Scan barcode
tinacardone's review
5.0
I enjoyed this as a quick read for myself, and think it would make an excellent choice for classroom discussion. It's an honest look at friendship, fitting in, and racism. All of the characters have flaws, the main character shows growth, but there's no pretending that everyone lives happily ever after. Leaves you with plenty to think about!
lessonplansandlace's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
bimini78's review
5.0
I love that this book featured an Asian American girl. Maxine is struggling with middle school and balancing her life and passion for skating. Maxine is a strong female character who learns to stand up for herself as well as learning how to use her role models to help guide her.
mmz's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jess_segraves's review
4.0
Thank you to FSG and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book. I was not compensated for this review and these are my honest opinions.
Even though I'm not watching much of the Winter Olympics, I felt inspired to pick this book up in spirit. And I'm glad I did! This heartwarming book takes place in the Adirondacks and centers around Maxine's experience as a middle school student and rising figure skater.
What I loved about this book is that Maxine is really just a normal kid. She has talent as a figure skater but she also isn't necessarily the best of the best, or the underdog. I also thought this book got serious with racism in a way that felt very apt for the age group and also the times we're in. I'd highly recommend this.
Even though I'm not watching much of the Winter Olympics, I felt inspired to pick this book up in spirit. And I'm glad I did! This heartwarming book takes place in the Adirondacks and centers around Maxine's experience as a middle school student and rising figure skater.
What I loved about this book is that Maxine is really just a normal kid. She has talent as a figure skater but she also isn't necessarily the best of the best, or the underdog. I also thought this book got serious with racism in a way that felt very apt for the age group and also the times we're in. I'd highly recommend this.
lydiasigwarth's review
5.0
Beautiful and sweet and empowering. I would have absolutely adored this book as a skating-loving 10
year old who would put on her best socks and “skate” around our kitchen at night while we watched the golden age of US skaters compete on television in the 90s and 00s.
Maxine was so relatable and real and the middle school friendship dynamics were perfectly portrayed. An all around 5 star MG novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
year old who would put on her best socks and “skate” around our kitchen at night while we watched the golden age of US skaters compete on television in the 90s and 00s.
Maxine was so relatable and real and the middle school friendship dynamics were perfectly portrayed. An all around 5 star MG novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
lenoirleon's review
4.0
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maxine has dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. Currently, she navigates seventh grade with a friend who has suddenly dropped her for the boy who constantly makes racist remarks about Maxine's Asian heritage while attending skating and ballet practices almost daily. While preparing for regionals, a new student joins Maxine at the rink and the two become friends.
Maxine has dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. Currently, she navigates seventh grade with a friend who has suddenly dropped her for the boy who constantly makes racist remarks about Maxine's Asian heritage while attending skating and ballet practices almost daily. While preparing for regionals, a new student joins Maxine at the rink and the two become friends.
yapha's review
4.0
Maxine is pursuing her dream of figure skating in Lake Placid, NY, former host city of the Olympics. She and her parents are one of the only Asian American families in town. This isn't an issue on the ice, since she has several Asian American skating heroes to look up to. It is an issue in middle school, however, where one of the boys in her class continually taunts her with anti-Chinese slurs and microaggressions. When this gets under her skin enough to start affecting her skating, Maxine has to learn to stand up for herself. She does this with help of new girl Hollie, who is a formidable opponent on the ice and an even better friend. While this is a fun skating story on the surface, it is a also a much deeper and more important story of the subtle racism that still pervades much of America. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweis
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweis
katelynprice's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this delightful middle grade book. Maxine is a great character, and so is Hollie. Some of the things Maxine experienced broke my heart, but I know that is the reality for many kids. I felt like the 5th grade perspective was pretty accurate as well. This is a lovely book, and I would highly recommend it to others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Bullying
panda_incognito's review
4.0
This novel tells the story of a young Asian figure skater who must deal with friendship transitions and racial bullying at school. The book draws on the author's personal experience, and addresses issues related to making a new friend, finding oneself in American history, dealing with bullies, and embracing one's natural physical features.
This book is well-written, with engaging characters and believable dialogue. The skating scenes are fun to read, clearly explain skating terminology, and vary each time, without repetition or predictability. The story also includes meaningful moments of family connection, and insight into how to accept yourself and embrace your culture.
This is a great choice for middle grade readers who are interested in Asian representation, figure skating, and relatable middle school dynamics. Sensitive readers may struggle with depictions of racial bullying, but the book can start lots of great conversations, and there are no other content concerns. This book is suitable for younger children who are ready for a middle grade reading level.
This book is well-written, with engaging characters and believable dialogue. The skating scenes are fun to read, clearly explain skating terminology, and vary each time, without repetition or predictability. The story also includes meaningful moments of family connection, and insight into how to accept yourself and embrace your culture.
This is a great choice for middle grade readers who are interested in Asian representation, figure skating, and relatable middle school dynamics. Sensitive readers may struggle with depictions of racial bullying, but the book can start lots of great conversations, and there are no other content concerns. This book is suitable for younger children who are ready for a middle grade reading level.