A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex timely story. -Kirkus
(starred review) With a layered sensitive voice Ho's weighty novel delves into themes of
racism classism loss and healing. -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Inspired by the recent
rise in hate crimes against AAPI Ho's 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.-Booklist A powerful hopeful YA debut. May's 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. -School Library Journal This 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 messages-listening with empathy
and seeking help-ring loud and clear. -Horn Book 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. 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) A 2025 Evergreen Teen Book Award nominee 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
