First published 2006
Jin Wang faces constant harassment from bullies and jocks after his family relocates to a neighborhood where he becomes the sole Chinese American student. His isolation deepens when he develops feelings for a classmate who represents everything he thinks he should want to be. Meanwhile, the legendary Monkey King commands respect from all monkeys and masters kung fu, yet yearns for recognition as a deity rather than remaining bound to his animal nature. In a third storyline, Danny enjoys popularity until his cousin Chin-Kee arrives for his annual visit, embodying every negative Chinese stereotype and forcing Danny to change schools repeatedly to escape the humiliation. These three narratives weave together toward a surprising revelation that transforms how each character sees himself and his place in the world.
Genres: literary-fiction, american-fiction, coming-of-age, young-adult, graphic-novels-comics, asian-american
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: China, United States
Period: 21st-century
233 pages · Paperback · First Second
Content warnings: racism