Gordon Yamamoto And The King Of The Geeks

by Gene Luen Yang

From Gene Yang -- the author of the National Book Award-nominated American Born Chinese -- comes this tale of a dim-witted but lovable high school student who learns an important lesson on life after getting something unexpectedly lodged up his nostril.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, Young Adult, Teen, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy

104 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2004

About the author

Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.

Reviews

[KB Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of two big kinda dumb bullies: at the start of every year they choose a freshman to anoint King of the Geeks, gluing a well-worn jock to his head.

Gordon's also having weird and unsettling dreams about his nose. There's a strange science fiction angle where an alien device gets lodged up a nostril; the alien directs Gordon to the King of the Geeks' house where through some odd machination Gordon's brain is infused with the King of the Geeks' memories. And Gordon is confused, seeing the King of the Geeks as a real person with a very disturbing home life.

I feel WAY too much was introduced in this brief story, and truthfully, I was really freaked out by a freshman building bombs in his bedroom and carting them around in his backpack. What?!?

However, my nine year-old son liked it, but I think he was esp taken with the "censored" bar over an animal cracker's rude gesture.

Not my favorite by this author, and so far from my favorite in the anti-bullying genre.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about Yang's writing that's so intriguing. He puts these crazy twists on universal stories, and it just sucks you in. This story is no exception. It is a tale about a bully and victim learning to understand one other, and eventually becoming friends. The victim is so full of hate that he creates bombs; he never uses them, but the option is always at his fingertips. Gordon has no clue about Miles' personal life, and starts to panic when he realizes the truth. It is a story about redemption and forgiveness. It's a powerful message told in a light-hearted way. Recommended for all young adult readers.

[Edmund Davis-Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and weird little book.

I really like the way Gene Wang writes.

[Patrice Sartor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I prefer color graphic novels, and this one could have been a bit longer--that's why I took off 1/2 a star. Otherwise, it is Yang awesomeness. Gordon is a big lug who starts off as a bully, but through an odd memory-transfer experience with the boy who he crowned as "King of the Geeks" (Miles), compassion and understanding seeps in. Yet now there is a larger problem--the hate that Miles holds for his father has come to life in the form of animal crackers...and it is growing.

Told over several chapters, the story made me sad, angry, and gave me some chuckles too. Yang is a true master at depicting the core of a person through his art and words, and I have yet to not like one of his books. I am going to let my nearly-13-year-old read it, but not the 10 year old. Highly recommended!

Oh, and as an added bonus, the end of the book has a small section that focuses on a minor character (Sammy the baker) from the main story. Food, feelings, redemption---love it!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written as a comic book. It isn't that long with only about 100 pages in it. To me this book is really weird because there are there are attacking animal crackers. Gordon and the geek, Myles, become friends, however, they started off as enemies.

Gordon eats a lot of animal crackers, and one day they all became alive and they wanted to kill the Myles's dad. It was really weird. Gordon and Myles had to come up with a plan to stop them from eating the dad. They were unsuccessful because the animal crackers set a bomb up and it had severely injured the father.

Also Myles and Gordon somehow switch brains, and Gordon becomes a geek and Gordon was able to see what Myles's life was like ever since he was a kid. They also had to figure out away to fix that so Gordon would become dumb again. That's when Gordon and Myles become friends.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anti-bullying story I can feel comfortable handing to middle-schoolers, because it's not a heavy-handed Bullying Is Wrong book--it's light and funny, though still substantial. Honestly, my only reservation about this book is that it's a little juvenile and dumb--but it's about a kid who is a little juvenile and dumb, so mission accomplished.

[Jack Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun, and another fast read from Gene Yang. Awkward childhood/teenage years, weird science fiction, coming to terms with things... All in comic format that's readable in a sitting.

I think this is a prequel to Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order - at least Gordon appears in both stories.

[Derek Royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

An early work from Yang -- and one that won him a Xeric grant -- where you can see the various themes and storytelling approach that has come to define him as an artist. The premise is deceptively simple and evolves into something unexpected. Plus, there's the humor!!

[Jai]

This book is very funny, short, and easy to read. If you are a really hate someone right now you should read this

[Mickey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will give it generously one star...

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[AP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the art and the subtle religious overtone. Humorous. Weak, disappointing ending. American Born Chinese is his best work I've read as of 2012.

[sylas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick, cute.

[Joel Wally · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny and weird, and the weirdness is pretty wonderful.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creative and kooky morality tale involving bullies, geeks, tiny aliens, animal crackers bent on homicide, and empathy for other people. Funny and sweet without being sappy. Check it out.

[Bob Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most funniest books i have ever read.

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

so-so, not all that great.