Maizy Chen's Last Chance
on Goodreads (4,827)
What’s inside...
Welcome to The Golden Palace! Twelve-year-old Maizy has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota until now. She is visiting with her mother to take care of her grandfather, but their temporary stay turns into an extended visit. As Maizy spends more time at The Golden Palace, the Chinese restaurant owned by her family for generations, she discovers secrets about her family and the restaurant. She learns to understand people through their food orders, experiences surprising human behaviors, and uncovers hidden photographs and a missing family treasure accompanied by a racist note. Determined to find answers, Maizy delves into her family's past and their conflicts, while embracing the rich cultural heritage that the Golden Palace represents. This novel, featuring a blend of food, fortune, and family revelations, has earned accolades including the Newbery Honor Award, National Book Award Finalist, and Asian/Pacific American Award for Youth Literature.
Age
8-12
Length
277 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maizy Chen
Lucky Chen
Logan
Winnie Chen
Opa
Discussion points
What do you think Maizy learned about her family and culture throughout the story?
How did the relationships in the book change from the beginning to the end?
Why do you think it was important for Maizy to understand her family's history?
What qualities do you admire in Maizy? How can you apply them to your own life?
How did the setting of the story, the Golden Palace restaurant, contribute to the overall story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own family traditions and those depicted in the book.
Discuss the importance of family stories and history, and share some of your own family stories with your child.
Ask your child how they would feel in Maizy's shoes and what decisions they would have made differently.
Explore the theme of resilience by discussing how Maizy and her family overcome challenges in the story.
Create a family tree together, tracing your roots and discussing the ancestral stories that resemble those found in Maizy Chen's Last Chance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and heritage
Explanation: Maizy Chen's journey at her grandparents’ restaurant and revisiting family history shows her connecting with her cultural roots.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and explore their family history and cultural background, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Maizy encounters challenges and learns how her family overcame their own difficulties, teaching her resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by understanding that obstacles are part of life and learning to face them with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the stories of her family’s past and the customers at the restaurant, Maizy learns to understand diverse life perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and considerate, improving how they interact and understand people around them.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling
Explanation: The book highlights how stories connect generations and preserve history through Maizy’s learning about her family’s past.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to and share stories, enhancing their communication skills and appreciation for oral history.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Maizy faces several challenges and finds creative ways to solve problems, particularly in helping her family’s restaurant.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking creatively and strategically in solving problems in their daily activities.