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The Comeback

A Figure Skating Novel
By E. L. Shen
0.0 (0 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
Twelve-year-old Maxine Chen strives for the perfect landing both on the ice and in life. Set in Lake Placid, New York, this spunky yet stirring story follows Maxine as she navigates competitive figure skating alongside middle school challenges, including bullying tied to her Chinese heritage. Facing rivalry and pressure, Maxine must find the strength to make a comeback, exploring themes of racism, female rivalry, friendship, and the enduring power of love and support.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1799
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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?

Ideal for middle-grade readers interested in sports, coming-of-age stories, and themes of diversity, resilience, and friendship.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A heartfelt debut about a young girl trying to be a champ, in figure skating and in life, with an introduction by champion figure skater Mirai Nagasu.

A heartfelt #OwnVoices middle-grade debut about a young girl trying to be a champ - on the ice and in her life.

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

Twelve-year-old Maxine Chen is just trying to nail that perfect landing: on the ice, in middle school, and at home, where her parents worry that competitive skating is too much pressure for a budding tween. Maxine isn't concerned, however—she's determined to glide to victory. That is, until she finds herself in competition with Hollie, a gifted new skater, and is getting teased by a bully at school for her Chinese heritage.

With her world akilter, will Maxine crash under the pressure? Or can she make a comeback?

Set in Lake Placid, New York, The Comeback is a spunky yet stirring story that examines racism, female rivalry and friendship, and the enduring and universal necessity of love and support.

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?

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

"With fast-paced prose and authentic dialogue, Shen captures big emotions within the obsessive skater's world. Maxine’s courage and humour make this an engaging read." – The New York Times

"A grounded character navigating middle school and elite sports with an authentic voice. Tackles everyday racism, burnout, and the value of friendships with heart. The Asian figure-skating idols highlight the importance of representation." – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781250820525

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 February 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: St Martin's Press

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 222g

Pages: 288

Collections

Children's Books Children’s & Teenage Non-Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational E. L. Shen Young Adult

About the Author

E. L. Shen is a writer, editor, and former figure skater. Her childhood skating career was not nearly as prolific as Maxine's, but her personality is just as fiery. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College of Columbia University, where she majored in English with a concentration in creative writing. Originally from upstate New York, she currently resides in Manhattan. Find her on Twitter at @ELShenWrites or online at elshenwrites.com.

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