Maizy Chen's Last Chance
Heartfelt novel tackles identity, racism, and immigration.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lisa Yee's Maizy Chen's Last Chance is a heartfelt novel that tackles identity, racism, and immigration while highlighting family, friendship, and food. The story alternates between the present and Maizy's grandpa telling stories about Lucky Chen, Maizy's great-great-grandpa. Readers will learn about Chinese and Chinese American history, culture, and food. They'll also learn about immigration, racism, and even tips on how to play poker. Characters are beaten up and mocked for being Chinese. Racial slurs include "dirty Mexican," "dirty Chinaman," "chinks." Chinese workers die while helping build railroads. Kids pull their eyelids into straight lines to pretend their Chinese. One Lucky story includes robbers with guns. Someone steals a beloved Chen family treasure and leaves a racist note for Maizy's family. Adults and teens drink whiskey. There are also mentions of cigarettes.
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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
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 1, 2022
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