The Comeback: A Figure Skating Novel
Written by E. L. Shen
Published by Square Fish
Twelve-year-old Maxine Chen is just trying to nail that perfect landing: on the ice, in middle school, and at home, where her parents worry that competitive skating is too much pressure for a budding tween. Maxine isn’t concerned, however—she’s determined to glide to victory. But then a bully at school starts teasing Maxine for her Chinese heritage, leaving her stunned and speechless. And at the rink, she finds herself up against a stellar new skater named Hollie, whose grace and skill threaten to edge Maxine out of the competition. With everything she knows on uneven ice, will Maxine crash under the pressure? Or can she power her way to a comeback?
Set in Lake Placid, New York, E. L. Shen’s debut is a spunky yet stirring middle-grade story that examines racism, female rivalry and friendship, and the enduring and universal necessity of love and support.
Primary ISBN: 9780374313791
Publication Date: January 2021
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Body/Hair, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Parents, Identity: Body Image, Identity: Exploration, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Sports
Setting: United States (Lake Placid NY)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Macmillan