We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America

From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Joanna Ho, comes an uplifting call to action that highlights Asian American history, paired with vibrant and colorful illustrations by artist and activist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.

In Joanna Ho’s true classic style, she creates a poetic ode that celebrates Asian American communities and their history. We Who Produce Pearls, is an anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s signature bright and bold palette brings to light the strength and power within us all, creating a mesmerizing, stunning, and magical masterpiece that proves how we can shape our pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Together, Joanna and Amanda remind readers to rise up, speak out, and step into power.

Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya [PUNG-bodee-bak-ee-ah] is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and activist. As artist-in-residence with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Amanda’s art series celebrating the resilience of the AAPI community, ＂I Still Believe in Our City, ’’ reached millions in New York City and worldwide through her Atlantic Terminal billboard, subway domination, and social media amplification. In the wake of the Atlanta shootings in March 2021, art from the series appeared on the cover of Timemagazine. From large-scale murals, augmented reality (AR) experiences, 3D printed sculptures, and interactive installations, Amanda makes the invisible, visible. She has explored microscopic universes, familial memories, and the power of collective action, challenging viewers to rethink the world around them and revealing the often unseen depth, resilience, and beauty of marginalized communities. Her work has been shown at The Cooper Union, Times Square, Google, Lincoln Center, and recognized by The New York Times, Harpers Bazaar, and TheGuardian. She has received support from the Sloan Foundation, the Café Royal Cultural Foundation, and the Jerome Foundation. Her work is held in permanent collections at the Goldwell Open Air Museum, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), the Museum of the City of New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Earlier in her career, Amanda worked as a researcher studying Alzheimer’s Disease at Columbia Medical Center and received her MFA from Pratt Institute. Her national mural series, ＂Findings,＂ created in partnership with the Heising-Simons Foundation, can be found in 10 cities across the United States. Most recently, she unveiled GATHER: A series of monuments and rituals with Lincoln Center. Through writing, speaking, and art, she is trying to challenge audiences to rethink the world around them.

Joanna Ho is the award-winning, New York Timesbestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Eyes That Speak to the Stars, Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma, andThe Silence That Binds Us. She has been an English teacher, a dean, a vice principal, and a professional development creator. Her passion for equity in books and education is matched only by her love of homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids.