The Silence That Binds Us - by Joanna Ho

What an incredible book. The story, the characters, the relationships between May, Danny, Tia and Mark, the connection felt with the characters, the reality and pain of suicide, the depth of May’s devastation at the loss of Danny, the journey to the rally and May deciding to speak - it was all just so moving and powerful. I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading it. I love how it will inspire and empower students to learn more of their own histories and tell their own stories. I also love how this book will inspire curiosity in teens and adults in to the histories and stories of those who have been silenced and whose histories have been whitewashed. I hope it leads to collective action like the Take Back the Narrative Rally. I really loved May’s journey and the transparency written in to her character as she learned about what Tia and Mark and Black students and the Black community face. I loved every single detail of the rally (from the artwork to the magazine to the students sharing their stories) and know it will inspire students to think of creative ways to do something similar. The beauty of this book is in the details - like how the encounter with the woman at the train stop helped heal May (her realization that her mother was always trying to show love by feeding her and how she could associate the train coming with relief for once). There is so much wisdom and instruction in the text about racism, whitewashed history, the importance of supporting other marginalized groups and how uniting against white supremacy is essential and will help everyone. This book is really phenomenal and I can’t wait to have my oldest two read it / I had to purchase a hard copy because I love it so much and I want my children to read it.

Couldn’t stop reading. Finished it in two days. Eye opening, heartfelt, kept me on the edge. 22y/o female.

I can’t say enough about how amazing this book is. It is a beautifully written story that pulls you in from the very beginning and masterfully winds you through the journey told through the lens of the main character. You know a book has you in its hold when you’re dreaming about the story. Could NOT put it down!! I can’t wait to share this book with my daughter (12) and literally everyone else I know. Don’t wait any longer to get this book you didn’t know you needed in your life!