The Silence That Binds Us

An exquisite, heart-rending debut young adult novel that masterfully explores timely themes of mental health, racism, and classism and 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.

Release Date: June 14, 2022

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Young Adult Honor

Jr. Library Gold Standard Selection

A 2023 Banks Street Best Children’s Book of the Year noted for Outstanding Merit • Golden Poppy Award Finalist 2022 • New York Public Library Best Books of 2022 • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2022

★ "A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex, timely story.”
—Kirkus

★ “Using complex characterizations and intense dialogue, Ho's weighty novel delves into themes of racism, classism, loss and healing."”
—Publisher's Weekly

“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.”
—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.”
—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

"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 Patron Saints of Nothing