Gene Luen Yang
Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
“Oh, cruel abandonment! My bones turn to dust beneath the gaze of your ever-mocking smile!”
“Though cast away am I from the heart of my city, black tears dribble from mine eyes at the sight of the fearful trail blazing towards her gates!”
“Appa has feelings, too!”
“I do not make mistakes, little monkey. A monkey I intended you to be. A monkey you are.”
“Wait.""So what am I supposed to do now?""You know, Jin, I would have saved myself from five hundred years' imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey."(222-223)”
“Class, I'd like us all to give a warm mayflower elementary welcome to your new friend and classmate Jing Jang!""Jin Wang""Jin wang!""He and his family recently moved to our neighborhood all the way from China!""San Francisco.""San Francisco!""Yes, Timmy.""My momma says Chinese people eat dogs.""Now be nice, Timmy!" -km sure Jin doesn't do that! In fact, Jin's family probably stopped that sort of thing as soon as they came to the united states!"The only other asian in my class was Suzy Nakamura.When the class finally figured out that we weren't related, rumors began to circulate that suzy and I were arranged to be married on her thirteenth birthday.We avoided each other as much as possible.(30-31)”
“To find your true identity within the will of Tze Yo Tzuh...that is the highest of all freedoms.”
“It's easy to become anything you wish . . . so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul.”