The Comeback

By: E. L. Shen

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

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 her about 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, this 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.

©2021 E. L. Shen (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

The voice sounds like AI

I did not like how the voice sounded. She’s supposed to be Asian that does not sound Asian. It sounds AI out of all of us. If they had a good voice I would’ve loved it but other than the voice it’s a great story.

good read just lacks some je ne sais quoi

this didn't blow me out of the water or anything, but it was an enjoyable listen. the narrator was pleasant to listen to, I enjoyed the figure skating element, and I thought it did a good job of balancing serious problems and heartfelt warmth. gives a lot of thought to discrimination against Asian Americans, which I thought was done well and was powerful.

I think this would be a good read for ages 10-14 maybe mature 9 year-old. or an adult of course.

overall a heart-warming read and an empowering message.

Solid

I liked the narration the best. The story is sweet and wholesome, although it could have been explored further