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. “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 clarion call to search out, listen to, and uplift the narratives that have been silenced.” -Misa Sugiura, author of This Time Will Be Different“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“A vital message of the power of using your voice for change. Both challenging and accessible, realistic and aspirational.” -Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of When We Were Infinite
