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American Born Chinese | An ISU Common Book for Grades 6 - 8: Extension activities

For three weeks in April and May, 2023, all of our Grade 6, 7 & 8 students and teachers will take time together each day to read this award-winning graphic novel by the American writer and artist, Gene Luen Yang

Activate your imagination

Create a storyboard for your own graphic novel about someone your age who is experiencing problems of their own. Your storyboard can be hand-written or digital (using Canva or any other platform you're comfortable with). You should tell have a complete chapter meaning that you draw and write enough that your reader will know the main character and the conflict they face. Upload your work here.

ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE WILL BE INVITED TO A PIZZA PARTY IN THE LIBRARY DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY.

Create your own character(s)

Use Yang's work or the work of another artist you admire as an inspiration to create your own characters. Provide a written description of each character. The description should be written on the same page as the illustration. Write at least 200 words for each of the characters you create. Upload your character illustrations and descriptions here.

ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE WILL BE INVITED TO A PIZZA LUNCH IN THE LIBRARY DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY.

Creative writing and/or building vocabulary

American Born Chinese might have included lots of new vocabulary for many of you. Why not take these new words and do something new with them? Challenge yourself to write a short story, write a poem, write a narrative or nonfiction writing about something that matters to you. Maybe there weren't any words that were new to you but you still want to be creative, please do! Upload your work here.

ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE WILL BE INVITED TO A PIZZA LUNCH IN THE LIBRARY DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY.

Dig a bit more deeply into the immigrant experience

Revisit the Identities vs Stereotypes tab of this Libguide.

Options

1. Look at the "Other resources related to racism" box. Dig a bit more deeply into any of the topics or issues raised. Write a 500-word researched response to the issues of race and identity raised in Yang's graphic novel.

2. Read the "Discussion questions." Look to the text for answers and evidence in order to respond to one or more of these questions. Record your answer (2 to 3 minutes of audio or video) and upload it to this folder. 

ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE WILL BE INVITED TO A PIZZA LUNCH IN THE LIBRARY DURING THE LAST WEEK IN MAY.