logo

50 pages 1 hour read

Almost American Girl

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | YA | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Robin Ha

Almost American Girl

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | YA | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Huntsville, Alabama • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Almost American Girl by Robin Ha is a graphic memoir about a young Korean girl who permanently relocates to Alabama with her single mother, facing cultural and language barriers, racism, and ever-changing family dynamics. Through flashbacks, the memoir explores her mother's struggles as a single parent in Korea and the difficulties Robin faces while trying to adapt to her new life in the United States. The source text includes detailed accounts of racist actions and derogatory language.

Emotional

Contemplative

Melancholic

Inspirational

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

14,721 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Almost American Girl by Robin Ha is commended for its emotional depth and captivating illustrations, powerfully depicting the immigrant experience and teenage struggles. Criticisms point to its episodic narrative and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it resonates well with young adults and those interested in multicultural stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Almost American Girl?

Readers who are fans of graphic memoirs addressing cultural identity and the immigrant experience will appreciate Almost American Girl by Robin Ha. If you enjoyed American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, this heartfelt and visually engaging story will resonate with you.

4.4

14,721 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Robin Ha (Ha Chuna)

The protagonist, author, and illustrator who navigates the challenges of immigrating from Korea to Alabama at the age of 14. She struggles with cultural and language barriers that impact her ability to form friendships in her new environment.

A single mother and pivotal figure in Robin's life, whose decisions to move continents are driven by the desire to provide a better life for her daughter free from societal judgment. Her complex relationship with Robin is marked by cultural pressures and a deep-seated wish for independence and autonomy.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Huntsville, Alabama • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.