Iron Widow By Xiran Jay Zhou (Grades 10+)

Xiran Jay Zhou immigrated to British Columbia from a small town in China in their fifth grade year. After graduating from Simon-Fraser University with a degree in Biochemical disease research, they signed a multi-book contract with Penguin Teen Canada which they promptly released their debut novel: Iron Widow. Their historical inspired , science fiction story about China's first empress was a huge hit on social media, quickly becoming a New York Times bestseller as well as winning the 2021 BSFA award for young readers. Alongside the heavy feminist themes in the story, Xiran Jay Zhou tackles the little to none Bisexual and Polyamorous representation in media.