Author and YouTube cosplay sensation Xiran Jay Zhao took their debut middle grade novel Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor on tour in mid-May for a chance to connect with audiences. The fantasy follows 12-year-old gamer Zachary Ying who, after his mother is attacked and the fate of her soul is left in the hands of demons, discovers he is the descendent of the first Chinese emperor destined to help with a special mission.
Zhao made five official stops in the U.S. and Canada, as well as virtual visits and signings at bookstores, promoting their latest title. We’ve gathered a selection of photos from the events.
Zhao at their hometown launch stop at Indigo Metrotown in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Zhao in conversation with author Jeff Kinney at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Mass.
Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York City welcomed Zhao for a signing on May 13.
Also in NYC, Books of Wonder hosted Zhao and fellow author Claribel Ortega (r.).
The book tour went digital when Zhao made a virtual school visit at JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres in Silver Spring, Md., hosted by Loyalty Bookstore in partnership with An Open Book Foundation.
Zhao visited Yu & Me Books in Manhattan’s Chinatown for a stock signing.
On May 14, Zhao made an appearance at BookPeople in Austin, Tex., where they held a q&a and signed copies of their book.
Zhao made their final stop at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, where they appeared in conversation with author Kiersten White.
