I am a biracial, Japanese-American writer and a coordinator for a Hawai‘i-based mental health advocacy organization. In my multicultural household, mental illness was considered taboo, and outward expressions of emotion were rarely encouraged. When I began struggling with my own mental health as a child, I found it difficult to articulate what I was going through. Reading and writing became my lifeline—my way of breaking the silence. Yet I rarely saw myself reflected in the books I read. Stories about biracial Asian American girls, especially those grappling with mental health, were nearly nonexistent.

Through my debut young adult novel, I aim to bring forward an underrepresented voice by centering an Asian American protagonist in a narrative that treats her struggles with nuance, compassion, and hope. I believe that culturally grounded, emotionally resonant stories about mental health are still far too rare and hope my work can help others to feel less alone.

Represented by Jas Perry at Looking Glass Literary & Media.