Tai Pham has just inherited his grandmother’s powerful jade ring; is he ready to accept the legacy of a Green Lantern and become the hero his family needs?
In “Green Lantern: Legacy,” author Minh Lê introduces readers to Tai Pham, a thirteen-year-old Vietnamese-American boy who would rather be sketching in his notebook than helping at his family’s market. This middle-grade graphic novel reimagines the iconic Green Lantern origin story through a fresh, contemporary lens. When Tai’s beloved grandmother, his Bà Nội, passes away, she leaves him her jade ring. Tai soon discovers this is no ordinary piece of jewelry, but a Green Lantern power ring, and that his quiet, unassuming grandmother was a legendary space cop. Suddenly, Tai is thrust into a galactic corps of heroes, all while navigating the everyday challenges of middle school, family expectations, and a rising tide of racism in his own neighborhood. Alongside his two best friends, Tai must learn to wield his newfound power and embrace a legacy he never imagined.
The educational value of “Green Lantern: Legacy” is deeply rooted in its authentic portrayal of the Vietnamese-American experience. The narrative thoughtfully explores themes of intergenerational connection, the weight of family history, and the quiet heroism of immigrant and refugee communities. By centering the story within a vibrant, multi-ethnic neighborhood, Lê provides a mirror for students from similar backgrounds, validating their own cultural realities. The use of terms like Bà Nội for Tai’s paternal grandmother, integrated seamlessly into the dialogue, offers a sense of familiarity and pride for students who use this language at home. The story beautifully illustrates how cultural heritage, far from being a relic of the past, is a source of immense strength and a crucial part of one’s identity, allowing students to see the heroism within their own families and communities reflected in a mainstream superhero narrative.
Minh Lê, a first-generation Vietnamese-American himself, brings a powerful and personal credibility to Tai Pham’s story. His background as an early childhood policy expert and author of award-winning picture books like the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature winner “Drawn Together” informs the narrative’s emotional depth and accessibility. “Green Lantern: Legacy” has been recognized as a Junior Library Guild Gold selection. This book is essential for any school library or classroom, as it masterfully intertwines classic superhero action with a nuanced exploration of identity. It offers a vital opportunity for educators to connect the fantastical elements of a superhero’s journey to contemporary conversations about social justice, community activism, and the enduring power of embracing one’s unique cultural legacy.
