About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle or high schooler is struggling with the pressure to fit in, feeling embarrassed by their family traditions, or navigating the complexities of a new school environment. This graphic novel masterfully weaves together three stories: a boy named Jin Wang who wants to change his identity to impress a crush, the legendary Monkey King who seeks to be more than a deity, and a purposely uncomfortable depiction of a cultural stereotype named Chin-Kee. Through these intersecting narratives, the book explores themes of self-confidence, the pain of social isolation, and the journey toward self-acceptance. It is a powerful tool for parents looking to open honest conversations about racism and the internal struggle of growing up between two cultures. While it contains some instances of bullying and intense emotional moments, the ultimate message is one of embracing one's true self.
What Parents Should Know
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think the author chose to make Chin-Kee so exaggerated and uncomfortable to read about?
2
Jin Wang changes his hairstyle to look more like Greg. Have you ever felt like you had to change something about yourself to be accepted?
3
The Monkey King is told he cannot enter the party because he isn't wearing shoes. How is this similar to what Jin experiences at his new school?
4
At the end of the book, what does the Monkey King mean when he tells Jin that he would have saved himself a lot of 'misery' if he had just stayed a monkey?
5
How do the three different storylines eventually connect, and what does that tell us about Danny's true identity?
