Gloria Chao
Gloria Chao has published 9 books across 3 series. The recommended reading order starts with American Panda (2018).
Gloria Chao is a Taiwanese-American author and screenwriter who writes young adult novels. Her debut, American Panda, introduced teenage protagonists navigating their identity. Chao studied business at MIT before switching to dentistry, a career she left to pursue fiction. She has also written Rent a Boyfriend, Our Wayward Fate, and the Mortal Enemy Murder Club series. Before finding her way to writing, Chao was active in dance and martial arts. Today, she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles curling.
Shelf & Shadows
Order of Anthologies
- Tagsshort-storiesyoung-adultromancechildrenDescriptionThere are twelve stories in this collection, each one a vibrant exploration of the messy, beautiful chaos of falling in love. Gloria Chao brings together a chorus of distinct voices to tackle the universal awkwardness of romance, from the first heart-pounding confession to the comfortable silence of a long-term partnership. It’s not just about the happy endings; it’s about the stumbles, the overthinking, and the sheer bravery it takes to be vulnerable with another person. What makes this anthology sing is its refusal to settle for a single definition of love. We see crushes develop in secret notes and grand gestures that go hilariously wrong, capturing the specific electric tension of youth. The central hook isn’t just romance itself, but the discovery of self that comes with letting someone else in. Whether you’re a cynic or a hopeless romantic, these narratives offer a sharp, heartfelt look at why we keep trying to connect, even when it feels terrifying.Publication date7 December 2021Amazon rating4/5Print length289LanguageEnglishPublisherRunning Press Kids
- Tagsyoung-adultshort-storiesromancefantasyhorrorDescriptionFirst-Year Orientation is a sharp dissection of the modern college experience. Gloria Chao captures the chaotic transition from childhood to adulthood with precision. The novel exposes the performative nature of university life. It strips away the glamour of higher education. The result is a story that feels both specific and universal. Chao understands the pressure to fit in. She understands the fear of standing out. This book matters because it gives voice to the silent anxieties of freshman year. It validates the confusion. It makes the struggle feel seen. The narrative follows a protagonist caught between expectation and reality. The stakes are personal. They are emotional. The conflict is not just about grades or majors. It is about identity. Chao’s prose is clean and direct. She avoids melodrama. She focuses on the small, defining moments. The dialogue snaps. The observations sting. This is a book for anyone who has ever felt like an imposter. It is a guide for the lost. It is a mirror for the lonely. Chao has written a story that lingers. It resonates long after the final page.Publication date4 April 2023Amazon rating3.6/5Print length336LanguageEnglishPublisherCandlewick Press (MA)
Order of Hu Done It Books
- TagsmysterycrimeromanceDescriptionIrene thought she was just meeting her ex-boyfriend’s new fiancée for a polite lunch, but the moment she walks into the tea house, she realizes she’s stumbled into something far more dangerous. The woman across the table isn't just a rival; she’s a suspect in a murder that hits way too close to home. Before Irene can even process the shock, she’s pulled into a secret society of women who have all been burned by the same man, bound together by a shared thirst for justice and a very specific set of skills. What starts as a revenge plot quickly spirals into a full-blown investigation when a body drops, and the group realizes they are the only ones who can solve the crime. The stakes are incredibly high, not just because they’re trying to catch a killer, but because they’re fighting to reclaim their own narratives. It’s messy, it’s personal, and it’s absolutely gripping to watch these women turn their pain into power. This isn’t your typical cozy mystery; it’s a sharp, heartfelt exploration of female friendship and the lengths we’ll go to protect each other. Chao balances the humor and the heartbreak perfectly, making you laugh one minute and gasp the next. You’ll be rooting for this club from the very first page, desperate to see them take down the bad guy and come out on top.Publication date24 June 2025Amazon rating3.8/5Print length318LanguageEnglishPublisherMIRA
- TagsmysterycrimeDescriptionThe Order of Hu Done It is back in session, and the stakes have never been quite so lethal or absurdly personal. When a figure from the past threatens to dismantle everything they hold dear, the members find themselves entangled in a web of secrets that hits closer to home than any previous case. Gloria Chao masterfully balances the sharp wit of a cozy mystery with the genuine tension of a thriller, dropping the reader directly into the chaos as the club scrambles to unmask a foe who knows their every move. Chao writes with a precise, observant hand, peeling back the layers of friendship and loyalty under pressure. The narrative breathes with a natural cadence, allowing moments of humor to coexist with the creeping dread of a true threat. It is not merely a puzzle to be solved, but a study of how a chosen family reacts when the safety of their circle is breached, blending the intellectual satisfaction of deduction with raw emotional stakes. This installment matters because it deepens the resonance of the series without losing its playful edge. The reader is compelled not just to discover the culprit, but to witness the evolution of characters who feel like old friends. By the final page, the book leaves a lingering impression of how fragile our defenses truly are, proving that even in the most lighthearted of settings, the heart of a mystery beats with genuine human consequence.Publication date28 July 2026Print length352LanguageEnglishPublisherPark Row
