Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author of 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 isn't 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 can't come up with one specific reason for
why she's proud of her only daughter. May's 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. May's 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? It's 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 Times bestselling
author of Dear Martin
"Powerful and piercing, filled with truth, love, and a heroine who takes
back the narrative." --Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times bestselling
author of Loveboat, Taipei
"A held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and
holds a candle to the dark." --Stacey Lee, New York Times bestselling
author of The 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 for Patron Saints of Nothing
