Author
Grace Lin
5 books here
When the Sea Turned to Silver
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 820L · 2016
A genuinely literary fantasy that honors Chinese culture without flattening it; the nested-tale structure and philosophical weight demand attention but reward it.
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 750L · 2025
Lin threads Chinese-American identity and cultural magic through an adventure that doesn't feel didactic—the girl's heritage is the source of her power, not a side quest.
Year of the Dog
Chapter book · ages 8–12 · 580L · 2007
A quiet, honest story about a Chinese-American girl figuring out who she is when the world keeps sorting her into boxes—Grace Lin writes specificity without preachiness, and kids recognize themselves.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 740L · 2010
A luminous bridge between fairy tale and contemporary realism — Chinese folklore woven into a girl's quest that teaches generosity and persistence without preaching, with gorgeous prose that justifies the read-aloud.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Picture book · ages 3–7 · 380L · 2018
Grace Lin's most lyrical picture book — the art and text whisper rather than sing, and a parent reading it aloud will find themselves slowing down, which is the whole point.