Gene Luen Yang
Gene Luen Yang is an American cartoonist and writer known for his graphic novels and comic books. He is the author of 'American Born Chinese,' which won the Michael L. Printz Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Yang has also written for the 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' comic series and 'Superman' for DC Comics. In 2016, he was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. American Born Chinese
"American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that weaves together three distinct storylines to explore themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance. The book follows the lives of Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy struggling to fit in at school, the Monkey King, a mythical character striving for acceptance among his peers, and Danny, a white American teenager dealing with his Chinese cousin's visit. Through these interconnected narratives, the book delves into the complexities of being an immigrant and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities in America.
The 3478th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Lunar New Year Love Story
Valentina Tran, once a fan of Valentine's Day, becomes disillusioned with love after discovering family secrets and a supposed curse from Saint Valentine himself. Her perspective shifts during a Lunar New Year festival when a mysterious lion dancer hands her a paper heart, sparking a determination to defy her fate. Meanwhile, Jae finds solace in lion dancing after his father's death, maintaining a connection to his family. At the festival, he feels an inexplicable bond with Val, despite her dating his cousin Leslie. As Val and Jae navigate their personal struggles and the spirits that haunt them, they find themselves drawn together in a heartfelt journey of love and self-discovery.
The 17120th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
3. Avatar
The Last Airbender
Set in a world where elemental bending is a revered skill, the story follows a young hero destined to bring balance to the world. As the last of his kind, he embarks on a journey filled with challenges, friendships, and self-discovery. Alongside his loyal companions, he must confront formidable adversaries and navigate complex moral dilemmas to fulfill his destiny. The narrative weaves themes of identity, responsibility, and the struggle between good and evil, all set against a richly imagined backdrop of diverse cultures and mystical landscapes.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
4. The Promise
Set in the richly detailed world of the Avatar universe, this graphic novel follows the journey of Aang and his friends as they navigate the complexities of rebuilding a war-torn world. As tensions rise between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom over the fate of the Fire Nation colonies, Aang is torn between his duty as the Avatar and his promise to his friend Zuko. With themes of friendship, responsibility, and cultural identity, the story explores the challenges of maintaining peace and harmony in a world still healing from the scars of conflict.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
5. The Search
In this captivating graphic novel, the story follows a group of friends on a quest to uncover the truth about a long-lost family member, delving into themes of identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial bonds. As they journey through a richly illustrated world filled with magic and mystery, they confront personal demons and forge new alliances, ultimately discovering that the answers they seek lie not only in the past but also in their evolving relationships with one another. The narrative weaves together elements of adventure and introspection, offering readers a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of hope.
-
6. The Rift
In this captivating graphic novel, the story unfolds as tensions rise between the spirit world and the human realm, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance that Avatar Aang has worked tirelessly to maintain. As industrialization encroaches upon sacred lands, Aang and his friends must navigate the complexities of progress and tradition, confronting both external threats and internal conflicts. With themes of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the importance of understanding different perspectives, this tale weaves together action, humor, and heartfelt moments, ultimately highlighting the power of unity and empathy in overcoming division.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
7. The Eternal Smile
This graphic novel weaves together three distinct yet interconnected stories, each exploring the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Through a whimsical tale of a frog prince, a daring adventure of a swashbuckling hero, and the poignant journey of a young office worker, the narrative delves into themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. With vibrant illustrations and a touch of humor, it challenges readers to reflect on the nature of dreams and the courage it takes to confront one's true self.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
8. Superman Smashes The Klan
Set in 1946, this graphic novel follows the Lee family as they move from Chinatown to the suburbs of Metropolis, only to face racial prejudice and threats from the Ku Klux Klan. As young Roberta Lee struggles to fit in, she discovers her own courage and resilience. Meanwhile, Superman grapples with his identity and the limits of his powers, ultimately confronting the Klan's hateful ideology. Through a blend of action and heartfelt storytelling, the narrative explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the fight against bigotry, showcasing the power of unity and understanding in overcoming fear and hatred.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
9. Dragon Hoops
A Graphic Novel
In this captivating graphic novel, a high school teacher embarks on a journey to understand the world of basketball, a sport he has always been indifferent to. As he follows the school's basketball team, he uncovers the rich tapestry of personal stories, struggles, and triumphs that define the players and coaches. Through their eyes, he learns about the dedication, teamwork, and resilience required to chase a championship dream, ultimately discovering the profound impact sports can have on individuals and communities alike.
-
10. Boxers & Saints
A dual-narrative graphic novel set during the Boxer Rebellion follows a village boy who rises as a charismatic leader of the anti-foreign fighters, claiming spiritual powers to defend his people, and a young girl who, shunned by her community, finds solace in a new faith and faces persecution for her conversion. Through interwoven perspectives and vivid visuals, it explores how patriotism, religion, love, and fear can drive ordinary people to both violence and sacrifice, complicating simple ideas of heroism and villainy. The result is an empathetic, tragic portrait of individuals caught between cultural upheaval and personal longing.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
11. Level Up
A young Asian-American man about to begin a medical residency finds himself torn between his parents’ expectations to become a doctor and his own dream of making video games; as stress and obligation manifest in literal video-game–style monsters and quests, he must confront what heroism and adulthood really mean, weigh personal passion against family duty, and learn how to grow into his own life while honoring the people who shaped him.