Maizy Chen's Last Chance: (Newbery Honor Award Winner)

I'm 11 and I saw it in my School library And I was reading it in my house I couldn't put it down you should read it and I grandma bought it for me and I'm so happy and maizy Is my favorite character because she's lovable and Newbery honor It is well deserved it is such A good book I will read it over and over again

This is a breezy read focused on a young girl in a small town coming to terms with her grandparent's and mother's strained relationship, the history of her family, what it means to be Chinese in America and her place in the world. Maizy is a great character who makes this journey of self-discovery so much fun to read!

I loved Maizy and her family. The bond she formed with her Opa as they shared food, poker, and stories was beautiful. There were moments of both laughter and tears. Highly recommend for young readers and grown-ups alike.

Loved it, enjoyed it and will be sharing it.

The light hearted tone of the book will draw in the younger reader. But the deep and important issues Lisa Yee weaves into the story are terrific.Generational gaps and heartfelt bonds are beautifully told between Maisey’s mother, grandparents and herself.I am impressed at how well she weaves in Chinese American history and the present day problems of racism and prejudice.Funny, sweet and thoroughly engaging book.

Maizy is a loveable character with spunk. She grows with grace throughout the story with spirit and heart. The characters and relationships feel so authentic. The multilayered story seems effortless which attests to the ability of the author, Lisa Yee. She adeptly handles the racism that the characters face throughout the multigenerational story with perseverance and hope. I’m hoping Maizy returns to Minnesota for a sequel. Highly recommend.

This book is so powerful and touching. I love how Maizy’s relationship strengthened while staying with her Opa and Oma out in Last Chance, Minnesota compared to her empty place in Los Angeles, CA. I was saddened by the stories she heard from her immigrants’ grandparents while living her full Americanized life on the West Coast. I was heartbroken when I came across the Exclusionary Act and the racial slurs Maizy’s grandparents had to deal with in order to survive after coming to America. The book had some funny parts but to me there were more sad parts because of the discrimination they had to face. I wanted to give Maizy and the grandparents my biggest hug because this issue is still here even though laws were passed to protect, prevent and prohibit racism to happen again. Really a beautiful book!

Newbery got it right with this book--funny, poignant, and not heavy-handed considering the racial aspect of the book. Yee is a talented writer and storyteller and I hope we see more from her. My 7th grade English students are going to love this one.