three different story-lines that come together and connect at the end of the novel.  The first is about the Chinese fable Monkey King, who wants to become a god in human form.  The second concerns Chinese-American Jin Wang, who wants to become Caucasian.  The third is how Chin-Kee, a negative Chinese stereo-type, continues to plague his cousin’s, Danny, life.  The plot for all three stories revolves around not liking who you (or your family) are; wanting to change into someone else.  The characters do not like their ethnicity; they all feel inferior as themselves.  The story culminates with these three characters finding out how their lives are inter-twined and how to live the life they were born into.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This graphic novel is eye-appealing; from the front yellow cover with only half a face showing throughout the pages that are colorful, yet subtle.  The graphics are clear and crisp, with several different styles of panels per page that keep the scenes from becoming monotonous. 

This realistic fiction story can take place in any child’s life, in any school, in any city, in any country.  It is a universal coming-of-age theme, working through and accepting who you are, no matter what your race, color, religion, or ethnicity is.

AWARDS

2007 Michael L. Printz Award Winner
2007 Eisner Award Winner Best Graphic Album – New
2006 National Book Award Nominee
American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults
YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
NPR Holiday Pick
Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award
Harvey Award
Reuben Award Winner
Booklist Editors' Choice
Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novel for Youth
Library Media Editor's Choice
Publisher's Weekly Comics Week Best Comic of the Year
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

REVIEWS

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “it's a fable for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape….fable is filtered through some very specific cultural icons…each character's expressions and actions are always perfectly familiar…this story's clear, concise lines and expert coloring are deceptively simple yet expressive…Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you'll already have reached out to others.”

EDUCATIIONAL LEADERSHIP:  “weaves together a coming-of-age narrative, Eastern mythology, and a sitcom-style story of contemporary teen life.”

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW:  “Yang makes growing up Chinese in California seem positively terrifying…seems to use Chin-Kee to express his deepest fears of how others perceive Asian-Americans…reminding us that the image of a Chinese student filling out all the SAT bubbles correctly can be as damaging as one eating ''flied cat gizzards.''
            “blends Chinese and American cultures in inventive, unexpected ways. Structurally, its interwoven stories form a trilogy -- a familiar Western construction -- but the tale of the Monkey King is dominated by groups of four….a cursed number in Chinese numerology….in the book's most clever ethnic synthesis, he turns four to his favor, becoming one of four emissaries to the West who replace the wise men in their pilgrimage to see Jesus.
            “also functions well as a comic book…art blends the clean lines of anime with a bold American palette…Yang has created that rare article: a youthful tale with something new to say about American youth.”

MELUS:  “mature in artistic design and visually engaging.  Yet what makes it especially appealing to both young and mature readers is its narrative depth…the three separate tales are cleverly woven together in a dramatic climax, highlighting the work's focus on ethnic self-acceptance and empowerment…Yang uses the idea of transformation to give the novel thematic and structural unity…The legendary trickster figure [Monkey King] has been repeatedly re-imagined by Chinese American writers as a source of cultural strength, a symbol of subversion and resistance, and a metaphor for cross-cultural and interracial negotiation…[transforming] provides an illuminating parallel to Jin Wang's/Danny's coming-coming-of-age narrative…The blatant racial stereotype that Chin-Kee stands for has long denied Asians a place in American culture…[yet Chin-Kee] emerges as the epitome of transformation and subversion…Yang's reinvention of such a figure is an effective way to dispel the century-old image of the "Heathen Chinese."

LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “the three stories suddenly merge,…Coalescence comes almost too quickly, but the trivision approach and treatment are unique and moving. The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective.”

AMAZON.COM:  “The artwork, rendered in a chromatically cool palette, is crisp and clear, with clean white space around center panels that sharply focuses the reader's attention in on Yang's achingly familiar characters.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:  “It’s a nice combination of a fable and contemporary stories to convey the wonderful lesson of accepting one’s culture and identity with pride…has engaging art, and at times, funny dialogue.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “lt's tough to talk about today's most serious issues (such as racial prejudice, self-acceptance, and spirituality) without seeming sanctimonious or sappy. But graphic artist Gene Yang deftly sidesteps that quicksand in this zippy, heartfelt tale of what it means to grow up Asian American.”

