Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu
on Goodreads (109)
What’s inside...
Keep trying, keep laughing, keep dancing! A heart-warming novel from the Blue Peter Book Award shortlisted author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths. 12-year-old Lizzie Chu lives in Glasgow with her grandad Wai Gong, and he's been acting a little strangely lately. He is becoming forgetful. A girl tries to cheer up her grieving, forgetful grandfather by taking him on a rollicking road-trip adventure in Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, a charming and poignant middle-grade novel from award-winning author Maisie Chan. Twelve-year-old Lizzie Chu has lived with her wai gong (grandfather) in Glasgow since her parents died when she was a baby. But Wai Gong has been acting different lately. He spends a lot of time talking to his Guan Yin statue—the Chinese goddess of compassion, kindness, and mercy—at his altar and seems to be becoming more forgetful. Even the shared passion he and Lizzie have for their favorite show, Strictly Come Dancing, seems to be tailing off. Then one day Lizzie’s friend Chi visits dressed as Princess Leia for Comic Con, and Wai Gong mistakes her for Guan Yin. He’s delighted—and Lizzie gets an idea. She and Chi (dressed as the goddess) can take Wai Gong to a ballroom dance at the Tower Ballroom, where he’d always dreamed of going with his late wife. If only she can get her granddad there, she thinks, he’ll find some peace, and perhaps things will be OK at home again. After all, one of the myths around Guan Yin is that she brings order and harmony, so it’s got to work out—right?
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lizzie Chu
Wai Gong
Discussion points
How do you think Lizzie felt when she kept dancing despite the challenges? Can you think of a time you did something similar?
What do you admire most about Lizzie's character and why?
How did Lizzie's friends and family help her in her journey? Why is support important in achieving our goals?
What did Lizzie learn about herself by the end of the story? Have you learned something new about yourself recently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating Lizzie’s experiences to their own personal challenges or triumphs.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and support, as demonstrated in Lizzie's life, to underline these values for your child.
Ask your child to imagine what they would do if they were in Lizzie’s shoes, enhancing their empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Lizzie Chu faces challenges in her dance journey but continues to practice and improve, showing determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in learning a new skill or facing daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story incorporates elements of Chinese culture through the character of Lizzie and her family, fostering cultural awareness and respect.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to learn about and respect different cultures in their own communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Lizzie receives strong support from her family for her dancing, which boosts her confidence and motivation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of family encouragement and support in pursuing their interests and passions.
Example Lesson: Self-expression Through Art
Explanation: Dancing is used as a form of expression for Lizzie, allowing her to convey her emotions and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use creative outlets like art, music, or dance to express themselves and manage their emotions.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: As Lizzie becomes more skilled in dancing, she gains confidence not only in her abilities but also in her identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to engage in activities that bolster their self-esteem and self-awareness.