Title:
Part Asian, 100% Hapa
Author:
Kip Fulbeck
Illustrator:
Kip Fulbeck
ISBN-13:
978-0-8118-4959-3
Publisher:
San Francisco: Chronicle Books
Copyright:
2006
Length:
262 pages
Plot summary:
A stunning photographic journal created by Kip Fulbeck with a foreword by Sean Lennon (yes, son of Yoko Ono and John Lennon) allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of people who consider themselves Hapa - multiethnic backgrounds, mixed racial heritage with partial roots in Asian and /or Pacific Islander ancestry. Mr. Fulbeck photographed hundreds of men, women, and children ranging in ages from the very young to mature adults. These photographs are head shots from the shoulders up. The subjects wear no visible clothing on their shoulders and no head coverings. A few subjects have visible tattoos. The people stare straight into the camera, some smiling and others simply looking out into the world. The photographs are displayed in color on a white background. Nothing distracts from the subject’s face and demeanor. The picture is on the right page and on the left page is written the subjects ethnic background as they self-identify and an autobiographical entry. It is a celebration of people and their multi-cultural backgrounds.
Readers Annotation:
Are you African-American? Oh, you’re Asian…now I can tell by your eyes.
Critical Evaluation:
This book is sure to be a winner with all secondary students and is an excellent browsing book. It is a fascinating look into identity, especially because so many people claim multiple international ethnicities, but find them difficult to describe. Mr. Fulbeck creates an urgency in his narrative and photographs that seems as though he is trying to prove that people with a mixed Asian background are not recognized and appreciated. He strives to let impress upon readers the disenfranchisement of people who have ethnicities other than Western European. The “Introduction “section of the book located in the front before the foreword, appears to be heartfelt, but skims the surface of Fulbeck’s experience. Sean Lennon’s “Foreword” is also heartfelt, but superficial. The photographs and autobiographical entries are really the meat of the book and develop the concept of portraying Hapa people. Even though the author “hits the reader over the head” in his narrative with the importance of recognizing those of Hapa descent, the photographs shine through as intriguing and intimate.
Author information:
Teaches at University of California, Santa Barbara, Department of Art
Received a “Distinguished Teaching Award” from UCSB
Filmmaker and director of short films including: Banana Split, Some Questions for 28 Kisses, and Lilo & Me
Artistic work includes videos, photography, and slam poetry
Interests include playing guitar and surfing
Grew up in Southern California
Attended UCLA, Dartmouth College, and UCSD where he earned his MFA
Considers himself Hapa – Caucasian father and Asian mother
Married - with one young child
Genre:
Nonfiction
Curriculum ties:
The book can be used in human development curricula to create discussion about identity and tolerance. It can also be used in classes when discussing diversity. Photography and art classes will find the book valuable when studying layout and design.
Booktalking ideas:
Have you ever been teased for looking different than your classmates?
What does multi-racial mean? Who is multi-racial?
Portrait photographers can use this book as a reference.
Read this book and look into the souls of people.
Interest age:
High school
Additional books by author:
Permanence: Tattoo Portraits
Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids
Challenge issues:
Some references to sexuality
Deal with challenge by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.
Why this work is included in Peach's Picks:
The author visited the school where I work and presented an assembly to the secondary students. He also presented a separate assembly for teachers. At these events he passionately discussed the book and its origins. Both the students and the faculty were intrigued by him and his book. It is a good match for our collection and to share with others through Peach's Picks. Also, it received a positive review in Booklist, April 15, 2006. The book receives four peaches because of its high interest with regards to self-identify and discovering heritage. The didactic “Acknowledgement” keeps it from receiving five peaches.
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=100%25+ahppa
References:
Fulbeck, K., (2006). Part Asian, 100% Hapa. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
“Kip Fulbeck”. (2010). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 15, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kip_Fulbeck
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