Minfong Ho, in award-winning novels such as Sing to the Dawn, Rice without Rain, and The Clay Marble, presents realistic depictions of her native Southeast Asia, avoiding the romanticism of many writers on the subject. Characteristically focusing on strong female protagonists who interact with their families and friends against the backdrop of real events, she is often recognized for the sensitivity and understanding with which she treats the feelings of her characters as well as for her depiction of Asian life and locale. Her books include stories for young adult readers and middle graders as well as picture books for younger children. In all of these works, Ho does not back off from harsher elements such as poverty and violent death, but she also weaves the theme of the stabilizing influence of family throughout her work.

Ho's own life reflects an ability to interpret the East to the...