49 pages 1 hour read

Gloria Chao

American Panda

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

American Panda by Gloria Chao follows the coming-of-age journey of 17-year-old Taiwanese American MIT student Mei Lu, who grapples with reconciling her parents' rigid cultural expectations and her own aspirations. As Mei navigates her dual identity, cultural pressures, and anxieties, she learns to balance her desire for independence with her family's traditions. This novel includes references to anti-Asian racism, cultural stereotypes, familial pressure and conflict, identity struggles, body shaming, and anti-gay bias.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Both praised and critiqued, American Panda by Gloria Chao captivates with its engaging portrayal of cultural identity and the Asian-American experience. Reviewers commend Chao's humor and authenticity, though some note predictable plot elements. Despite occasional pacing issues, the heartfelt narrative and relatable protagonist resonate deeply with readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Panda?

Fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Frankly in Love will enjoy American Panda by Gloria Chao. Ideal for readers interested in coming-of-age stories that blend cultural identity exploration with relatable family dynamics, humor, and the challenges of balancing personal dreams with parental expectations.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

780L

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Romance

Humor

Themes

Relationships: Family

Identity: Mental Health

Identity: Race

Period

Asian Literature