Scan barcode
A review by barberchicago_books
Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved this middle-grade realistic fiction with a bit of history and mystery thrown in. Maizy moves back with her grandparents to help in their Chinese restaurant as her ailing grandpa declines. There, he shares the history of his grandfather, Lucky’s, journey from
China to the U.S.: one filled with danger that brought out his determination. The story-within-a-story is a unique one that young readers will like to fall back on as they also try - along with the strong, intelligent titular character- to unravel the mystery of racist vandalism in the restaurant.
They’ll also love Maizy, who’s not afraid to stand up when she sees a wrong, nor is she afraid to admit when she, herself, had misjudged someone.
Lessons abound in this middle grade, and it’s one we need in this world, especially in this moment in time.
China to the U.S.: one filled with danger that brought out his determination. The story-within-a-story is a unique one that young readers will like to fall back on as they also try - along with the strong, intelligent titular character- to unravel the mystery of racist vandalism in the restaurant.
They’ll also love Maizy, who’s not afraid to stand up when she sees a wrong, nor is she afraid to admit when she, herself, had misjudged someone.
Lessons abound in this middle grade, and it’s one we need in this world, especially in this moment in time.