The Winona State University Common Book Project will feature “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang.
Yang’s 2006 graphic novel combines three unrelated stories. The stories eventually combine as the characters work together to resolve issues caused by identity crises and cultural stereotyping.
“American Born Chinese” is the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award. The book has also been awarded the American Library Association’s Printz Award and Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album.
Yang is a high school science teacher and creative writing professor at Hamline University. He has also worked as a cartoonist and graphic novelist of other works, including the comic continuation of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.
He is scheduled to visit Winona State Sept. 14-15.
The Common Book Project aims to connect a community of readers in the discussion of a single work. Funding for the project comes from the Office of the Provost for Academic Affairs and the WSU Bookstore.
“American Born Chinese” will also contribute to the 2015-16 university theme, “Equality as a Human Right: Building Inclusive Community.”
This novel will be available at the WSU Bookstore, The Book Shelf and other book retailers.
For more information contact Ann-Marie Dunbar at adunbar@winona.edu or visit the Common Book Project website.
