Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that intertwines three separate stories - one of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at a white school, the story of the Monkey King from Chinese folklore, and the tale of a Caucasian family with a stereotyped Chinese cousin. These stories come together to illustrate themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different in a predominantly white society. The book addresses issues such as racism, stereotypes, and the Asian American experience through a blend of humor, fantasy, and relatable teenage struggles.

The novel is written in a comix style, featuring colorful illustrations that complement the storytelling. The plot weaves together the lives of the characters in a way that brings depth and complexity to the narrative, ultimately delivering a message of self-acceptance and tolerance. Through the combination of image and text, Gene Luen Yang masterfully creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of readers, including middle school children and adults.

If you liked American Born Chinese, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
    Save:

    The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is a middle-grade graphic novel that follows the story of Tiên, a Vietnamese American boy who is struggling to come out to his parents about his sexual identity because there isn't a word for "gay" in Vietnamese. Tiên and his mother, Helen, bond over reading fairy tales together to practice English, which leads to a deeper understanding of their family's history and cultural heritage. The narrative weaves between Tiên's present-day struggles, his mother's experiences as a refugee, and fantastical fairy tale scenes, all beautifully illustrated with different color schemes to distinguish between timelines.

    The book explores themes of immigration, queerness, memory, and the power of storytelling, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and cultural identity. Through a blend of realistic contemporary YA elements and enchanting fairy tale motifs, The Magic Fish delves into the emotional journey of Tiên and Helen as they navigate language barriers, generational divides, and the search for acceptance and understanding.


  2. #2

    The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
    Save:

    'The Best We Could Do' by Thi Bui is a touching and painfully honest graphic memoir that follows the journey of Bui's family, from their survival in war-torn Vietnam to their immigration to the United States as refugees. The story is narrated by one of the daughters, exploring themes of family identity, motherhood, and the impact of war on survivors. The graphic format of the book effectively captures the emotional depth of the family's experiences and transitions across time and countries.

    The narrative of 'The Best We Could Do' weaves together the lives of Bui's parents in Vietnam, their escape as refugees, and her own reflections as a mother with a newborn. The memoir delves into the complexities of family relationships, generational trauma, and the search for understanding and forgiveness. Through expressive illustrations and honest storytelling, Thi Bui explores themes of loss, resilience, and the interwoven histories of her family and their homeland.


  3. #3

    Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
    Save:

    'Good Talk' by Mira Jacob is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's life experiences, from her parents' arranged marriage to navigating through significant events like 9/11 and the Trump election. Through conversations with her son, Jacob explores themes of race, identity, and belonging in America, offering a personal and perceptive account of being considered 'other' in society. The book features a unique storytelling format, combining black and white pencil comics with photographic backgrounds, creating a visually engaging narrative that resonates with readers.


  4. #4

    They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
    Save:

    'They Called Us Enemy' by George Takei is an autobiographical graphic novel that sheds light on his childhood experiences in US concentration camps during WWII. The book captures the true story of American internment camps for Japanese-Americans through Takei's memories, making it a heart-wrenching yet inspiring read. The writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Takei and his family during a dark period in American history.


  5. #5

    Boxers & Saints - Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang
    Save:

    Boxers & Saints is a two-part historical tale set during the Boxer Rebellion in China, providing personal stories of individuals caught up in the conflict. The first book, Boxers, follows the journey of a young man named Bao who becomes a leader in the rebellion with the help of Chinese gods, while the second book, Saints, tells the story of Four Girl who seeks acceptance and purpose by converting to Christianity. The author, Gene Luen Yang, weaves together elements of Chinese opera and Christian hagiography to create a multi-textured narrative that explores themes of faith, identity, and the impact of political and cultural upheaval on individuals.

    Yang's storytelling in Boxers & Saints delves into the complexities of the Boxer Rebellion, providing multiple perspectives on the historical conflict and depicting the ways in which personal experiences shape reactions to political and cultural turmoil. Through the intertwined stories of Bao and Four Girl, the author navigates difficult questions about religious extremism, imperialism, and the consequences of noble intentions leading to unspeakable damage, all while maintaining a profound empathy for the characters' plights.


