A New York Times Bestseller
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
One of NPR’s Favorite Books of the Year
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Editors’ Choice
A BookPage Best Book of the Year
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Crystal Kite Award Winner

“Vividly rendered, intriguingly plotted . . . Jo’s example of resistance and hope is sure to resonate with today’s readers.” —The Washington Post

“Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past.” —The New York Times
 
“A joyful read . . . The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time.” —NPR

“A triumph of storytelling. The Downstairs Girl is a bold portrait of this country’s past, brilliantly painted with wit, heartbreak, and unflinching honesty. Everyone needs to read this book.” —Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval

“A gorgeous tale that will steal your heart. This is not only a keeper, but a classic!” —Robin LaFevers, New York Times bestselling author of the His Fair Assassin trilogy

“A jewel of a story. By shining a light on the lives of those whom history usually ignores, Lee gives us a marvelous gift: An entirely new and riveting look at our past.” —Candace Fleming, award-winning author of The Family Romanov
 
“Clever, funny, and poignant, The Downstairs Girl is Stacey Lee at her best.” —Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Crown’s Game 

“Immersive, important, and thoroughly entertaining, The Downstairs Girl sparkles with all of Stacey Lee’s signature humor, charm, warmth, and wisdom.” —Kelly Loy Gilbert, Morris Award Finalist for Conviction

* “Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
 
* “This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding.” —Booklist, starred review
 
* “Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage.” —School Library Journal, starred review
 
* “This captivating novel explores intersectionality, conveys the effects of restrictions placed on women and people of color, and celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people struggling to break society’s barriers in any age.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
* “A compelling domestic drama with a winning heroine.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“The Downstairs Girl is rich in historical detail and anchored by Stacey Lee’s buoyant prose and a heroine whose voice leaps off the page.” —BookPage

“Lee’s profound writing tackles topics of politics and race with a main character who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.” —Buzzfeed

“History, mystery, social commentary, adventure—this book’s got it all!” —BookRiot

“All of Lee’s books offer a stunning level of historical accuracy and feel like mini time machines, including her latest. This story about using your voice is one of Lee’s best.” —Paste Magazine

“An apt, powerful read.” —Woman’s World MagazineABOUT STACEY LEE