Overview
āA grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex, timely story.ā āKirkus (starred review)
"With a layered, sensitive voice, Hoās weighty novel delves into themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing." āPublishers Weekly (starred review)
āInspired by the recent rise in hate crimes against AAPI, Hoās story of inclusion, diversity, and social action rings true. Maybelline is a multifaceted narrator whose drive to right wrongs and stand up to injustice deserves applause. Ho illuminates both activism and mental health in marginalized communities, showing that even a bright, young achiever can experience depression without anyone knowing.āāBooklist
"A powerful, hopeful YA debut. Mayās journey through personal and familial grief is poignant and questions of power and privilege are explored with nuance that will spark conversation among teen readers." āSchool Library Journal
āThis sensitive novel does an impressive balancing act, examining mental illness and its stigma among Asian Americans while weaving in themes of racism and grief. The overarching messagesālistening with empathy, and seeking helpāring loud and clear.ā āHorn Book
Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author ofĀ Eyes 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 isnāt 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 canāt come up with one specific reason for why she's proud of her only daughter. Mayās 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 āpressureā on him. Mayās 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? Itās up to May to take back the narrative.
Joanna Ho masterfully explores timely themes of mental health, racism, and classism.Ā
A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 14 and older in Family/School/Community and noted for outstanding merit (2023)
"An ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. Read and re-read. Then read it again." āNic Stone,Ā New York TimesĀ bestselling author ofĀ Dear Martin
"Powerful and piercing, filled with truth, love, and a heroine who takes back the narrative." āAbigail Hing Wen,Ā New York TimesĀ bestselling author ofĀ Loveboat, Taipei
āA held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and holds a candle to the dark.ā āStacey Lee,Ā New York TimesĀ bestselling author ofĀ The Downstairs Girl
āHo confronts racism with care and nuance, capturing the complexities of grief and growth. A poignant call to action.āĀ āRandy Ribay, National Book Award finalist forĀ Patron Saints of Nothing
This book title, The Silence that Binds Us, ISBN: 9780063059351, by Joanna Ho, published by HarperCollins (December 26, 2023) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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