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Maizy Chen's Last Chance

By Lisa Yee
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4.26 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 5,084 ratings, 819 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee is a heartwarming children’s novel set in a small town in Minnesota. The story follows Maizy Chen, a young girl visiting her grandparents, who runs the local diner. Faced with the discovery of family secrets and the intricacies of her heritage, Maizy embarks on an adventure that unravels the past while capturing the essence of family bonds and resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1900
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in a heartfelt story that combines family history, mystery, and identity exploration. The story follows a young girl navigating her way through new surroundings while unravelling captivating tales from her past, making it perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of humour, culture, and emotional depth.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"Eleven-year-old Maizy Chen visits her estranged grandparents, who own and run a Chinese restaurant in Last Chance, Minnesota; as her visit lengthens, she makes unexpected discoveries about her family's history and herself"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

NEWBERY HONOR AWARD | NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST | ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR YOUTH LITERATURE WINNER

Twelve year-old Maizy discovers her family's Chinese restaurant is full of secrets in this irresistible novel that celebrates food, fortune, and family.

Welcome to the Golden Palace!

Maizy has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota . . . until now. Her mom's plan is just to stay for a couple of weeks, until her grandfather gets better. But plans change, and as Maizy spends more time in Last Chance (where she and her family are the only Asian Americans) and at the Golden Palace—the restaurant that's been in her family for generations—she makes some discoveries. For instance:

  • You can tell a LOT about someone by the way they order food.
  • And people can surprise you. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in disappointing ways.
  • And the Golden Palace has secrets.

But the more Maizy discovers, the more questions she has. Like, why are her mom and her grandmother always fighting? Who are the people in the photographs on the office wall? And when she discovers that a beloved family treasure has gone missing—and someone has left a racist note—Maizy decides it's time to find the answers.

"Heartfelt, personal, and real—this book is a gift." — TAE KELLER, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Maizy Chen's Last Chance has received praise for its ability to weave neglected U.S. history with multi-generational family legends, creating a delightful and enlightening narrative. Reviewers describe it as a moving, multilayered family story that captivates with its examination of what it means to be American. The book is also noted for its humour and heartwarming approach, appealing to readers of all ages and bringing an important discussion about community, history, and truth.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781984830272

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 April 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Random House Inc

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 288

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Lisa Yee Penguin Books

About the Author

Lisa Yee is a Newbery Honoree and National Book Award finalist for Maizy Chen's Last Chance. She is also the author of over 21 books for young people, including the groundbreaking Millicent Min, Girl Genius; Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time; and the DC Super Hero Girls novel series. Lisa is a frequent contributor to NPR's Books We Love. A third-generation Chinese American, Lisa says, "I wrote Maizy Chen's Last Chance as a tribute to my grandparents and to all the immigrants who made the journey to America." Lisa divides her time between Western Massachusetts and Los Angeles.

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