Silence that Binds Us

Joanna Ho is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners; Eyes That Speak to the Stars; Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders; Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma; One Day; Say My Name; A City Full of Santas, and The Silence that Binds Us, which received the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Young Adult Honor. She has been an English teacher, a dean, a vice principal, and a professional development mastermind. Her passion for equity in books and education is matched only by her love of homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids. Visit her at joannahowrites.com.

“A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex, timely story.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Zinger after zinger, Joanna pierces us with the truth we can’t ignore even as she cocoons us in love. Just like May, she’s taking back the narrative with her powerful pen." — Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times bestselling author of Loveboat, Taipei“A clarion call to search out, listen to, and uplift the narratives—personal, societal, and historical—that have been silenced by factors as intimate as shame and as broad as colonialism. Maybelline's insightful, honest narration frames her awkward conversations and her eloquent poetry to tell a vitally important story that everyone needs to hear.” — Misa Sugiura, author of This Time Will Be Different“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 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“I couldn't put Joanna Ho's The Silence That Binds Us down! This was a powerful empowering read that will inspire so many readers to scream, shout, stand up, speak out, and share their truths! I was so invested in May's family and her friendships and felt so proud of the characters and the ways they were able to transform by directly addressing the issues that impact them- racism, mental health, the culture of white supremacy, and the false ease of silence. I hope this book is read in every home, school, and library as it's an absolute necessary read!” — Tiffany Jewell, New York Times bestselling author of This Book Is Anti-Racist“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"The Silence that Binds Us is a propulsive reminder that race-based discrimination takes a multitude of forms, all of them insidious and traumatic. I adored this ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. A fascinating exploration of what happens when deeply rooted cultural norms collide with privilege-centered notions of 'fairness.' Read and re-read. Then read it again." — Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin"With a layered, sensitive voice…Ho’s weighty novel delves into themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)"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