Joanna Ho

Joanna Ho is a Chinese American children's book author and educator known for writing picture books that explore identity, culture, and self-acceptance. Her debut picture book "Eyes That Kiss in the Corners" (2021) became a New York Times bestseller and received widespread recognition for its positive representation of Asian features and heritage. As an educator and former teacher and administrator, Ho draws from her background in education and her experiences as an Asian American to create stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work frequently addresses themes of belonging, family relationships, and challenging stereotypes. Ho's other notable works include "Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma" and "One Day," which continue her focus on cultural celebration and representation. Her books have earned multiple accolades, including being named to various best books lists and receiving starred reviews from industry publications. Her background in education and advocacy for diversity in children's literature has led to speaking engagements at schools, libraries, and educational conferences across the United States. Ho continues to write while serving as a high school vice principal in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Readers connect strongly with Ho's authentic representation of Asian American experiences and family relationships. Parents and educators highlight how her books help children embrace their cultural identity and physical features. What readers liked: - Lyrical, poetic writing style that remains accessible to young readers - Detailed illustrations that complement the emotional storytelling - Books serve as conversation starters about diversity and self-acceptance What readers disliked: - Some find the messages too direct rather than naturally woven into stories - Text occasionally complex for the intended age group - Higher price point for picture books Ratings across platforms: Amazon: "Eyes That Kiss in the Corners" - 4.9/5 (3,800+ reviews) Goodreads: Average 4.5/5 across all titles "Beautiful message but the prose is a bit advanced for younger kids" - Teacher review on Amazon "Finally, books that show Asian children they are perfect as they are" - Parent review on Goodreads

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021) A young Asian American girl learns to embrace her facial features while celebrating her family's shared characteristics and cultural heritage.

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma (2021) A picture book biography that follows celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma's journey and his Bach Project performance at the US-Mexico border.

One Day (2023) The story follows a Chinese American girl finding her voice and the courage to speak up against injustice in her community.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars (2022) A young Asian boy discovers the beauty and power of his eyes while connecting with male family members across generations.

Say My Name (2023) A picture book that explores the importance of names, identity, and cultural heritage through the experiences of children at school.

The Silence that Binds Us (2022) A young adult novel about a Chinese American teen confronting racism and mental health stigma after her brother's death.

Grace Lin Creates picture books and middle-grade novels centered on Chinese American family experiences and cultural traditions. Her work includes both contemporary stories and retellings of Chinese folktales, combining cultural heritage with universal themes of belonging.

Andrea Wang Writes picture books and middle-grade works that explore Chinese American identity and family relationships. Her books often incorporate food as a connection to culture and draw from personal experiences growing up in a Chinese immigrant family.

Kelly Yang Authors middle-grade and young adult books featuring Asian American protagonists navigating school, family, and identity. Her work draws from her experiences as an immigrant and addresses social issues through accessible storytelling.

Minh Lê Creates picture books exploring intergenerational relationships and Vietnamese American experiences. His work focuses on cultural connections and communication between family members across language barriers.

Christina Soontornvat Writes picture books and middle-grade novels that incorporate Thai culture and universal themes of perseverance. Her work spans multiple genres while maintaining consistent themes of cultural identity and family relationships.