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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Inspirational / Humorous

- Maizy Chen's Last Chance won the 2023 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature, celebrating its contribution to promoting understanding of Asian culture and heritage.
- The author, Lisa Yee, is also known for her diverse and engaging range of children's and young adult books, including the popular Millicent Min, Girl Genius series.

**Maizy Chen**  
Maizy Chen is a 12-year-old Chinese American girl who travels from Los Angeles to the small town of Last Chance to visit her grandparents. As she learns about her family's past, she gains a deeper understanding of her heritage.

**Opa**  
Opa is Maizy’s grandfather, who is keen on passing down family stories to Maizy as his health declines. His tales connect Maizy to her cultural history and highlight important family values.

**Oma**  
Oma is Maizy’s grandmother, who has a complex but loving relationship with Maizy’s mother. Her emphasis on family and sacrifice teaches Maizy about the strength of their heritage.

**Lucky Chen**  
Lucky Chen is Maizy's great-great-grandfather, whose life story is shared with Maizy through her grandfather's accounts. His experiences reflect the challenges and resilience of Chinese immigrants in America.

Lisa Yee

Middle grade

Novel

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Chapters 1-21

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Chapters 22-42

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Chapters 43-63

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Chapter 64-Epilogue

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