Plus: Other books with diverse protagonists that she recommends.
Using popular films and nonfiction books as inspiration, Li built out the world the crew would inhabit.
“There’s a part of the book where the characters sit down and watchOcean’s Eleven.
Penguin Random House
Li mixed in nonfiction reads about art crime and art history to make the story as realistic as possible.
“They have such different experiences and relationships with China and their identities,” she says.
She’s incredibly grateful to be working on the adaptation as Asian American representation is media is increasing.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Here are some other books featuring diverse characters Li is currently loving.
It chronicles his relationship with his family and art and explore topics including socioeconomic status and immigration.
“It is just so thoughtfully and tenderly done.
Avon
After I finished it, I cried then called my parents,” she explains.
Park Row
Balzer + Bray
