American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese

            American Born Chinese is an important book for many reasons. The first and most important reason is because it both gives an accurate portrayal of a person who is trying to adjust to a new culture while both blasting and accepting certain stereotypes. This book is important to read in schools because many students will never know what it is like to be part of a minority, at least of a cultural or ethnic nature. Using this novel in class can show students how hard it can be to adapt but also provides a very fun read.

            Another reason that this novel is important to teach in schools is because it is unique, one of only a handful of graphic novel style books that have been approved for reading in the classroom. The graphic novel style of this work opens up a lot of options for activities, discussion, and entertainment during reading. Additionally, students that are not inclined to be reading the novels that have been previously assigned might find this novel to be easier, or more accepting. They might not even view it as reading. Graphic novels can go a long way in encouraging students that are struggling or reluctant readers to begin to enjoy reading.

            As with any material that is taught in the classroom there are likely to be some objectors to this material. In this case I think it will come largely from people that will say that graphic novels are not a valid form of literature and that students should be doing other tasks besides reading comics in school. However, this novel can be very easily defended with a strong rationale and unit outline that could be sent home to parents.