Maizy Chen's Last Chance

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.