“A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex timely story.” —
Kirkus Reviews (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.” —ALA 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.” — The 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 A 2025 – 2026 Virginia
Readers' Choice Award nominee "An ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. Read
and reread. 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
