Picture a storyteller who spun tales of identity and empowerment through the lens of Asian American heritage—meet Joanna Ho! This New York Times bestselling author has captured hearts with her lyrical children’s books, starting with her 2021 debut, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. Born to Chinese and Taiwanese immigrants, Ho weaves her cultural roots and educator’s passion into stories that celebrate diversity and spark change.
As a high school vice principal by day, Ho’s writing is a vibrant side hustle, fueled by homemade chocolate chip cookies and dance parties with her kids. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges stereotypes and uplifts young readers, making her a rising star in children’s literature.
The Making of Joanna Ho
Joanna Ho was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, her Midwestern twang a quirky contrast to her Chinese-Taiwanese heritage. Her childhood was a tapestry of moves—Baltimore, Philadelphia, even Taipei—shaping her perspective on identity. With a BA in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from Berkeley’s Principal Leadership Institute, Ho dove into education, driven to disrupt inequity. From teaching English to designing an alternative-to-prison program, her career screamed impact. Writing began as an extension of this mission, sparked by a hunt for inclusive children’s books for her son, which led her to pen stories that empower marginalized voices.
Joanna Ho’s Unforgettable Stories
Ho’s books are a love letter to identity, wrapped in poetic prose and vivid illustrations. Her debut, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021), follows a young Asian girl embracing her unique eyes, a story born from Ho’s own journey of self-acceptance. Its companion, Eyes That Speak to the Stars, centers a boy’s bond with male family members, proving Ho’s knack for universal yet specific tales. We Who Produce Pearls (2024) is an anthem for Asian American pride, blending history and hope, while her YA novel, The Silence That Binds Us (2022), tackles grief, racism, and healing with raw honesty.
Ho’s style is lyrical yet accessible, often paired with lush artwork by illustrators like Dung Ho or Khoa Le. Her themes—self-love, cultural pride, anti-racism—resonate across ages, making her books classroom staples. Whether it’s a picture book or a novel, Ho’s stories invite readers to see their own power and rewrite narratives of exclusion.
Why Joanna Ho Matters
Joanna Ho’s impact ripples through children’s literature like a stone in a pond. Her books fill a gap in diverse storytelling, offering mirrors for Asian American kids and windows for others. Awards like the Asian/Pacific American Honor and Golden Kite reflect her influence, but her real legacy is in the readers who find courage in her words. As an educator, she’s shaping minds; as a writer, she’s shaping hearts, proving stories can be activism.
- Born: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Key Works: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, The Silence That Binds Us, We Who Produce Pearls
- Awards: Asian/Pacific American Honor, Golden Kite Award, Ezra Jack Keats Honor
- Fun Fact: Ho’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons when she’s baking cookies!
Snag Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and dive into Joanna Ho’s world of lyrical, empowering stories!