For Immediate Release: October 8, 2007

Meet Gene Yang, Award-Winning
American Born Chinese Graphic Novelist

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(Oakland, CA)—The Oakland Public Library is pleased to welcome Gene Yang, author of the National Book Award finalist and Prinz award-winning graphic novel, American Born Chinese. This special free event will take place on Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the TeenZone (basement level) of the Main Library, 125 14th Street, and is open to the public. All are welcome.

From drawing comic books in the fifth grade to teaching computer science to high school students in Oakland, Gene Yang has perfected his art and storytelling skills. Exploring issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation and self-acceptance in American Born Chinese, Yang taps into a world seldom seen in the mainstream comics of America. The novel, consisting of three converging tales, incorporates Chinese legends, playground politics, and humor in a unique coming-of-age story. Gene Yang will be speaking about his inspiration and the process of creating this and other such works as Duncan’s Kingdom and Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks.

For more information, please call the Children’s Services Office at (510) 238-3848, the TeenZone at (510) 238-7332, or visit the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, please call the number above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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