Order of Standalone Novels
- Tagsyoung-adultchildrenDescriptionSeventeen-year-old Mei Lu is already drowning in the pressure cooker of MIT freshman life, meticulously navigating a world where her parents’ expectations weigh heavier than any textbook. She tries to be the perfect Taiwanese daughter, but beneath the surface, she is harboring secrets that could shatter the fragile peace of her family life. From the very first page, we see her frantically sanitizing her surroundings, a visceral manifestation of her internal rebellion against the pre-med path she has been forced to walk. The central conflict here is aching and relatable: Mei is a germaphobe who faints at the sight of blood, yet she is expected to become a doctor, while her heart truly belongs to the dance floor. As she struggles to suppress her love for biology and embrace her passion for movement, the lies begin to compound. She finds herself drawn to a Japanese boy, a relationship strictly forbidden by her traditional parents, adding a dangerous layer of romance to her already precarious double life. What makes this story truly sing is Mei’s journey toward reclaiming her own voice, even if it means risking the comfort of the only home she has ever known. Her decision to reconnect with her estranged older brother becomes a pivotal turning point, offering a glimpse of a life lived on one's own terms. It is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal exploration of cultural identity and the courage it takes to be yourself.Publication date6 February 2018Amazon rating4.5/5Print length320LanguageEnglishPublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Tagsyoung-adultromancechildrenDescriptionThis book is a raw, electrifying exploration of the weight we carry when we try to live up to the expectations of others. It captures the specific ache of being caught between cultures, between the future your parents planned for you and the one you secretly crave. Chao doesn’t just tell a story about a girl falling for the wrong boy; she dissects the terrifying beauty of claiming your own identity, even when it risks breaking everything you’ve ever known. It’s a narrative that pulses with life, frustration, and the desperate need to be seen. What makes this story truly unforgettable is how it balances humor with heartbreak, often in the same breath. You will find yourself rooting for messy mistakes and second chances, feeling every high and low as if they were your own. The romance is a slow burn that ignites the plot, but the core is the family dynamic—complex, loving, and suffocating all at once. It’s the kind of read that stays with you, reminding you that fate isn’t something that happens to you, but something you have to fight to forge on your own terms.Publication date1 December 2019Amazon rating4.1/5Print length320LanguageEnglishPublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Tagsyoung-adultromanceDescriptionChloe Wang walks into the restaurant with her heart hammering against her ribs, clutching the arm of a man who is paid to be perfect. Drew Chan is everything her traditional Taiwanese parents could ever want in a suitor—polite, accomplished, and entirely fabricated—yet as the evening unfolds, the line between the act and reality begins to deliciously blur. It is a high-stakes masquerade where one wrong word could shatter her family’s expectations, but the chemistry sparking between them feels dangerously, wonderfully real. Beneath the glossy surface of this romantic comedy lies a poignant exploration of identity and the heavy cost of parental approval. Chloe’s desperate attempt to curate a picture-perfect life resonates deeply, capturing that specific ache of wanting to belong to two worlds at once while feeling fully at home in neither. Chao handles the cultural nuances with a deft, tender touch, allowing the humor to buoy the heavier themes of duty and self-discovery without ever diminishing their emotional weight. What makes this story linger is not just the swoon-worthy tension, but the quiet courage it takes to finally speak one’s truth. Watching Chloe navigate the minefield of obligation versus desire is both heart-wrenching and deeply affirming, reminding us that the most radical act of love is often loving ourselves enough to be seen. It is a warm, witty, and ultimately liberating read that feels like a conversation with your wisest friend.Publication date10 November 2020Amazon rating4.2/5Print length400LanguageEnglishPublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Tagsyoung-adultromancefantasyDescriptionThere is a specific kind of ache that comes from wanting something so badly it feels like a physical weight, and this story captures that longing with exquisite precision. Set against the backdrop of a sleepy town that feels too small for big dreams, the atmosphere is thick with humidity and the scent of street food, grounding the magical elements in a reality that feels gritty and alive. It is a world where the impossible feels just within reach, if only you are brave enough to speak it into existence. At the heart of the narrative lies a single, desperate wish made to a lantern, setting off a chain reaction that blurs the line between fate and coincidence. The protagonist is caught in a tangle of family duty and personal desire, forced to navigate the expectations of those she loves while secretly reaching for a future that feels terrifyingly out of grasp. The central conflict is not just about getting what you want, but understanding the cost of asking for it and the courage it takes to define your own happiness. What truly makes this book unforgettable is the way it balances the whimsy of folklore with the sharp edges of growing up. The romance unfolds with a slow-burn intensity that feels earned and electric, offering a tenderness that provides a soft landing for the heavier themes of identity and sacrifice. It is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful magic is not in the lanterns we light, but in…Publication date14 February 2023Amazon rating4.1/5Print length352LanguageEnglishPublisherViking Books for Young Readers
