Gene luen yang autobiography sample
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YA A to Z: Gene Luen Yang
Here we are in the homestretch – I mean, we’re at the letter Y – and not one single graphic novel has appeared on our list, even though statistical evidence suggests that graphic novels are some of the top circulating items in my library system (how about yours?). The truth is, I personally am not a huge reader of graphic novels, though I am a huge advocate for them because my tweens and teens love them. Even The Tween loves them, personally being a huge fan of GNs by Raina Telgemeier and a few other series. I know, I hang my head in shame. I should read more graphic novels. That should be one of my New Year’s Resolutions.
But I have read the award winning works of Gene Luen Yang and maintain that everyone should. Everyone. Yes, even you. These books are award winners for a reason!
About American Born Chinese:
“All Jin Wang wants is to fit in. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he suddenly finds that he’s the only Chinese American student at his school. Jocks and bullies pick on him constantly, and he has hardly any friends. Then, to make matters worse, he falls in love with an all-American girl…
Born to rule over all the monkeys in the world, the story of the Monkey King is one of the oldes
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MacKids Spotlight: Gene Luen Yang
Meet Gene Luen Yang, the author and illustrator of Dragon Hoops, a 2021 Printz Honor Book! Gene shares more about his inspiration for this book, his most memorable teacher, his favorite childhood book, and more!
When describing Dragon Hoops, what’s your elevator pitch?
Gene Luen Yang:Dragon Hoops tells the real-life story of the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons, a high school basketball team from Oakland, California. During the 2014-2015 season, they made a dramatic push for the California State Championship. I document that season in graphic novel format.
What inspired you to write Dragon Hoops?
Gene: I taught at Bishop O’Dowd High School, the home of the Dragons, for seventeen years. During my last year there, I became friends with Lou Richie, the coach of the varsity men’s basketball team. Lou might be the most interesting human being I know. He’s just lived a very eventful life. Lou isn’t just a coach at O’Dowd, he’s also an alum. Back in 1988 when he was a junior and a point guard on the school’s team, the Dragons made it all the way to the State Championship, but lost in a heartbreaking fashion. Hi