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51 pages 1 hour read

Lisa Yee

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee, 12-year-old Maizy Chen visits her grandparents in Last Chance, Minnesota, where she learns about her Chinese heritage and the struggles faced by her ancestors. Through the summer, Maizy uncovers family stories involving courage and kindness amidst racism and xenophobia, all while solving a mystery at her grandparents' Chinese restaurant, Golden Palace. This source material contains instances of racism, discrimination, and racist language, including the use of the c-word racial slur.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee receives praise for its heartfelt story, relatable characters, and exploration of cultural heritage. Reviewers appreciate the well-crafted narrative and emotional depth. Some critique its pacing and predictability. Despite minor flaws, it’s lauded as a moving and educational read suitable for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Maizy Chen's Last Chance?

Readers who enjoy Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee are typically middle-grade enthusiasts who appreciate heartfelt, family-focused stories with cultural insights. Fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang and Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai will find this book appealing.

Book Details
Pages

276

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Last Chance, Minnesota • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2022

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

670L

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