- Tagsyoung-adultromanceDescriptionThe past has a way of resurfacing exactly when one hopes it has been safely buried, turning a carefully curated present into a landscape of emotional landmines. In Gloria Chao’s standalone novel, the collision of history and ambition is handled with a deft touch, exploring the friction between who we were and who we strive to become. The narrative navigates the messy terrain of second chances and professional rivalry, set against a backdrop that demands both vulnerability and resolve. It is a story about the maps we draw for ourselves and how easily an old acquaintance can redraw the borders, forcing a confrontation with the ghosts of relationships left behind. What makes this book resonate is its unflinching look at the cost of reopening closed doors. Chao dissects the awkwardness and unexpected tenderness of reconnection with precision, balancing the stakes of a career-defining opportunity with the unpredictability of the heart. The prose moves with a rhythm that mimics the hesitation of a reunion, punctuated by moments of sharp clarity. Readers will find themselves invested not just in the outcome, but in the journey of repair and self-discovery. It is a testament to the idea that some exes are not merely endings, but necessary waypoints on the road to a more authentic future.Publication date31 December 2024Amazon rating4/5Print length384LanguageEnglishPublisherViking Books for Young Readers
Frequently Asked Questions about Gloria Chao
Gloria Chao’s books can be read in a few different orders, depending on your preference. You can read her standalone novels in publication order, starting with American Panda from 2018. If you prefer to read her series, you can start with the Order of Hu Done It series, beginning with The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, or the Order of Anthologies series, beginning with Fools In Love. Her books do not need to be read in a specific sequence to understand the stories, as the series are distinct from each other and her standalone novels are independent.
A good starting point for reading Gloria Chao’s books is American Panda, her debut novel published in 2018. This novel introduces her distinctive voice and themes. Alternatively, readers interested in her series can begin with Fools In Love, the first book in the Order of Anthologies, or The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, the first book in the Order of Hu Done It series. Each of these entry points offers a clear introduction to her writing style and the types of stories she tells.
You do not have to read Gloria Chao’s books in a specific order. Her standalone novels are independent stories and can be read in any sequence. Her series, the Order of Hu Done It and the Order of Anthologies, are also distinct from each other and from her standalone novels. While each series has its own internal reading order, you can begin with any of her books and understand the story without needing to have read others first. This allows for flexibility in how you approach her work.
Gloria Chao writes both standalone novels and books that are part of series. Her standalone novels include titles like American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, Rent a Boyfriend, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, and Ex Marks the Spot. She also writes series, such as the Order of Anthologies, which includes Fools In Love and First-Year Orientation, and the Order of Hu Done It series, with The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club and The Mortal Enemy Murder Club. This variety offers readers different ways to engage with her stories.
As of late 2023, Gloria Chao has written a total of ten books. This includes five standalone novels: American Panda (2018), Our Wayward Fate (2019), Rent a Boyfriend (2020), When You Wish Upon a Lantern (2023), and Ex Marks the Spot (2024). She has also written two books in the Order of Anthologies: Fools In Love (2021) and First-Year Orientation (2023). Additionally, she has two upcoming books in the Order of Hu Done It series: The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (2025) and The Mortal Enemy Murder Club (2026).
The first book Gloria Chao wrote was American Panda, published in 2018. This novel marked her debut as an author and introduced readers to her unique storytelling. It is a standalone novel and sets the stage for her subsequent works, establishing her characteristic blend of humor and heartfelt themes. Following its release, she continued to write more standalone novels before beginning her series.
Gloria Chao's most recent book is When You Wish Upon a Lantern, published in 2023. This novel is part of her collection of standalone stories, offering a complete narrative arc within a single volume. It follows her other standalone works and precedes her upcoming series entries. Readers can enjoy this book as a self-contained story, characteristic of her individual novel releases.
Gloria Chao writes young adult fiction, often incorporating elements of romance and humor into her stories. Her books frequently explore themes of identity, family, and cultural expectations, particularly within the context of Asian American experiences. While primarily known for contemporary young adult novels, she also ventures into mystery with her Hu Done It series. Her writing style is marked by relatable characters and engaging plots.
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We verified the reading order for Gloria Chao's books by cross-referencing official publication dates, ISBN databases, and publisher catalogs.
Last verified: April 2026
Shelf & Shadows. (…). “Gloria Chao Books in Order.” Retrieved …, from https://www.shelfandshadows.com/authors/gloria-chao