Picture a Taiwanese-American storyteller who swapped dental drills for dazzling prose—meet Gloria Chao! With her heartfelt young adult novels, Chao weaves humor, cultural identity, and coming-of-age struggles into stories that resonate with readers worldwide. Her debut, American Panda, introduced a vibrant voice that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, making her a standout in contemporary YA literature.
Born to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Chao’s journey from MIT graduate to bestselling author is as inspiring as her books. Her tales of navigating cultural expectations and chasing dreams have captured hearts, proving that authenticity and courage can light up the page.
The Making of Gloria Chao
Gloria Chao grew up in the Boston suburbs, steeped in the expectations of her traditional Taiwanese family, who valued math and science careers. A brilliant student, she earned a business degree from MIT in 2008, then pursued dentistry at Tufts University, fulfilling her parents’ vision of a stable, prestigious profession. Yet, dentistry left her unfulfilled. During dental school, Chao found solace in young adult novels, sparking a passion for storytelling. When she relocated to Chicago for her husband’s job, a licensing delay gave her the chance to write, and she never looked back. Her bold career switch from dentist to full-time writer reflects the same courage her characters embody.
Gloria Chao’s Unforgettable Stories
Chao’s debut, American Panda (2018), is a semi-autobiographical gem set at MIT, following Mei Lu, a Taiwanese-American freshman torn between her parents’ expectations to become a doctor and her love for dance. Infused with nerdy humor and poignant cultural insights, it earned starred reviews and spots on “Best of” lists from Bustle and PopSugar. Her sophomore novel, Our Wayward Fate (2019), explores racism and identity through Ali Chu, a Taiwanese-American teen in a predominantly white Indiana town, blending romance with a retelling of a Chinese folktale.
Rent a Boyfriend (2020) is a romantic comedy about a college student hiring a fake boyfriend to appease her traditional parents, delivering Chao’s signature mix of humor and heart. Her 2023 release, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, is a love letter to Taiwanese culture, weaving magical realism into a rivals-to-lovers romance. Chao’s upcoming The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (2025) marks a thrilling shift to mystery. Her style—witty, emotionally rich, and culturally nuanced—makes her stories a bridge between Taiwanese heritage and universal themes of belonging.
Chao’s writing shines for its authentic portrayal of the Taiwanese-American experience, drawing from her life and her parents’ immigrant journey. Her characters grapple with generational gaps, identity, and the courage to defy expectations, all wrapped in a light, engaging tone that invites readers to laugh, cry, and reflect.
Why Gloria Chao Matters
Gloria Chao’s work is a beacon for Asian-American readers, especially Taiwanese-Americans, who rarely see their stories in YA literature. Her novels tackle the complexities of cultural identity with honesty, showing that it’s okay to feel caught between worlds. By sharing her journey from dentistry to writing, Chao inspires readers to pursue their passions, no matter the odds. Her books have earned accolades like Junior Library Guild selections and YALSA Teens’ Top 10 picks, cementing her influence in YA fiction.
Beyond her stories, Chao’s engagement with readers—through heartfelt dedications and social media—fosters a sense of community. Her work encourages dialogue about cultural gaps and personal growth, making her a vital voice in diverse storytelling.
- Graduated from MIT (2008) with a business degree.
- Former dentist who switched careers to write full-time.
- Key works: American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, Rent a Boyfriend, When You Wish Upon a Lantern.
- Awards: YALSA Teens’ Top 10, Junior Library Guild selections.
- Avid curler, world-ranked in mixed doubles with her husband.
About Gloria Chao
Snag American Panda or When You Wish Upon a Lantern and dive into Gloria Chao’s heartfelt, hilarious world of Taiwanese-American stories!