“Like That? Read This!” is a feature where I provide librarian-curated book recommendations based off of your favorite reads both new & old! “Like That? Read This!” is also perfect when you’re waiting for a library copy of a hot new release and need something to read in the meantime.
Librarians and educators are welcome to use “Like That? Read This!” to create readalike lists, displays, or other readers advisory tools for their students/readers!
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Title: American Born Chinese
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Publisher: First Second
Release date: movie tie-in edition released April 3, 2023; originally published in 2006
Synopsis: “A tour-de-force by New York Times bestselling graphic novelist Gene Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he’s the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny’s life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. American Born Chinese is an amazing ride, all the way up to the astonishing climax.”
My thoughts: Although this is a classic when it comes to graphic novels, I have to admit that despite being a huge graphic novel reader, I only read this for the first time recently! I had to prepare to watch the Disney+ show adaptation, and wow this did not disappoint. Gene Luen Yang is a really clever storyteller and I’m really excited to see new readers discover his work because of the show.
There’s already a bunch of holds on my library’s copy of the book, so I knew I needed a go-to list of readalikes to recommend!
- City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm by Jaimal Yogis & Vivian Truong: If you enjoy the fantastic elements of the Monkey King plotline in American Born Chinese (ABC), you’ll enjoy this action-packed graphic novel set in Hong Kong.
- Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk: Although Making Friends doesn’t tackle identity the way ABC does, this book touches on loneliness, friendship, and the desire to belong–all of which will surely resonate with readers who appreciate Jin’s story in ABC.
- The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee: While ABC is a graphic novel and Genie Lo is a traditional prose novel, this hilarious book also draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and features the tale of the Monkey King. This novel is a bit more plot-driven, while ABC is character-driven.
- Messy Roots by Laura Gao: Unlike ABC, Messy Roots is a graphic memoir, but it also deals heavily with Chinese American identity; Laura’s struggles of not feeling Chinese or American enough mirror many of Jin’s feelings in ABC.
- The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor: Both graphic novels are inspired by iconic characters from Chinese folklore (The Money King in ABC, Po Pan Yin in The Legend of Auntie Po); while ABC has a contemporary setting, The Legend of Auntie Po is set in the 1880s.
- The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen: ABC is more cartoony and colorful compared to the detailed style of The Magic Fish, but both graphic novels star Asian-American teen boys and blend folklore with contemporary storytelling.
- Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani: If you enjoy the cartoony style of ABC, you’ll adore Pashmina! Both books also deal with Asian American identity and have a touch of magic.
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang: This historical novel set in the 1990s balances moving themes of identity & immigration with a dose of humor, much like ABC! ABC is a graphic novel while this one is a traditional prose novel, but both also star Chinese kids searching for a sense of belonging.
- Manu!! by Kelly Fernández: Manu has a sillier tone, but a similar cartoony art style to ABC; both feature misfit characters seeking a sense of belonging–with a sprinkling of fantasy elements!
- Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter: Both Squished and ABC are character-driven and cartoon-style, with a nice dose of humor! Both also star Asian American characters navigating friendship, change, and identity.
- Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang: Parachute Kids is a bit more feel-good than ABC, but both are character-driven graphic novels that focus on themes of Asian identity and immigrant experiences.
- Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai: Pie in the Sky reads somewhat younger than ABC, but readers looking for more cartoony-style graphic novels about Asian identity will enjoy this one. While this one is set in Australia, it touches on similar feelings of being an outsider and seeking a sense of belonging.
- Stargazing by Jen Wang: Stargazing is targeted towards a younger audience, but also stars Chinese-American characters and centers around friendship and acceptance! Readers who enjoyed the themes and representation of ABC but are open to more realistic stories will love this one.
- Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova: Awkward is a bit more upbeat than ABC, but its character-driven story and engaging writing will appeal to ABC fans! Awkward also tackles friendship and the quest to fit in.
- Almost American Girl by Robin Ha: Almost American Girl is a graphic memoir–although this sets it apart from ABC, it deals with similar themes of Asian identity, immigration, and finding a sense of belonging.
Are you a fan of American Born Chinese? Have you seen the show yet?!
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