American Born Chinese is a collection of three storylines intertwined together with the theme of trying to accept yourself when you are the outsider; when you don’t look, act, or speak like everyone else.
The main story is about Jin Wang, the only Chinese-American student at his school. Though he finds friendship with the only other immigrant in his school, Jin also nurses a crush on a Caucasian girl in his class. He then goes to great lengths to become a version of himself that he believes she will find attractive, including perming his hair.
The second story focuses on The Monkey King, one of the oldest and best-known Chinese fables. It relays the legend of The Monkey King who, after being looked down upon by the other deities, decides he no longer wants to be a monkey. He works hard to master the skills that will make him a God, but it’s that desire to be something different than he is that continues to cause him trouble.
Lastly, Chin-Kee is a negative stereotype that exists as a cousin to a young, popular, Caucasian basketball player named Danny. Danny is forced to move every year after Chin-Kee’s visit to avoid the shame Chin-Kee has caused. Chin-Kee is a powerful example of the damage a stereotype can do to a kid who just wants to try and fit in.
The book’s interlocking tales speak to the outsider in all of us and guide us to a more positive path of self-acceptance. Though suitable for all ages, this is a beautiful portrayal of being otherly.