Gene Luen.Yang author page

Gene Luen Yang biography

Gene Luen Yang is an American writer and cartoonist known for his work in children’s and young adult graphic novels. He began self-publishing comic books in 1996 and has since become recognised for his contributions to the graphic novel format. Yang’s work often explores themes of identity, culture, and family, drawing on his own experiences and heritage.

Yang is the author and illustrator of American Born Chinese, published by First Second Books in 2006. This graphic novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association. American Born Chinese is noted for its interwoven narratives and exploration of Chinese American identity.

In addition to his original works, Yang has written for established comic series, including Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels for Dark Horse Comics and Superman for DC Comics. He has also created the two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints, published by First Second Books in 2013, which was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Yang has received recognition for his contributions to literature and comics. In 2016, the Library of Congress named him the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His graphic novel Dragon Hoops was published by First Second Books in 2020.