What This Book Is About
Twelve-year-old Maizy spends a summer in Last Chance, Minnesota, at the Golden Palace, the Chinese restaurant her grandparents run and the family has owned for generations. She is there because her grandfather is ill, and she arrives expecting a long, dull summer in a small town.
What she finds is her own family's history. Maizy uncovers the story of her ancestor Lucky, and she sees for herself what the family still faces when the restaurant is targeted in a racist incident. The book is a 2023 Newbery Honor Book and was a 2022 National Book Award finalist.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Maizy Chen's Last Chance is a rich exploration of cultural identity, family heritage, and the immigrant experience that connects powerfully to UWC's mission of intercultural understanding. Many students at international schools navigate between multiple cultures and languages every day, and Maizy's journey of discovering her Chinese American roots mirrors the identity questions they face. The book validates the complexity of belonging to more than one culture at once.
The novel also models curiosity and open-mindedness as Maizy learns to look beyond surface impressions and appreciate the depth of her family's history. For Grade 5 readers, the accessible language and compelling mystery make it a page-turner, while the themes of community, resilience, and the stories hidden in everyday places encourage students to explore their own family histories with fresh eyes.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. Start with simpler chapter books or graded readers first.
Right in the sweet spot. Conversational language and a relatable protagonist make this very approachable.
A quick, enjoyable read at B2. Try Wonder or Murder Most Unladylike for more challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.