The Silence That Binds Us
Written by Joanna Ho
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
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.
Primary ISBN: 9780063059344
Publication Date: June 2022
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American, Taiwanese/Taiwanese American
Themes: Award Winner: Youth Media Awards 2023, Coming of Age, Discrimination: Cultural, Discrimination: Racial, Diverse Abilities: Neurological, Family Relationship: Extended, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Generation: 1st, Generational Differences, Mental Health, Multilingual Character, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend
Setting: United States
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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