As one of the first named National Ambassadors for Young People's Literature by the U.S. Congress, graphic artists and writer Yang is one of my go-to writers/artists whenever he releases something new. He is a strong advocate for diversity in books for young people (like you!) and for reading in general. We sure do need more people like him in this crazy world of book challenges and bans, right?
Superman Smashes the Klan is Yang's latest graphic novel release, and along with artists Gurihiru, this book tells the story of an early Superman character who was first created way back in the early 1940s, and whose storylines often followed what the world was facing in World War 2. In fact, according to Yang in his author notes at the end of this book, Superman started as a radio show character before becoming a drawn character in comic books, and in both he was fighting the racism that Nazi Germany was trying to spread across Europe. Germany was only one of the Axis Powers, along with Italy and Japan, and fear of Japanese Americans is also part of our nation's less-than-admiral past. The history of the Ku Klux Klan is intertwined with the racism behind WW2, as well as the history of slavery that the United States was built upon.
Readers of this blog know that I don't read nearly as many graphic novels as I should, or as many of you do! But as I mentioned, anytime Yang releases a new book, my tail wags, and I make sure my human brings that book home from the library! Superman is well written, well drawn, and really informative. It has all the elements of a good superhero comic plus the addition of the historical background of how Superman came to be, and his role in our nation's history.
Sometimes I'll hear discussions about who is the greatest superhero, but my money is always going to be on Superman! After you read this one, he may be yours, too! 5 paws!
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