The Silence that Binds Us

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Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author ofEyes That Kiss in the Corners, has written an exquisite, heart-rending debut young adult novel that will inspire all to speak truth to power.

Maybelline Chen isnt the Chinese Taiwanese American daughter her mother expects her to be. May prefers hoodies over dresses and wants to become a writer. When asked, her mom cant come up with one specific reason for why she's proud of her only daughter. Mays beloved brother, Danny, on the other hand, has just been admitted to Princeton. But Danny secretly struggles with depression, and when he dies by suicide, May's world is shattered.

In the aftermath, racist accusations are hurled against May's parents for putting too much pressure on him. Mays father tells her to keep her head down. Instead, May challenges these ugly stereotypes through her writing. Yet the consequences of speaking out run much deeper than anyone could foresee. Who gets to tell our stories, and who gets silenced Its up to May to take back the narrative.

Joanna Ho masterfully explores timely themes of mental health, racism, and classism.

"An ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. Read and re-read. Then read it again." Nic Stone,New York Timesbestselling author ofDear Martin

"Powerful and piercing, filled with truth, love, and a heroine who takes back the narrative." Abigail Hing Wen,New York Timesbestselling author ofLoveboat, Taipei

A held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and holds a candle to the dark. Stacey Lee,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Downstairs Girl

Ho confronts racism with care and nuance, capturing the complexities of grief and growth. A poignant call to action.Randy Ribay, National Book Award finalist forPatron Saints of Nothing

Author Bio

Joanna Ho is passionate about equity in books and education. She has been an English teacher, a dean, and a teacher professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice principal of a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna's eyes crinkle into crescent moons. Keep your eyes open for her next picture book, YO-YO MA: PLAYING AT THE BORDER (Fall 2021). Visit her at www.joannahowrites.com and @JoannaHoWrites.