American Born Chinese

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Sections 1-3

Reading Check

1. What are the four “major heavenly disciplines” that the Monkey King has mastered?

2. Why is the Monkey King not allowed to enter the party?

3. What toy does Wei-Chen have that Jin is interested in?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Jin want to be when he grows up? How does the herbalist respond?

2. Who is Peter Garbinsky? Describe Jin’s relationship with this character.

3. Who is “Chin-Kee?” How is this character represented and how does Danny respond to his visit?

Paired Resources

“Media Matters: Why Asian American Representation in Media is a Social Justice Issue”

• This 2022 article in Asian American Policy Review reflects on the important role of media representation for Asian Americans (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing).
• The article offers concrete solutions to ending Otherness and the Effects of Racism and Discrimination regarding Asian American representation in the media.

“Asian Americans Need More and Better Roles in Film, ASU Experts Say”

• This article by Arizona State University discusses the under-representation of Asians in films.
• This connects with the theme of Otherness and the Effects of Racism and Discrimination.
• Why is it important to have more diversity in films and media in general?

Sections 4-6

Reading Check

1. What decree does the Monkey King issue after the party?

2. What is the Monkey King’s new title?

3. What prank does “Chin-Kee” play on Steve?

4. How does Melanie respond when Danny asks her out?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does the Monkey King dedicate himself to after the party? What new disciplines does he master?

2. Who is Tze-Yo-Tzuh? Describe The Great Sage, Equal of Heaven’s conversation with him.

3. Who is Amelia Harris? How does Jin feel about her?

4. What happens to Amelia and Wei-Chen while they are in the biology room? Describe how their interaction relates to Jin.

5. What does Danny reveal to Steve about his past? How does Steve react?

Paired Resources

“Chinese Mythology”

• This online encyclopedia provides basic information about the mythology of ancient China.
• Many of the myths relate to the theme of Identity and the Limitations of Transformation.
• Based on the text and the above resource, what are some common themes in Chinese mythology?

“Bullying & Victimization and Asian-American Students”

• The American Psychological Association provides statistics regarding discrimination of Asian American students in schools (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing).
• These statistics relate to Otherness and the Effects of Racism and Discrimination and Growing up in America as the Child of Immigrants.

Sections 7-9

Reading Check

1. What must The Great Sage do to return to his true form?

2. Based on the graphics, what do the demons plan to do with Wong Lai-Tsao’s body?

3. What does Wong Lai-Tsao tell the Monkey King they do not need on their journey?

4. Why did Jin’s mother marry Jin’s father?

5. Who does Jin wake up as?

6. Based on the graphics of Danny and “Chin-Kee’s” fight, what type of words does Chin-Kee say?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Who is Wong Lai-Tsao? Describe how his path intertwines with the Monkey King.

2. Describe Jin and Amelia’s first date. What is he concerned about her noticing?

3. What does Danny’s final punch to “Chin-Kee” reveal? How does Danny respond?

4. What is the 490 Bakery and Restaurant? Why does Jin go there?

5. Describe the final conversation between Jin and Wei-Chen. Do the two reconcile their differences?

Recommended Next Reads 

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

• Warga’s 2019 middle-grade novel narrated by a 12-year-old Syrian girl is told in verse.
• Shared themes include Otherness and the Effects of Racism and Discrimination.
• Shared topics include middle-grade reading and discrimination.     
• Other Words for Home on SuperSummary

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

• Satrapi’s 2003 graphic novel is an autobiographical account of her childhood during the 1979 revolution in Iran.
• Shared themes include Identity and the Limitations of Transformation.
• Shared topics include young adult reading, graphic novels, and bildungsroman.
• Persepolis on SuperSummary