"You’re supposed to be offended. That was the desired response."

After an initial reading of American Born Chinese your average librarian will recognize the fine line Yang is able to walk. It's not an easy book. Not one that allows you to skim through it without getting sucked in and having to (gasp, shudder) think. Then I saw this piece on the First Second blog.

Apparently, MySpace has made American Born Chinese a featured book... Not all good news, though, since it seems to come with a rather tasteless ad campaign that uses the Chin-Kee character out of context, and has led to all kinds of discussions among people who haven't read the book. Gene Yang responds.

Disregarding whether or not you've read the book in question, I can't recommend this piece enough. I was unable to locate the ad campaign in question though I did find the featured book page, comments and all. It isn't convincing me that I need a MySpace page anytime soon, that's for sure.

Viewing the Inter

And over in the center ring, may I draw your attention to one Cybils interview with author/illustrator Gene Yang. Y'all may remember him as the fellow who won a Printz and a 2006 Graphic Novel Cybil Award for American Born Chinese. And now that I think about it, there's another nice interview with Lois Lowry over at wordswimmer that's worth a looksee. Aw, heck. On top of all that is the magnificent interview with Jarrett Krosoczka at Ye Olde 7-Imp. Keep an eye peeled for his Estefan-laden fanmail.