We Who Produce Pearls

In Joanna Ho’s true classic style, she creates a poetic ode that celebrates Asian American communities and their history. We Who Produce Pearls, is an anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s signature bright and bold palette brings to light the strength and power within us all, creating a mesmerizing, stunning, and magical masterpiece that proves how we can shape our pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Together, Joanna and Amanda remind readers to rise up, speak out, and step into power.

Release Date: April 16, 2024

2024 Kirkus Prize Young Readers Literature Finalist

Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of 2024

★ "Striking and defiant: an unabashed declaration of hope.”
—Kirkus

★ “Bold, pop art–style graphics and lyrical phrasing distinguish this powerful picture book.”
—Publisher's Weekly

★ “Highly recommended […] as this history is too often untold and deserves such a compelling presentation as this.”
—School Library Journal

“A beautifully illustrated, layered work that encourages reflection, feeling, and unpacking.”
—Booklist

“This beautiful book is a love letter to hope, the love that we have in our communities and the possibility of change. This book tells stories of the trailblazers that inspire me and I am so grateful.” — Amanda Nguyen, 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Founder of Rise Now

“A gorgeous, fearless book that speaks truth, celebrates hope, and unleashes the power that comes from uniting together against injustice as Asian Americans. Joanna’s unapologetic grace and strength in her words and Amanda’s stunning and vivid art beckon us to claim who we are and rise together.” — Ruth Chan, Author of Uprooted

“We Who Produce Pearls" is a rare creative collaboration between artist and author. The narratives of ancestors leap from its brilliantly illustrated pages by the artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Author Joanna Ho's anthem provides us with rich histories, stories that need to be embraced for us to heal and move forward as a nation.” —Rocky Chin, Civil Rights Attorney and NYC Human Rights Commissioner

“Asian American history as you’ve never seen it before. A stunning achievement that sheds light on the complexities of an often neglected past, challenges our understanding of the present, and offers a vision of hope for the future.” —Minh Lê, Author of Drawn Together and Enlighten Me

“Part poem, part song, and part activist anthem, We Who Produce Pearls is a sparkling jewel of a book, documenting the history of vibrant communities born from pain and struggle, resilience and power. ” —Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Serpent’s Secret

“This exquisite book is at once a moving tribute to our history, a reckoning with our present struggles, and a call to reach for the bright future we all deserve. ” —Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor Recipient

“This exquisite book is at once a moving tribute to our history, a reckoning with our present struggles, and a call to reach for the bright future we all deserve. ” —Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of Red, White, and Whole