Real Friends by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Book Review: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Jess’s Review: 

Although I don’t read too many graphic novels, I picked this one up as an assignment for a Graphic Novels in Libraries course.  I enjoy comics because reading them feels like I’m watching a movie. The characters and setting come alive and I don’t have to use my own limited imagination to visualize the story. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is a wild ride with compelling illustrations and complex topics. Yang blends Chinese folklore, contemporary social issues, and his Christian faith to create a deep yet relatable narrative. This book proves that humor has a place in serious topics; the illustrations lighten the tone at funny moments, raise the stakes in dramatic moments, and grip the heart during tender moments.