Joanna Ho is an acclaimed children's author known for empowering stories celebrating diversity. Her notable works include Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma.
If you enjoy reading books by Joanna Ho then you might also like the following authors:
Bao Phi writes with gentle honesty and warmth about the experiences of immigrants and their children. His stories capture the daily lives of Asian-American families, celebrating culture, family bonds, and community strength.
In books like A Different Pond, Phi thoughtfully explores the connections formed between generations during simple moments of daily life.
Grace Lin beautifully blends traditional Chinese folklore with contemporary stories of identity, family, and belonging. Her writing, both playful and heartfelt, helps young readers navigate questions about their heritage and self-worth.
In her book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Lin carries readers away on an imaginative adventure filled with vibrant storytelling and cultural richness.
Matt de la Peña's stories embrace authenticity and hope, highlighting the joys, challenges, and quiet moments in people's everyday lives. He often writes about experiences in diverse, urban communities with warmth and sincerity.
His picture book Last Stop on Market Street gently reminds us to appreciate all the small wonders in our surroundings and the friendships we share.
Jacqueline Woodson is a master at capturing profound emotions through simple, poetic language. She frequently tackles themes of identity, belonging, race, and growing up amid societal change.
In The Day You Begin, she explores the power of courage and self-acceptance, showing how seemingly small experiences can connect us, despite our differences.
Minh Lê tells thoughtful, playful, and heartfelt stories that capture the beauty of imagination, family, and cultural heritage.
His picture book Drawn Together illustrates how art and creativity bridge language gaps, connecting a young boy and his grandfather despite their different languages. His books celebrate the importance of family bonds and shared experiences.
If you love Joanna Ho's thoughtful exploration of identity and heritage, Stacey Lee's stories might resonate with you too. She crafts engaging, historical novels that spotlight courageous young Asian-American women.
One great example is Outrun the Moon, which follows Mercy Wong, a spirited teenager navigating racism, friendship, and survival amid the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Jason Reynolds writes authentic, powerful stories that capture the real struggles and dreams of young people. He tackles tough themes like racism, identity, and social justice in a way readers can deeply feel.
A fantastic book to start with is Ghost, which centers around Castle Cranshaw, a talented young runner learning about competition, teamwork, and facing his past.
Angie Thomas brings powerful realism to her stories, confronting contemporary social issues through unforgettable characters. Readers who admired Joanna Ho's honest, empathetic style might appreciate Thomas' approach too.
Her popular novel, The Hate U Give, follows Starr Carter as she navigates the aftermath of witnessing the police shooting of her friend, dealing boldly with racism, activism, and family relationships.
If you're touched by how Joanna Ho shares experiences of belonging and cultural connections, then you'll likely appreciate Thanhhà Lại's writing as well. Her work gently captures the nuances of immigration, language barriers, and finding a sense of home.
Her book Inside Out & Back Again, written in free verse, tells the moving story of Há, a young Vietnamese refugee adapting to life in Alabama after leaving her home behind.
Yuyi Morales blends stunning visuals with lyrical storytelling to celebrate creativity, culture, and identity. Like Joanna Ho's heartfelt approach to affirming cultural heritage, Morales captures the bright spirit of Mexican traditions with warmth and imagination.
Her picture book Dreamers beautifully depicts the experience of immigration and parenthood, emphasizing the power of storytelling and love to bridge cultures.
Kao Kalia Yang writes with warmth and honesty about family, heritage, and immigrant experiences. Her books often explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural roots.
One shining example is A Map into the World, a gentle and hopeful picture book about a young girl witnessing seasons, changes in her neighborhood, and the quiet power of kindness.
Kelly Yang's books resonate with readers through relatable characters and meaningful themes of family resilience, immigration, and social justice. Her writing is straightforward yet heartfelt, bringing important issues to life without losing a sense of fun and hope.
Check out Front Desk, an honest, engaging story about a brave young immigrant girl navigating challenges while helping her family run a motel.
Erin Entrada Kelly creates emotional and thoughtful stories centered on friendship, growing up, and self-acceptance. Her books feature authentic characters who face relatable struggles, with storytelling that's both sensitive and accessible.
A great example is Hello, Universe, a hopeful story about unexpected friendships, courage, and connection.
Christina Soontornvat crafts magical and adventurous tales that also thoughtfully explore identity, family, and friendship. Her storytelling is fun yet meaningful, often highlighting diverse characters who defy expectations.
Don't miss her book A Wish in the Dark, a fantasy story inspired by Thai culture about justice, social inequality, and discovering your inner strength.
Elizabeth Acevedo writes powerful stories in vibrant poetic language, often exploring cultural identity, family ties, and personal resilience. Her characters speak with authenticity and passion, connecting deeply with readers.
Try The Poet X, a verse novel following a young woman finding her voice by embracing poetry, identity, and self-expression.