In 2006, American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (USA) was named as a finalist in America’s prestigious National Book Award in the category of Young People’s Literature. This was the first time in the award’s 57 years that a graphic novel had been nominated. Although it failed to win, American Born Chinese went on to be the best-selling graphic novel of the year on Amazon.com.

Alternative title: First graphic novel shortlisted for a national award.