The Comeback
on Goodreads (658)
What’s inside...
A heartfelt, #OwnVoices debut about a young girl named Maxine Chen who is striving to excel in figure skating and in life. With the encouragement of champion figure skater Mirai Nagasu in the introduction, the story follows Maxine as she navigates challenges on the ice, at school where she faces bullying for her Chinese heritage, and with a new competitor, Hollie, who threatens her position in the competition. Set in Lake Placid, New York, this middle-grade novel explores themes of racism, rivalry, friendship, and the overarching need for love and support.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maxine Chen
Discussion points
How did Maxine feel when she returned to figure skating, and why do you think she felt that way?
What are some ways Maxine showed determination and courage throughout her journey in 'The Comeback'?
How did the relationships with her friends and family change throughout the story, and what impact did those changes have on her?
What does the title 'The Comeback' mean to you after reading this book?
How can we apply Maxine's lessons to our own challenges or new beginnings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation with an open mind and encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book freely.
Use the questions to guide the discussion, but allow your child to lead the conversation based on their interests or what resonated most with them.
Relate the story's themes to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant and impactful for your child.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about how the characters’ experiences could relate to their own life.
Consider re-reading certain parts of the book together if your child shows particular interest in a theme or character, to deepen the understanding and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Comeback' faces various obstacles throughout the story. Despite setbacks, they persist and learn from their experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to overcome difficulties in school or in personal endeavors, understanding that persistence and positive attitude can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist receives support from friends which plays a crucial role in their journey. This highlights the value of having loyal and supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that a good friend can provide support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The main character's unique traits are what ultimately lead to their success. The story emphasizes being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their own uniqueness and express themselves authentically in various situations whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with diverse characters, themes of acceptance and empathy are explored, showing the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be more accepting and empathetic towards their peers who may be different from them, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their daily interactions.