Iris ___, author of "The Chinese in America"

CHANG

"Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue: "This historian's surname is as common in Chinese culture as the book's subject." This hint subtly connects the answer to Chinese heritage without directly stating the name, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some thought."

The clue "Iris ___, author of 'The Chinese in America'" leads to the answer "CHANG" through a straightforward definition-based approach.