  6. #6

    Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood - Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
    Save:

    'Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood' by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novel memoir that follows the life of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers are exposed to the cultural shifts, political turmoil, and personal struggles faced during this tumultuous period. The black and white illustrations, combined with the narrative, provide a unique perspective on the impact of war and revolution on an individual's life.

    The writing style of 'Persepolis' is described as authentic, engaging, and poignant. Satrapi skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes with historical events, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The use of a graphic novel format adds visual depth to the storytelling, making complex themes more accessible and enhancing the emotional impact of the memoir.


  7. #7

    Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
    Save:

    Alison Bechdel's 'Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic' is a graphic novel memoir depicting her complex relationship with her father, a closeted gay man with a penchant for teenage boys. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, identity, secrets, and the challenges of growing up in an emotionally distant household. Bechdel skillfully weaves literary references into her narrative, providing insight into her family's life and her own coming-of-age story.

    The narrative structure of 'Fun Home' is described as a spiral, where the story turns in on itself, revealing glimpses of the future and then delving back into the past with new knowledge. Through poignant storytelling and detailed illustrations, Bechdel offers a raw and unflinching account of her childhood and the impact of her father's hidden sexuality on their family dynamics. The book delves into themes of grief, self-discovery, and the complexities of familial relationships, all presented in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant manner.


  8. #8

    El Deafo by Cece Bell
    Save:

    This book tells the story of Cece, a young girl who becomes hard of hearing at a young age due to meningitis. It follows her journey through school, friendships, and self-acceptance while dealing with her hearing loss. The graphic novel format, combined with the author's personal experiences, provides insight into the challenges faced by those who are hard of hearing, offering a relatable and educational narrative for readers.

    Cece's character development as she navigates her disability, finds true friendships, and embraces her unique abilities is a central theme in the book. Through Cece's story, readers are introduced to the complexities of living with a hearing impairment, the importance of inclusivity, and the power of self-acceptance. The book effectively blends personal narrative with informative content, making it a valuable resource for both children and adults to understand the experiences of those who are deaf.


  9. #9

    The Arrival by Shaun Tan
    Save:

    'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan is a wordless graphic novel that intricately portrays the immigrant experience through stunning illustrations. It follows the journey of a man leaving his family behind to start a new life in a strange land, navigating through unfamiliar customs, languages, and creatures. Through a series of surreal and poignant images, the book captures the emotional struggles and triumphs of immigrants seeking a better life in a foreign land.

    The narrative unfolds through a scrapbook-like format, blending elements of fantasy and history to create a unique and immersive storytelling experience. Readers are taken on a visual journey filled with symbolic representations of the challenges faced by immigrants, such as adapting to new environments, overcoming language barriers, and finding hope and connection amidst adversity. 'The Arrival' is a powerful and universal story that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to reflect on themes of home, displacement, and the resilience of the human spirit.


  10. #10

    Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
    Save:

    In "Interior Chinatown," the main character, Willis Wu, navigates between his real life and his life as an actor in Hollywood, striving to break free from being typecast as Generic Asian Man and to attain the coveted role of Kung Fu Guy. The book cleverly blurs the lines between reality and fiction, using a screenplay format to explore the racial stereotypes and challenges faced by Asian Americans in the entertainment industry and society at large. Through a mix of humor, satire, and poignant moments, the novel sheds light on the struggles of assimilation, identity, and the quest for acceptance in America.

    The narrative of "Interior Chinatown" unfolds in a meta, metaphorical, and satirical manner, delving into the experiences of Asian Americans as they navigate the complexities of race, representation, and belonging. The author, Charles Yu, creates a thought-provoking story that challenges stereotypes, highlights the invisibility of Asian Americans, and serves as a commentary on the inherent racism ingrained in American society.

    The day you first noticed. You’d shown up a few minutes early for weekly lesson. Maybe that’s what threw him off. When he answered the door, it took him a moment to recognize you. Two seconds, or twen...

Page 1 of 10Next Page