A Content Analysis of Chinese American Contemporary Realistic Fiction Books. (26th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yang; Guo, Wenyu; Sui, Xiaoling
• Is Part Of: Reading teacher. Volume 76:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2022-05-26
• Subjects: children's literature -- multicultural literature -- Chinese American literature -- contemporary realistic fiction; Reading (Elementary) -- Periodicals; Reading -- Periodicals; Reading -- Remedial teaching -- Periodicals; 372.405
• DOI: 10.1002/trtr.2119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-0561

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reviews a corpus of 40 Chinese American contemporary realistic fiction picturebooks published in the United States. These picturebooks feature Chinese immigrants adjusting to American culture, Chinese American celebrating heritage culture, bridging two cultures, and connecting with their home country. The findings reveal that these picturebooks authentically reflect the Chinese American's lived experiences, celebrate their heritage culture, and emphasize their value of family and intergenerational relationships. Some picturebooks depict the tension of the language barrier. Other than immigrant life and poverty, none of these picturebooks witnesses issues around race, gender, and same‐sex families, although most picturebooks feature female main characters. Instructional implications are provided for teachers to use Chinese American picturebooks.