What did Gene Luen Yang's parents do to strengthen the link between their children and their cultural heritage?

They told stories, especially Chinese myths.

What did the panel in 'American Born Chinese' symbolize, according to Gene Luen Yang?

His childhood desire to be white.

Grade 9th Grade · ELA · 45 min

I can identify key background elements that influence the novel American Born Chinese.

ABC7 News Bay Area · 3:02

Shame & acceptance: How 'American Born Chinese' came to be

3 key concepts

1
Gene Luen Yang's parents strengthened their children's connection to their heritage through stories, particularly Chinese myths like that of the Monkey King.
2
Yang's 'American Born Chinese' explores a child's struggle with self-acceptance, particularly regarding his cultural heritage.
3
Both the book and show versions of 'American Born Chinese' center on a protagonist learning to accept and take pride in the part of himself he was once embarrassed by.

11 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Name three background elements that influenced the novel American Born Chinese, as mentioned by Gene Luen Yang in the video.”

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