BOOKLIST:  “with vibrant colors and visual panache…each of the [three] characters is flawed but familiar…stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects – shame, racism, and friendship – receive thoughtful, powerful examination…Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller.”

VOYA:  “This graphic novel first appeared as a long running web comic on http://www.moderntales.com, where it enjoyed an enthusiastic following. The artwork is clean and distinctive, with varying panel styles and inking that is visually appealing . . . This graphic novel could be especially cathartic for teens and adults of Asian descent, but people of any ethnicity would find themselves reflected in the universal themes of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and racial tensions.”

CONNECTIONS

Books to Read

Varon, Sara.  ROBOT DREAMS.  ISBN:  1596431083
Abadzis, Nick.  LAIKA.  ISBN:  1596431016
Tan, Shaun.  THE ARRIVAL.  ISBN:  0439895294
Tamaki, Mariko.  SKIM.  ISBN:  088899964X
Kim, Derek Kirk.  GOOD AS LILY.  ISBN:  140121381

Used as a resource in:
Knowles, Elizabeth and Martha Smith. 2007. UNDERSTANDING DIVERSITY THROUGH NOVELS AND PICTURE BOOKS. ISBN:  9781591584407

Lessons

Teaching history:http://us.macmillan.com/Content.aspx?publisher=firstsecond&id=3737

Gene Luen Yang lesson plans:http://www.webenglishteacher.com/yang.html

English/Social Studies: http://www.getgraphic.org/GG_Kits/American%20Born%20Chinese/ABC%20Lesson%20Plan%20Stereotype.pdf

ELL US History II- Reconstruction to the Present – Grade 11 and 12 (Students in these classes are limited English proficiency. They have minimal background in US History. In addition, language is as an important component in the class as content knowledge. ): http://www.gse.uml.edu/rtah/docs/Morgensterndrivenout.doc

Telling stories:  http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/pwtv/studyguides/GeneYang.pdf

History lesson:  http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/teachers/abcLesson.html

Factoring with Mr. Yang & Mosley the Alien: Webcomics Lessons for Algebra Students: http://www.humblecomics.com/factoring/

YA lesson plans: http://yareviews.wikispaces.com/American+Born+Chinese+by+Gene+Luen+Yang

Book Review - THE GRAVEYARD BOOK - TWU LS 5603 assignment

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil. 2009.  THE GRAVEYARD BOOK.  Narrated by Neil Gaiman.  Ohio:  Findaway             World.  ISBN 9781436198783

PLOT SUMMARY

Bod Owens is a unique boy raised by ghosts and other supernaturals in a graveyard.  He learns many things: respect (he addresses many spirits in their own diction), boundaries (through trial and error), compassion, tolerance/acceptance of other [beings], and commitment to family and friends.  He is befriended by Scarlett, in the real world.  He also learns about loss; his family has been murdered and he too is being hunted by the murderer, Jack.  His exploits in the graveyard, ether worlds, and outside the graveyard combine to help make him ready to face life in the real world.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I listened to the book on a Playaway.  It is narrated by the author.  His voice is deep, clear, calm, and pleasant to the ear; occasionally it drops too low to hear well when the music is playing.  The music is sprightly, hinting at mystery, but not dark.  The story is easy to listen to and follow.

Gaiman has created a handful of main characters, two of which – Bod and Scarlett - grow and mature during the story.  Other main characters – Jack, Mr/Mrs Owens, Silas, Miss Lupescu – are true to their own characteristics, whether dead or alive.  And then there are the delightful background graveyard/ether characters that help nurture Bod; the ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ proverb.  The story is prolific with characters as there are at least a dozen more ‘real’ people that Bod encounters during his worldly episodes.

The plot – murder, the main setting – graveyard, and the theme – good vs. evil, are so intertwined as to be believable.  Yes, an 18-month old can disappear quickly. Yes, a bunch of ghosts, with nothing but time on their hands, could become infatuated with a baby and decide to raise it.  Yes, evil exists and wins occasionally, but the good guys keep trying to stop them.

