A heartfelt #OwnVoices middle-grade debut about a young girl trying to be a champ—on the ice and in her life.
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. That is, until she finds herself in competition with Hollie, a gifted new skater, and at school is getting teased by a bully for her Chinese heritage. With her world akilter, will Maxine crash under the pressure? Or can she make a comeback? Set in Lake Placid, New York, this is a spunky yet stirring story that examines racism, female rivalry and friendship, and the enduring and universal necessity of love and support.
Topics Ice skating. Racism. Asian Americans. Family life. Lake Placid, New York. Middle schools. Competitions. Sports and recreation.
Lexile 770L
Trim Size 8 3/10" x 5 2/5"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2021-01-18
JLG Release Date May 2021
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Sports Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Sports Middle Plus
Sports Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
From biographies of legendary athletes to fiction featuring thrilling game-day moments, this 14-book collection keeps sports fans entertained all year long. A great choice for both avid and reluctant readers.