Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt novel tackles identity, racism, and immigration.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MAIZY CHEN'S LAST CHANCE, 11-year-old Maizy Chen has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota. But when her grandpa gets sick, Maizy and her mom head to Last Chance to help at the family's restaurant, the Golden Palace. Maizy hasn't seen her grandparents since she was 8, and she's got many questions. Why don't Mom and Oma get along? Who are the people in the old photos at the Golden Palace? Why would someone take a beloved Chen family treasure and leave racist messages? During one unforgettable summer, Maizy will search for the answers to her questions, learn about her family's history, and realize that people aren't always what they seem.
Is It Any Good?
This charming and heartfelt coming-of-age tale thoughtfully tackles identity, racism, and immigration, making it a must-read for kids. Author Lisa Yee seamlessly weaves stories within a story to highlight Chinese and Chinese American history, showcase how Chinese Americans are still dealing with the same issues today, and inspire kids to learn more about their families' history. Readers will love her kind, compassionate, and courageous characters who stand up for what's right and help each other.
As Maizy Chen's Last Chance progresses, kids will learn that people aren't always what they seem and understand the importance of communication, courage, hope, perseverance, and compassion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Maizy Chen's Last Chance deals with immigration, racism, and bullying. How do these issues affect the characters?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate kindness, perseverance, compassion, integrity, communication, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Lisa Yee
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: February 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Awards: ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated: January 30, 2023
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