Cindy Pon & Sleeves of Fury!

Today's Diversity in Young Adult Fiction featured author is (drumroll): Cindy Pon!

Silver Phoenix.

and the sequel, Fury of the Phoenix.

When her father vanishes on a visit to the emperor's palace, Ai Ling goes in search of him. Her journey reveals not only her own destiny, but a terrible evil within the palace.

Personally I think nothing helps rock a fantasy novel like an interweaving of actual history. Pon's books incorporate Chinese mythology, folklore and history to deliver a vivid, action-filled story.