What This Book Is About
Eleven-year-old Maizy Chen has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota, but when her grandfather falls ill, she and her mother make the long trip from California to help run the family's Chinese restaurant, the Golden Palace. Maizy expects a boring summer in a tiny town where nothing ever happens. What she finds instead is a crumbling restaurant full of secrets, a grandmother she barely knows, and a community with a complicated history of Chinese immigrants who helped build the American railroad.
As Maizy explores the Golden Palace's hidden rooms and discovers old photographs, mysterious letters, and forgotten stories, she begins to understand why her mother left and never looked back. But she also uncovers the strength, sacrifice, and resilience that run through her family like a golden thread. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award finalist, this warm and witty novel celebrates food, fortune, family, and the courage it takes to find where you truly belong.
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.