The Silence that Binds Us

Gr 9 Up–Maybelline Chen’s beloved older brother Danny is dead. He went to a party and never returned. No one even knew he was depressed. And then a white, powerful businessman parent takes the mic during a school meeting and accuses Asian families of creating the competitive environment that’s caused the recent uptick in student suicides—his racist remarks directly target the Chen family. Maybelline can’t stay silent, publishing a scathing response in the local paper. Even as her parents fear backlash, Maybelline—and her closest friends—organize to “Take Back the Narrative.” As if recognizing this is Maybelline’s journey, Wong reads with consistent, crisp delivery rather than distinctively performing the extensive cast. When Maybelline finally opens Danny’s left-behind shoebox, empathic Wong ensures hearts will shatter—perhaps even her own.