Gaiman’s  style is entertaining intrigue.  Bod reminds me of Dennis the Menace; what trouble is he going to get into next?  And like Dennis, his charm and wit, along with his ‘family and friends’, aid him through all his adventures.  In his last graveyard quest, Bod loses two dear friends; but even this loss teaches Bod important lessons for his future.

AWARDS

Book2009 Newbery Medal
2010 Carnegie Medal
2009 Hugo Award
2009 Locus Award
ALA Notable Children's Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Booklist Editors' Choice
Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Vermont)
Horn Book Fanfare
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age
Time Magazine Top Ten Fiction

AudioAudiobook of the YearAlaska - Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award 2011: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
Arizona - Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominees 2011: Tween Books - Audiovisual List
Arkansas - Arkansas Teen Book Award Nominees 2010: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
Arkansas - Arkansas Teen Book Award Winners 2010: Grades 7-9
Delaware - Diamonds Book Award Nominees 2009-2010: High School - Audiovisual List
Hawaii - Hawaii Nene Award Reading List Nominees 2012 - Audiovisual List
Idaho - Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award 2011: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
Literary Prizes - School Library Journal starred
Montana - Pacific Northwest Iowa - Iowa High School Battle of the Books List 2010-2011 -        Audiovisual     List
Young Reader's Choice Award 2011: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
New Jersey - New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award Nominees 2011: Fiction Gr.6-8 -          Audiovisual List
Oklahoma - Oklahoma Sequoyah Intermediate Book Award Nominees - 2011 - Audisvisual List
Oregon - Oregon Readers Choice Book Award Nominees 2011: Intermediate Division -   Audiovisual List
Oregon - Young Reader's Choice Award 2011: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominees 2011-2012: Grades 6-8 - Audiovisual List
Washington - Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award 2011: Grades 7-9 - Audiovisual List
Washington - Washington Evergreen Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2011 - Audiovisual    List

Wisconsin - Golden Archer Award Nominees 2009-2010: Middle School/Junior High -     Audiovisual List

Wisconsin - Wisconsin Battle of the Books 2009-2010: Middle Div. Gr.6-8 - Audiovisual List

Wisconsin - Wisconsin Battle of the Books 2009-2010: Senior Division - Audiovisual List

REVIEWS (for the book)

KLIATT (Starred Review):  “Gaiman has a true gift for narrative and a delightfully light touch, and there are humorous details along with spine-chilling ones. YAs will race through this fine tale and enjoy every magical, creepy moment.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS (Starred Review):  “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA) (Starred Review):  “Gaiman writes with charm and humor, and again he has a real winner.”

BOOKLIST (Starred Review):  “an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming…this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages. ” 

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW:  “by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form…The story’s language and humor are sophisticated, but Gaiman respects his readers and trusts them to understand…follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable ­enchantment. “

THE GUARDIAN:  “narratives tend toward the episodic…Every page is crowded with invention, both funny and scary”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “amid suspense, spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting…Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family”

REVIEWS (for the audio)

AUDIO FILE MAGAZINE: “Neil Gaiman is one of the true gems in the audio industry… gives each specter a different—and wholly appropriate—voice, but he doesn't stop there. He even goes so far as to change a character's accent ever so slightly after she comes back from years and years abroad… performs a shift of character voice that is an absolute showstopper when he reveals the villain”

HTTP://WWW.GREENMANREVIEW.COM/BOOK/BOOK_GAIMAN_GRAVEYARDBOOK_AUDIO.HTML:  “is the audio version going to bring anything extra to the story… he conveys the range of characters and their emotions through subtle tones and inflections… Gaiman's silver-and-shadow reading style is equally suited to both older and younger readers… only made creepier by Gaiman's dry and understated delivery, as if he were channeling Alfred Hitchcock telling a bedtime story… it features a brilliant version of "The Danse Macabre" performed by Béla Fleck on the banjo”

THE INDEPENDENT:  “Neil Gaiman's slightly spooky voice is perfect for reading his slightly spooky story”

CONNECTIONS

Books to read

Gaiman, Neil.  NEVERWHERE: A NOVEL.  ISBN:  978-0060557812
Kadohata, Cynthia.  KIRA-KIRA.  ISBN  978-0689856402
Perkins, Lynne Rae.  CRISS CROSS.  ISBN  978-0060092740
Stead, Rebecca.  WHEN YOU REACH ME.  ISBN  978-0375850868
Vanderpool, Clare.  MOON OVER MANIFEST.  ISBN  978-0385738835

