Written by Lisa Yee
This story within a story focuses on Maizy Chen and her summer adventures in Last Chance, Minnesota, and her Opa’s story of the origin of Golden Palace, the family restaurant. Maizy and her mother make a trip to Last Chance to help care for Opa, who is frail and ailing. While there, Maizy meets a host of characters who give her support and help her through some racially charged incidents. While learning about the town’s history and its characters, Maizy learns to love the people, the town, and especially her Opa. Great storytelling, although I thought Maizy’s story could have been developed a little more between her friends. I think students will enjoy the story and will relate to the issues that Maizy has to face with her family and friends.
Reviewed by Laura Schmidt, Librarian, Fox Hills Elementary
Review shared in May 2022
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance
Written by Lisa Yee
Random House
276 pages
Release Date: February 1, 2022
ISBN: 9781984830258
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
