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Graphic Novelist Gene Luen Yang Wins “Genius” Grant
Photo of Gene Luen Yang by John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Each year, the MacArthur Foundation chooses a list of fellows. The fellows are artists, scientists, and other creative people who are making a difference. Each fellow wins a $625,000 grant, so this award is often called the “Genius” grant. Gene Luen Yang is one of this year’s 23 MacArthur fellows. Yang is a graphic novelist and cartoonist. His stories often focus on culture and diversity. They confront stereotypes and explore alternate perspectives. Some stories are based on his experiences as a Chinese American. Others are historical fiction. Yang is the first graphic novelist to be named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He encourages children to read diverse books. This includes books about people who do not look or live like they do. It also includes books about unfamiliar or confusing topics and books in different formats, such as graphic novels or cartoons.

Read more about Gene Luen Yang winning a “Genius” grant.

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