Lessons

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Search/graveyard+book/All/All/All/All
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/harpercollins/graveyard-book_rg.pdf

Book Review - SPEAK - TWU LS 5603 assignment

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse.  1999.  SPEAK.  Platinum Edition.  New York:  Penguin.  ISBN
            0142407321

PLOT SUMMARY

Where is the pre-party Melinda?  Who is the post-party Melinda?  Anderson explores the confusion, heartache, and fears of a young teen girls’ freshman year of high school following a tramatic summer event.  Melinda traverses the high school halls of horror alone and lonely, trying to block out what happened .  This terrible secret envelopes Melinda’s life, casting a shadow over her former self, and taking its toll over her emotional well-being.  She can’t ‘speak’ of what happened, who would believe me?  Basically, she doesn’t ‘speak’ much at all.  Melinda is befriended by her art teacher, Mr. Freeman, and works through a lot of her emotions with art class projects.  She also receives support from two new friends, David and Ivy.  It is with Ivy by her side that Melinda exercises her first act of ‘speaking up’ (p. 175), “I hold the cap in my teeth.  I start another subject thread on the wall:  Guys to Stay Away From.  The first entry is the Beast himself:  Andy Evans.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Anderson captures Melinda’s sense of lost identity and need to hide on page 124, “Eyes after eyes after eyes stare back at me.  Am I in there somewhere?...I pull the side flaps of the mirror in closer, folding myself into the looking glass and blocking out the rest…” Even Melinda is having trouble figuring out who and where the girl is that she once was.

The author demonstrates her understanding of fear, confusion, and heartbreak in her passage on page 132 where Melinda is fighting with herself about whether to go have pizza with David:
            Melinda One: “Get a life…You worry too much…You’re never going to let us have any fun…I can’t stand you”
            Melinda Two: “The world is a dangerous place…Assume the worst.  Plan for disaster. Now hurry up and get us home.  I don’t like it out here. It’s too dark”
            She ends with, “If I kick both of them out of my head, who would be left?”
This passage reeks with self-loathing, terror, and lonliness.

 Anderson includes several different styles of language.  This [profound] statement by David is an example of the strength and power of the author’s symbolism (p. 159), “But don’t expect to make a difference unless you speak up for yourself.”

This topic cuts across generations, genders, and cultures.  It tackles a subject matter that must be given a voice; men, women, boys, and girls need to feel free to ‘speak’ about such atrocities.

AWARDS

1999 National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature
2000 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
New York Times Children’s Best Seller: September 11, 2005
2008 ALAN Award
2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award

REVIEWS

YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES (YALS)l:  “Non-traditional  form…divides her novel into four sections that reflect a school year’s traditional grading periods…then presented in a series of short scenes told in the first person voice of protagonist”

BOOK LINKS:  “The story presents a realistic picture of American highschool life and its concomitant social pressures”

Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy:  “The novel is written in an unconventional style including short, vignette-like chapters and life-like visual representations of Melinda’s report cards…a skillfully written novel, is a book that might ‘speak’ to teen readers and help them cope with problems”

HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “Melinda’s smart and savvy interior narrative slowly reveals the searing pain of that 911 night....nightmare discloses itself in bits throughout the story…we feel her choking on her untold secret”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  “is remarkable for both Melinda's strong voice--an ironic twist for a character who rarely speaks but has a pungent internal monologue--and for its taut structure”

CONNECTIONS

LESSONS

http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/speak/funactivities.html http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/ http://www.viterbo.edu/perspgs/faculty/GSmith/LessonPlanforSpeak.htm

Books

Alexie, Sherman.  THE ABSOLUTELY TURE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN.  ISBN    978-0316013697Anderson, Laurie Halse.  WINTERGIRLS.  ISBN  978-0142415573Asher, Jay.  THIRTEEN REASONS WHY.  ISBN  978-1595141880Cisneros, Sandra.  THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET.  ISBN  978-0679734772
Myers, Walter Dean.  MONSTER.  ISBN  978-0064407311